Philippines’ Marcos pushes more social programmes, jobs after election setback

MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on July 28 the recent midterm elections showed the public’s discontent over issues ranging from poverty to power cuts, pledging to do more to create jobs and attract investment in the last three years of his single six-year term.

“If only data will be the basis, the economy is doing well. Inflation has slowed down and employment has increased,” Mr Marcos said in his annual State of the Nation address to Congress. “But this is irrelevant if Filipinos are suffering.”

In June, the government lowered its 2025 growth forecast to a range of 5.5 to 6.5 per cent from a previous goal of 6 per cent to 8 per cent, underscoring concerns about the impact of the global trade war.

While that pace is among the fastest in South-east Asia, it is not enough to create the opportunities needed for a relatively youthful population that exports graduates and skilled workers to every corner of the world.

“The message from the election is clear to me. The people are frustrated and disappointed with the government, especially in key services,” Mr Marcos said, announcing plans to expand the distribution of cheap rice, as well as to provide more scholarships and other assistance.

“The lesson is clear: We need to do better, we need to be faster,” he said.

In May’s midterm elections, Mr Marcos’ allies performed worse than expected.

The president is now trying to unite a nation that has seen deep divisions over his

rivalry with Vice-President Sara Duterte

, whose family enjoys strong support in the south.

“Let’s set aside our differences,” Mr Marcos said.

A court decision on July 25 removed the threat of a Senate trial for Ms Duterte, who denied charges including an apparent death threat against Mr Marcos. She appeared to have skipped the speech.

The address comes days after Mr Marcos met with President Donald Trump at the White House, where he

secured a marginal cut

in a threatened tariff to 19 per cent from 20 per cent.

Mr Marcos, whose country is strongly aligned with the United States, also made a pitch for more international investment.

“My single, resounding message to the international business community is this: The Philippines is ready,” he said.

“Invest in the Filipino. Our cavalcade of dependable and hardworking Filipinos, innately skilled, adaptable and possessed with a heart for service, are here ready to work and succeed with you.” he said. BLOOMBERG