Presidency of Bongbong Marcos
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 drops significantly, marking an erosion of public trust in him and his administration.[7][8]
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,[9][10] political turmoil, and widespread corruption.[11] Some scholars have noted that his campaign was driven by a massive misinformation campaign aimed at revamping the Marcos brand and smearing his rivals;[12][13] Marcos has stated he won't engage in negative and hateful campaigning and has repeatedly declined joining debates that may lead to such.[14][15]
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.[16]
Leadership style[edit]
Marcos's leadership style was described by his press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles as being "more systematic and efficient", compared to his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who was driven by passion.[33] Cruz-Angeles described Marcos as "conservative", and "very up to date" with technology and global issues; she also believed it is better for Marcos to not designate a spokesperson.[34]
Marcos said he would sometimes consult his wife, Liza Araneta, who is a lawyer, regarding "legal matters", saying "I'm not a lawyer, so I need an expert opinion".[35]
First 100 days[edit]
The Marcos administration faced challenges during this period such as a domestic sugar supply shortage in mid-2022, rising inflation rate brought about by the pandemic, and the economic effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Immediately after taking his oath of office on June 30, 2022, Marcos, in an attempt to "achieve simplicity, economy, and efficiency in the bureaucracy", issued his first executive order abolishing both the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission created by President Duterte in 2017 and the Office of the Cabinet Secretary.[78] The Marcos administration launched its COVID-19 booster shot campaign, PinasLakas, to administer booster doses to at least 23 million Filipinos during Marcos's first 100 days,[79] but managed to boost only 3.5 million.[80] Marcos issued an executive order allowing voluntary use of face masks in outdoor settings,[81] and extended from September 13 to December 31, 2022, the period of the state of calamity declared by his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, due to the COVID-19.[82]
The Marcos administration launched its anti-illegal drug campaign, Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan (BIDA), which commits to continue the war on drugs "within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights and with focus on rehabilitation and socio-economic development".[83]