Metro Manila, Philippines – French-funded development projects must be free from corruption, France’s outgoing ambassador said, as the Marcos administration intensifies scrutiny of alleged irregularities in government infrastructure spending.
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said Paris supports the anti-corruption campaign as France expands its development and infrastructure cooperation with Manila.
“Obviously, we can only praise the efforts to fight against corruption,” Fontanel told NewsWatch Plus.
“Our projects and our ODA, for example, it’s always according to our rules,” she said, referring to official development assistance.
“So, of course, there is no place for any corruption when French financing ODA is involved in projects,” she added.
In his July State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opened with updates on efforts against the flood control controversy, an issue he raised a year ago, saying the investigation had moved toward the filing of cases and establishing accountability for officials and contractors allegedly involved in irregularities.
Fontanel said France and its European partners have long supported anti-corruption efforts in the Philippines.
“We are very happy if the country can continue this path of fighting against corruption and for accountability,” she said.
France is also seeking a larger role in Philippine infrastructure.
Fontanel said French companies are already participating in infrastructure and public transportation projects while Paris is prepared to expand its development assistance.
France was also among seven additional countries that joined efforts supporting the Luzon Economic Corridor in May, alongside Australia, Denmark, Italy, South Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The corridor, originally launched by the Philippines, United States, and Japan in 2024, seeks to improve connectivity among Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas through investments in transport, energy, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
Fontanel said France is looking at projects including bridges and farm-to-market connectivity as part of its contribution.
“We have an important number of projects of building bridges, farm to markets, for example,” she said.
