Manila, June 16 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the fight against corruption remains one of the most serious concerns and priorities of his administration, stressing that public funds lost to graft deprive Filipinos of essential services and opportunities.

Speaking during a joint press conference with visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Malacanang, Marcos said corruption weakens government's ability to deliver programs and projects for the public.

"The fight against corruption in the Philippines is as serious as it can get," Marcos said.

"Every government, every entity, every business entity, every government feels the corrosive influence of corruption... This completely changes the way government...