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

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s address to Congress on Monday began with a striking declaration: “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.” This sounds like a bold commitment to accountability and transparency in governance, but it’s essential to examine the context.

The anti-graft campaign Marcos has vowed to pursue is nothing new. Last year, he disclosed allegations of widespread irregularities in flood-control projects worth billions of pesos, implicating his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The fallout from these revelations continues to simmer, fueled by soaring inflation and a cost of living crisis.

Marcos’ remarks are notable not so much for the promise itself but for the context in which it’s made. His address came as he faces mounting pressure over his alliance with Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing an impeachment trial. Marcos’ popularity has taken a hit, with Pulse Asia polling revealing a trust rating of just 28% – a staggering decline from previous years.

Marcos’ willingness to pursue accountability even if it affects members of his own family is seen by some as a significant development in his presidency. Jean Encinas-Franco, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, notes that “rhetoric is fine, but actions are better.” The real test lies not in Marcos’ words but in whether actual cases are filed and pursued.

Outside Congress, hundreds of protesters made their voices heard, demanding accountability for corruption as well as lower consumer prices and higher wages. This stark reminder from the Filipino people is clear: they’re looking beyond empty promises to concrete action from their leaders.

Marcos has proposed tax relief measures, including broader income tax exemptions for workers and the removal of minimum corporate income tax for small businesses, in an effort to ease the impact of rising consumer prices. While these moves are welcome, it’s essential to scrutinize their effectiveness in addressing poverty and inequality.

Tensions with China continue to simmer in the South China Sea. Marcos’ allusion to ongoing disputes without mentioning Beijing by name only serves to underscore the complexities at play. The 10th anniversary of a landmark international arbitration ruling that found China’s claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis has passed largely unremarked.

For many Filipinos, this debate is not just about national sovereignty or territorial disputes but also about economic survival. As prices rise and incomes stagnate, the government’s ability to balance competing interests will be put to the test. The Filipino people are watching – and waiting for results that demonstrate Marcos’ commitment to accountability is more than just rhetoric.