In his second State of the Nation address, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr heralded the arrival of Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), echoing his father’s vision of societal transformation. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is a prominent Filipino politician who has followed in the footsteps of his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos. Born on September 13, 1957, he is the eldest son of Ferdinand Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
Bongbong Marcos began his political career in the 1990s, initially serving as Vice Governor of Ilocos Norte, a province in the northern Philippines known as the political stronghold of the Marcos family. He then held several other positions in local government, including Governor of Ilocos Norte from 1998 to 2007, and later as a representative of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte in the Philippine House of Representatives from 2007 to 2010.
In 2010, Bongbong Marcos made his first bid for national office and won a seat in the Philippine Senate, where he served until 2016. During his time in the Senate, he focused on various legislative initiatives, including education reform and rural development.
Marcos’s political career has been deeply influenced by his family’s legacy, particularly the presidency of his father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. As of 2024, Bongbong Marcos remains a prominent figure in Philippine politics, with a significant following. He continues to be a polarizing figure, with critics raising concerns about his family’s legacy and his own political agenda.
Leadership Style and Political Ideology
The victory of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the Philippines national election signaled a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Marcos Jr’s elusive campaign strategy, devoid of policy discussions and traditional debates, left observers both domestically and abroad uncertain about the direction of his leadership. Similar to his father, Marcos Jr. has shown inclinations towards a more authoritarian style of leadership, emphasizing centralized power and control. He often portrays himself as a strong and decisive leader, promising stability and order. Marcos Jr. tends to appeal to populist sentiments, focusing on issues that resonate with the masses, such as economic development, law and order, and nationalism. He often presents himself as a champion of the common people, promising to address their grievances and uplift their living standards. Like many politicians in the Philippines, Marcos Jr. represents a political dynasty, inheriting his political influence and support base from his father. This has both advantages and disadvantages, as it provides him with a built-in support network but also attracts criticism for perpetuating dynastic politics.
Notable Achievements and Initiatives
In his tenure, a notable emphasis has been placed on infrastructure development, echoing his father’s vision of constructing critical roads, bridges, and projects aimed at stimulating economic growth and enhancing connectivity across the Philippines. Marcos Jr. has also championed economic policies focused on attracting investment, fostering job creation, and promoting entrepreneurship, highlighting the administration’s commitment to driving economic progress. Under his leadership, 194 high impact infrastructure flagship projects valued at 9 trillion Philippine Pesos have been approved, spanning sectors such as physical and digital connectivity, water resources, healthcare, energy, and agriculture. Notable among these are the Panay Railway Project, Mindanao Railway Project III, North Long Haul Railway, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Rehabilitation Project, among others.
Through the “Build, Better, More” (BBM) program, the administration has overseen the construction, maintenance, or upgrade of over 4,000 kilometers of roads and approximately 500 bridges nationwide. Presently, 95 of the 194 approved projects are ongoing and slated for implementation, while an additional 30 await government approval, and 47 are in various stages of feasibility study. Nineteen projects are anticipated to reach completion this year, with 45 of the total projects expected to be financed through private sector partnerships. Notably, Marcos Jr.’s infrastructure plan is substantially more ambitious, being 91% larger in scale compared to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s program, which saw only around 82 billion Philippine Pesos worth of projects completed out of 199 planned during his term.
In tandem with infrastructure development, Marcos Jr.’s administration has launched social programs targeting poverty alleviation, healthcare enhancement, and education improvement, aimed at uplifting marginalized communities and ensuring access to essential services. Acknowledging the pivotal role of technology in the modern era, Marcos Jr. has spearheaded the digital transformation of the Philippines, advocating for expanded internet access, digital literacy promotion, and leveraging technology for governance and economic advancement.
Regarding foreign policy, Marcos Jr. has articulated an agenda centered on national sovereignty, diplomatic relations, and regional cooperation. His administration seeks to fortify ties with longstanding allies while exploring new partnerships to advance Philippine interests on the global stage. The recognition of Marcos Jr. by the Lowy Institute, a respected Australian think tank, highlights his significance in Southeast Asian politics, reflecting his potential regional impact. Furthermore, Marcos Jr.’s acknowledgment as a prominent regional leader during an event in Melbourne underscores his growing influence beyond national borders, suggesting his potential to shape broader Southeast Asian geopolitics.
Marcos Jr.’s emphasis on preserving a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific
If we look into regional politics, Ferdinand Marcos has strongly emphasized the importance of maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. He has articulated his views on regional security and stability, advocating for a framework that upholds international law, respects sovereignty, and promotes cooperation among nations. He calls for peaceful dispute resolution through diplomacy and dialogue, urging nations to uphold the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other international legal frameworks.
In his speeches and statements, Marcos Jr. has highlighted the role of ASEAN as a key player in promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. He emphasizes ASEAN centrality and unity in addressing regional challenges, including territorial disputes, maritime security, and geopolitical rivalries. Marcos Jr. advocates for increased cooperation among Indo-Pacific nations to tackle common threats like terrorism, transnational crime, and natural disasters. He highlights the need for multilateral approaches and dialogue mechanisms to build trust and foster stability in the region.
He accepts the importance of ASEAN-led mechanisms and platforms, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), in facilitating dialogue and cooperation among member states and external partners. Marcos Jr. advocates for ASEAN’s unity and cohesion in addressing complex security challenges, including territorial disputes and maritime security issues. His commitment to ASEAN centrality reflects his dedication to fostering a cohesive and inclusive regional security architecture guided by the principles of cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect.
Comparison with Other ASEAN Leaders
The political landscape of South East Asia reflects broader challenges to democracy, characterized by the rise of strongman leaders and the erosion of liberal democratic values. While Indonesia remains a bastion of democratic governance in the region, other nations like Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar have gravitated towards closer ties with China. The United States faces the challenge of aligning its democracy promotion agenda with geopolitical interests, historically prioritizing security concerns over human rights in its relations with the Philippines. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s presidency carries implications beyond domestic governance, shaping regional dynamics and the delicate balance of power in Southeast Asia.
Focusing on Marcos Jr.’s leadership, several key traits and policies distinguish him from other ASEAN leaders. He carries the weight of his family’s legacy, notably that of his father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., which may shape his leadership style differently compared to leaders without such significant familial ties. He has also garnered significant populist appeal, particularly among segments disillusioned with traditional political elites, setting him apart from leaders in neighboring countries.
Marcos Jr. presents himself as a blend of populism and technocracy, emphasizing governance expertise alongside his family legacy. His economic policies prioritize infrastructure development and job creation, aligning with regional themes but tailored to the Philippines’ specific needs and challenges.
Under Marcos Jr.’s leadership, potential regional initiatives or collaborations include strengthening economic integration within ASEAN through trade liberalization and investment facilitation. Marcos Jr. as a regional leader, contingent on ASEAN member states’ priorities broader geopolitical contexts.
Economic Impact and Projected growth rate
Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s presidency in the Philippines arrived at a critical juncture marked by economic challenges and global monetary tightening. Taking over from his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos Jr. was expected to maintain a sense of continuity in economic policies, aiming to leverage the country’s previous successes to sustain economic growth and address underlying issues.
During Duterte’s tenure, the Philippine economy consistently thrived, achieving annual growth rates exceeding 6% until the pandemic disrupted this trajectory. Key economic indicators, including per capita national income and gross capital formation, witnessed significant improvement, fostering investor confidence and driving foreign direct investment to notable levels.
As Marcos Jr. assumed leadership, his primary goal was to uphold and build upon this economic foundation, targeting sustained growth rates of 6% or higher through continued emphasis on capital formation and foreign direct investment. However, daunting challenges loomed ahead, such as the persistent trade deficit characterized by substantial imports outweighing exports and an escalating current account deficit exceeding $6 billion in 2021. Furthermore, external factors like the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes aimed at curbing inflation pose risks to the stability of the Philippine currency.
Despite these challenges, Marcos Jr. maintained an optimistic outlook for the domestic economy, projecting approximately 7% growth for 2023.
Additionally, Marcos Jr.’s foreign policy stance emphasized a delicate balancing act, reaffirming the Philippines’ enduring alliance with the United States for security purposes while cultivating closer economic ties with China to foster post-pandemic recovery and economic cooperation.
Digital transformation during Marcos Jr.’s leadership
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s leadership, the Philippines has undergone significant advancements in digital transformation, marking a pivotal shift towards a more technologically enabled nation. Notable achievements include the successful implementation of the National ID system, with over 87% of the population registered, facilitating convenient access to government services through the eGov mobile app. Additionally, digital payments have seen substantial growth, accounting for 42% of total retail transactions in 2022. Internet infrastructure projects like Starlink and the National Fiber Backbone and Broadband ng Masa initiatives have greatly improved internet speeds in underserved regions, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. These efforts align with President Marcos Jr.’s commitment to leveraging technology for national development, fostering innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity across various sectors of society.
President Marcos Jr. is poised to emphasize investments in digital infrastructure, such as broadband networks and 5G technology, to enhance internet access and connectivity not only within the Philippines but also across ASEAN.
To foster digital innovation and entrepreneurship, Marcos Jr. is supporting initiatives like establishing innovation hubs, startup incubators, and investment funds to nurture digital startups and SMEs. Encouraging innovation in the digital sector can fuel economic growth, create jobs, and drive technological advancement.
In terms of governance, Marcos Jr. is advocating for the digitization of government services and the adoption of e-government platforms to enhance public service delivery, transparency, and administrative efficiency.
Furthermore, digital trade and payments have played a pivotal role in facilitating economic integration within ASEAN by breaking down barriers to cross-border commerce, enabling businesses to expand into new markets, and streamlining trade transactions.
As digital technologies continue to evolve and shape the global economy, their role in driving economic integration and fostering inclusive growth is expected to further deepen, providing opportunities for sustainable development and connectivity across ASEAN and beyond. President Marcos Jr.’s commitment to advancing digital transformation highlights a strategic vision aimed at leveraging technology to propel the Philippines and ASEAN into a digitally enabled future.
Challenges and Controversies
Criticism and controversy have been constant companions throughout Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s leadership journey, casting a shadow over his political career. One of the most prominent criticisms revolves around his family’s historical legacy, particularly his father’s authoritarian regime, marked by human rights abuses and corruption. Critics argue that Marcos Jr. has failed to adequately address these dark chapters of Philippine history, fostering divisions rather than fostering reconciliation.
Moreover, there are concerns regarding his leadership style and policies, with detractors accusing him of lacking a clear vision and relying too heavily on populist rhetoric rather than substantive reforms. His handling of key issues such as economic development, social inequality, and democratic institutions has come under scrutiny.
These challenges have inevitably influenced Marcos Jr.’s standing among ASEAN leaders. While some may view him as a potential ally or partner in regional affairs, others may harbor reservations due to his controversial background and perceived weaknesses in governance. Marcos Jr.’s leadership style and approach to domestic issues could impact his credibility on the international stage, potentially complicating diplomatic relations and cooperation within the ASEAN community. Ultimately, navigating these challenges and controversies will be essential for Marcos Jr. to establish himself as a respected leader both at home and abroad, and to effectively engage with his counterparts in ASEAN.
Future Outlook and Legacy
The future outlook and legacy of Marcos Jr. hinge on his ability to resolve the complexities of governance and address the challenges that accompany his leadership. As he steers the Philippines towards a new era, marked by aspirations for economic growth, technological advancement, and regional engagement, Marcos Jr.’s tenure will be closely scrutinized. His commitment to digital transformation, infrastructure development, and regional diplomacy will leave a lasting imprint on the Philippines and the broader ASEAN community. However, his success in shaping a prosperous and inclusive future will depend on his capacity to balance historical legacies with contemporary demands, fostering unity and progress while addressing the concerns of a diverse society.
