Philippines Investigates Marcos Jr Over 40-Year-Old People Power Revolt

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has faced criticism for his handling of a corruption scandal involving flood control projects. Protests have erupted in the Philippines over the issue.

In his inaugural speech, Marcos Jr invoked memories of his late father’s presidency to project hope for a better future for Filipinos. However, three years into his term, his popularity has declined due to a split with Vice President Sara Duterte and an ongoing corruption scandal.

The president had campaigned on a platform of unity, but economists and political analysts say he lacks a clear plan for the country. Political analyst Andrew Masigan stated that Marcos Jr’s campaign was self-serving and focused on whitewashing the tainted Marcos name.

Masigan also criticized Marcos Jr for squandering the demographic advantage of the Philippines’ youthful population. The country’s economy should have been growing at 7-8 percent annually, but instead posted a sluggish 4.4 percent growth in 2025.

Foreign investment has declined significantly, with a drop of half from $9.42 billion in 2024 to $4.7 billion in 2025. Unemployment rates have also risen, increasing from 3.8 percent in 2024 to 4.2 percent in 2025.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that only 172,000 jobs were added to the labor market in 2025, making it the fifth-worst year for job creation. The opposition is calling for Marcos Jr’s removal, citing his lack of leadership and failure to deliver on his campaign promises.

Marcos Jr took office following a landslide victory in the 2022 polls, marking his family’s rehabilitation after the mass street protests that forced his father from power in 1986.

Source: Al Jazeera