MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday assured that transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of governance and "everything that we do," especially as the administration ramps up significant projects, including digitalization and infrastructure. 

The President made this remark when asked about the cost of his previous trips abroad, which critics have described as "excessive." 

"So there will be accountability and transparency in everything that we do. That's axiomatic," the President pointed out.

The President said investors who are "actually contemplating putting good money into the Philippines" look at critical issues in investments, including the ease of doing business and costs of setting up offices in the country.

"They bring up ease of doing business. They bring up the cost of energy. They bring up the problems of legislative guarantees. Ang legislative... lalo na sa PPPs (public-private partnerships)-- legislative guarantees ibig sabihin na sa gitna ng project nila papalitan ‘yung batas, hindi nakikita ‘yung project nila, pero pilit pa rin silang tapusin,” the President pointed out.

"So the critics will have their say. But those who are actually contemplating putting good money into the Philippines have other issues," Marcos said.

It is crucial for heads of state like him to meet with global partners, said the President, especially since he is "the new kid in town."

"In my case, because I'm the new kid in town right? So it's to meet people and say, magpakilala," Marcos said. (PND)