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🇸🇬 Singapore /Elections & Politics

Philippines' Marcos Puts Anti-Graft Campaign at Centre of Address to Congress

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to pursue an anti-corruption drive, stating he serves the Filipino people, not his family or friends.
  • The campaign could lead to charges against his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who denies wrongdoing.
  • Marcos also addressed economic concerns, calling for tax relief, and alluded to tensions in the South China Sea, asserting Filipino resolve.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared he is "not the president of my family" and "not the president of my friends" as he committed to an anti-corruption drive during his address to Congress. He emphasized his duty lies with the Filipino people, signaling a potential pursuit of accountability even within his own circle.

I am not the president of my family. I am not the president of my friends. I am the president of the Philippines, and my duty is to the Filipino people.

— Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated his commitment to serving all Filipinos during his address to Congress.

This anti-graft campaign could involve multiple charges against his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Marcos previously disclosed allegations of widespread irregularities in flood-control projects worth billions of pesos, which implicated Romualdez, who stepped down as speaker last year. Romualdez has stated he has done nothing wrong and is prepared to face any charges.

The president faces a challenging political and economic climate, marked by the fallout from his alliance with Vice President Sara Duterte, who is undergoing an impeachment trial, and growing public discontent over the rising cost of living. Public trust in the government has eroded, with Marcos' trust rating falling to 28% according to Pulse Asia polling.

This pains me, but we have to do what is right.

— Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spoke about the difficult but necessary nature of pursuing accountability.

Political science professor Jean Encinas-Franco noted the political significance of Marcos' remarks, suggesting a willingness to pursue accountability. However, she stressed that the administration's success will be judged by concrete actions, stating, "Rhetoric is fine, but actions are better."

Rhetoric is fine, but actions are better.

— Jean Encinas-FrancoA political science professor commented on the significance of President Marcos' anti-corruption remarks.

Outside Congress, protesters demanded accountability for corruption, alongside calls for lower consumer prices and higher wages. Marcos also urged Congress to approve tax relief measures and alluded to ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, asserting that Filipinos "do not yield" and referencing a 2016 arbitration ruling against China's claims.

do not yield

— Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. alluded to tensions in the South China Sea.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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