Presidency of Bongbong Marcos

Bongbong Marcos
Presidency of Bongbong Marcos
June 30, 2022 – present
Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
CabinetSee list
PartyPartido Federal ng Pilipinas
Election2022
SeatMalacañang Palace, Manila

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Bongbong Marcos
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Bongbong Marcos's signature

Bongbong Marcos began his presidency at noon on June 30, 2022, following his inauguration as the 17th president of the Philippines, succeeding Rodrigo Duterte. His term is expected to expire six years later, on June 30, 2028. He entered into office amid COVID-19 Omicron variant, and the impact of Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Marcos initially downsized government bureaucracy, especially in the executive branch of the government.[1] His administration oversaw the post-pandemic return to normalcy with the gradual reopening of the economy, return of face-to-face/physical classes, removal of stringent travel restrictions,[2] and the lifting of the mask-wearing mandate for outdoor and indoor settings. He also sought to address the rising inflation and shortage of the country's food supply during the beginning of his presidency.

As president, Marcos signed into law the creation of the Maharlika Investment Fund, the first sovereign wealth fund of the Philippines.[3] Under his term, the Philippines ratified the RCEP in February, and entered into force in June 2023.[4][5] Marcos also went on many foreign trips in hopes to attract more foreign investments in the country. During his term, many Filipinos said they felt unsafe on streets, and the country's drug problem has increased.[6] By the first quarter of 2024, Marcos' performance and trust ratings had dropped significantly, marking an erosion of public trust in him and his administration.[7][8]

Tensions in the South China Sea rose during his administration, with more clashes between the Philippine forces and the Chinese Navy and Coast Guard. A Filipino soldier lost his finger during one of those clashes and several ramming incidents damaged both Philippine and Chinese vessels. The Philippines also virtually lost control of the Sabina Shoal during his watch.[9][10]

As the son of 10th president Ferdinand Marcos (who was in power from 1965 to 1986), Bongbong Marcos's presidential candidacy has been controversial, receiving criticism from several groups due to his father's regime—a period characterized by violence and oppression against those opposed to his regime,[11][12] political turmoil, and widespread corruption.[13] Some scholars have noted that his campaign was driven by a massive misinformation campaign aimed at revamping the Marcos brand and smearing his rivals;[14][15] Marcos has stated he won't engage in negative and hateful campaigning and has repeatedly declined joining debates that may lead to such.[16][17]

With just less than two years in office, more Filipinos have become dissatisfied with the administration of Bongbong Marcos, according to the survey conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. from November 29 to December 4, 2023. Economic concerns, rising inflation, joblessness, low wages, and a perceived lack of productivity are some of the emerging factors behind the drop in pro-administration support. The survey also noted that the "Duterte effect" still persists, with opposition parties grappling with the discreditation of the previous administration.[18]

  1. ^ Bacelonia, Wilnard (July 18, 2022). "Lawmakers say rightsizing plan of gov't offices commendable". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  2. ^ "Philippines lifts the stringent travel restrictions". Travel Daily News. October 28, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  3. ^ "What is the Maharlika Investment Fund all about?". PIA. July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  4. ^ Crismundo, Kris (June 2, 2023). "RCEP enters into force in PH". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  5. ^ "RCEP Agreement enters into force for Philippines". ASEAN.org. June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  6. ^ Mendoza, John Eric (February 8, 2023). "SWS: Filipinos say unsafe streets, drug problem rising". Inquirer.net. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  7. ^ De Vera-Ruiz, Ellalyn (April 2, 2024). "President Marcos' performance, trust ratings drop significantly in March — Pulse Asia". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  8. ^ "Pulse Asia: Marcos approval down 13 points, Sara's by 7". GMA News Online. April 3, 2024. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  9. ^ Tiglao Rigoberto D. (August 28, 2024). "Marcos loses Escoda; US nowhere to help". The Manila Times. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  10. ^ Tiglao Rigoberto D. (September 2, 2024). "China tightens control over Escoda; US betrays PH". The Manila Times. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  11. ^ "Alfred McCoy, Dark Legacy: Human rights under the Marcos regime". Ateneo de Manila University. September 20, 1999.
  12. ^ Kushida, Kenji (2003). "The Political Economy of the Philippines Under Marcos – Property Rights in the Philippines from 1965 to 1986" (PDF). Stanford Journal of East Asian Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 9, 2016.
  13. ^ Mogato, Manuel (February 24, 2016). "Philippines still seeks $1 billion in Marcos wealth 30 years after his ouster". Reuters.
  14. ^ "Filipinos fall for fake history". The Standard (Hong Kong). Agence France-Presse. March 30, 2022.
  15. ^ "How the Philippines' brutal history is being whitewashed for voters". Washington Post. April 12, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  16. ^ "Bongbong won't engage in hateful campaigning, spox says after VP Leni's 'liar' comment". GMA News Online. January 27, 2022. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  17. ^ Salaverria, Leila B. (January 23, 2022). "No to 'negativity': Marcos Jr. to only do 'unbiased' interviews". Inquirer.net. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  18. ^ Valente, Catherine S. (December 29, 2023). "Dissatisfaction with govt up". MSN. Retrieved June 9, 2023.