Marcos Commits to Addressing Daily Issues
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has acknowledged that his administration has overlooked the everyday concerns of Filipinos. Following the recent midterm elections, he promised to shift the government’s focus from large infrastructure projects to easing the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. This renewed commitment reflects the government’s intent to respond better to the needs of the people.
In the initial episode of his podcast aired on May 19, the President shared that the election results sent a clear message: Filipinos are tired of political bickering and frustrated by slow government services. He said, “I have two conclusions dito sa eleksyon. Una, nagsawa na ang Pilipino sa politika.”
He added, “Ang mensahe sa aming lahat… tama na ang pamumulitika ninyo at kami naman ang asikasuhin ninyo.”
When asked if the government had fallen short, Marcos openly admitted, “Oo.”
Focusing on Immediate Needs Over Big Projects
Although the administration prioritized major projects like subways, airports, and hospitals, Marcos acknowledged missing out on addressing smaller but essential issues. These include public transportation, traffic congestion, and basic public services that affect daily life.
“Na-realize ko na hindi natin nabigyan ng sapat na atensyon yung mas maliit na bagay… para maging mas maginhawa ang pang-araw-araw na buhay ng tao,” he reflected.
Challenges with Bureaucracy and Red Tape
Marcos expressed frustration with bureaucratic delays and overlapping regulations that often stall government initiatives. He cited cautious officials frequently citing audit concerns as barriers to progress.
“Ang sagot laging bumabalik, ‘Sir, hindi puwede ‘yan, baka ma-COA kami.’ Totoo rin naman,” he explained.
He also pointed out contradictory laws and emphasized the need for balance, stating, “Okay lang maging maingat, okay lang ang checks and balances, pero huwag naman maging paralysis doon sa bureaucracy.”
Balancing Kindness and Firmness
When questioned if his approach was perhaps too lenient, Marcos said he could not change his nature but recognized the need to be firmer.
“Anong gagawin ko, maging masamang tao? Hindi ko naman mababago yung ugali ko. Pero siguro dapat nga talagang maging mas mabagsik,” he said.
Combating Drug Issues Through Grassroots Policing
The President also addressed concerns about the return of illegal drugs in communities. He reaffirmed the continuation of strong anti-drug operations while emphasizing a return to grassroots efforts.
“So ngayon, in the same vein, part of the lesson of this elections, let’s go back to the grassroots level. Kung inaalala ng tao, sinasabi, nabalikan dito, asikasuhin natin,” Marcos stated.
He stressed the importance of targeting small offenders alongside major drug busts.
“Sige tuloy natin ang malalaking drug bust, tuloy natin yung ikukulong natin yang mga sangkot sa drugs. Pero tignan na muna natin yung mga small offender,” he added.
A key part of this strategy is the new “Cops on the Beat” program, which places police officers within communities to deter drug activities.
“Hindi magandang tignan, yung lugar mo maraming nagbebenta, maraming mga high na ano-ano ginagawa,” Marcos noted.
Moving Beyond Politics to Focus on Governance
With just over 1,130 days left in his term, Marcos emphasized the need to move past political distractions and concentrate on effective governance.
“Tama na yung politika. Gawin na natin lahat ng kailangan gawin,” he urged.
He also touched on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that it is a matter for the Senate to resolve.
“Yung impeachment, nasa Senado na ‘yan. Pabayaan natin sila, may proseso ‘yan,” Marcos said.
“Tapos na ang elections, balik sa trabaho. Gawin na natin lahat with the new lessons learned,” he concluded.
The impeachment case, which involves allegations of misuse of confidential funds and public threats against officials, has yet to be scheduled for trial.
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