In a whirlwind week of crises and reforms, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. navigated corruption scandals, back-to-back earthquakes, and bold policy shifts, all while reflecting on family legacy and prioritizing Filipino upliftment under the Bagong Pilipinas banner.

In a series of actions last week, he tackled corruption, calamities starting with the cancellation of all flood control projects, realigning P255 billion to bolster education, health (P29 billion for Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients, P60-B for PhilHealth), and agriculture (P39 billion) to uplift Filipinos while avoiding an economic halt.

6-8 October

Gov’t service ‘not easy’

In the fifth episode of his podcast, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shared his thoughts on the flood control project anomalies, commitment to public service, his family, and his “legacy.”

The President said the reason he launched the probe into the anomalous flood control projects was that innocent people were affected.

“There are so many people in government who are very good, who are dedicated, who make sacrifices, who give everything they can to the service. And one of the reasons I exposed all of this was because these people are trying so hard,” he said in the second part of his fifth podcast.

He emphasized that these people go above and beyond their duties to deliver public service.

Probe a ‘process’

Aiming to calm things, President Marcos said the probe being conducted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) would take time as it follows the rule of law despite the public clamor for heads to roll.

He explained that the government must build a robust case before prosecuting anyone; otherwise, the outcome would be “much, much, much worse.”

The President branded the corruption that took place as a “sin” and not a mistake. “I call them sins, it’s no longer mistakes or corruption; the sins they committed are hard to swallow,” he said.

P255-B realigned from the flood budget

The gravity of the corruption prompted the Chief Executive to cancel all flood control projects, realigning the budget to strengthen other government agencies tasked with uplifting Filipinos’ lives.

According to Marcos, if the government abandoned infrastructure projects altogether, it would bring the Philippine economy to a halt.

Of the amounts, P26 billion would go to the Department of Education and P29 billion to the Department of Health to fund the Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) program. P60 billion would go to PhilHealth and P39 billion to the Department of Agriculture.

Safeguarding public funds

Looking for ways to safeguard the nation’s coffers, Mr. Marcos expressed his openness to the use of modern technologies.

The President agreed to the suggestion of using blockchain and artificial intelligence; however, he said these would take time. Instead, he suggested old-fashioned measures to guarantee that public funds are used well.

Speaking from experience as a local executive, he renewed his call for local officials to verify an infrastructure project’s completion before accepting it.

“What has happened is that we have violated the rules. Those rules exist. In the last decade, they stopped following the rules,” the President said.

He said that during his time at the local level, if a project did not appear to be completed or remained unfinished, he did not sign off on them.

Legacy of Marcos Sr. in the eyes of PBBM

Aiming to surpass or equal the legacy of his father, former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., Mr. Marcos Jr. admitted that he sometimes imagined his father alive, offering advice on how to run the country.

“I mean, I think, what did my dad do? It was a similar situation to the one I saw my father in. And what did he do? And if I asked him, Dad, what am I supposed to do? What would he say? Because I’m in government. And I’m president. And he was president. That’s a treasure trove of good advice right there. I try to look back and see what I know of him,” he said.

“What would he say? How would he judge what you just did? Son, that’s wrong. Or son, perfect. Or whatever, you know,” Marcos added.

Even though he longs for his father’s approval, the Chief Executive said it was still an advantage to have witnessed how Marcos Sr. had done things.

Social programs, health, education

Replicating his father’s programs, President Marcos sought to secure his remaining years in power by shifting the focus of his administration towards social reforms, health, and education.

Is this his legacy? He doesn’t want this conversation.

“This question of legacy keeps coming up. It’s not something that I think about quite frankly. Because legacy is when you die, right? I’m not about to die. At least that’s not my plan,” he said.

For Marcos, people must have a sound healthcare system, be well-fed and cared for, and be smart.

“Social programs are important. People need a good healthcare system. People need food to eat. People need shelter as much as possible. People have to have, they must be able to survive. I think that’s it. Let’s start there,” he said.

BBM wants grandkids

Not shy to admit it, Marcos said he is open for his sons to tie the knot and settle down as the President himself is 68 years old.

“I’m at the stage in my life where I would say, yes, please,” he said.

While the Marcos sons remain private about their personal lives, he enjoys the sweet moments he has with his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

The Lady who gets things done

Appearing on the arm of the President whenever he walks, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos is so much more.

Mr. Marcos described his wife as “effective,” especially on large-scale projects, akin to his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

“She just doesn’t let go of anything. Once she gets hold of something and decides to do it, she actually gets it done. And she’s very effective,” he said.

“She’s a smart girl. I mean, what can I say? And her legal training serves her well,” he added.

Mrs. Marcos has been focusing on improvements of key landmarks, breathing new life into monuments such as the Philippine International Convention Center, the Pasig River Esplanade, the Philippine Film Heritage Building, and more.

Education: Heart of national development

Coinciding with the National Teachers Month celebration, Marcos emphasized the importance of education in nation-building, joining thousands of teachers from across the country to celebrate their day.

The President highlighted the steps taken by his administration to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge they will need in the real world.

“We achieved significant milestones in improving our education system, but we of course recognize that we have a ways to go yet,” he said in his speech at the Philippine Development Forum 2025 in Mandaluyong City on Monday.

“The goal is clear: a Philippines where every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to quality, future-proof education,” he added.

He also paid tribute to the teachers for their sacrifices in the classroom, which provide students with opportunities.

“Today, as we celebrate National Teachers Day for 2025, we honor not just what you have given, but also what you have gained: the wisdom that comes from walking hand-in-hand with the young people of our country who will one day carry the nation forward,” he said.

In addition, Marcos directed the award of a P1,000 cash incentive to public school teachers in recognition of their hard work.

From schools to practice

Marcos praised the exceptional achievements of young Filipinos who represented the country in the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN 2025, which the Philippines hosted.

Through the dedication, skill, and performance honed through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Philippines took home 10 gold, seven silver, and eight bronze medals, and five Medallions for Excellence.

In recognition of their feat, the winners received cash incentives through the Office of the President: each gold medalist received P100,000; silver medalists got P80,000; and bronze medalists received P60,000. Meanwhile, recipients of the Medallion for Excellence got P50,000.

With this success, Marcos said the delegates’ success served as an inspiration to Filipino youth and a testament to the quality of technical and vocational education in the country.

Marcos to LGUs: Help restore public trust

The President appealed to local government officials to assist the national government in combating corruption and restoring public trust amid the issues in infrastructure projects.

Speaking to the League of Cities of the Philippines, the National Executive Board, and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines National Executive Officers, Marcos said he was disappointed seeing the corruption in the government and he felt the frustrations of the people.

“Our goal is clear. In the Bagong Pilipinas, corruption and fraud have no room. We must take responsibility to eradicate this abhorrent culture of corruption that has poisoned the public trust and robbed us of a better future. Let us continue to do the work that changes millions of lives.

Be testaments that public service can still be honest and hopeful,” he said.

Marcos also urged the local officials to work in coordination with the national government for stronger governance, particularly in implementing projects.

Remulla named Ombudsman

Giving more “teeth” to the justice system, particularly to hold those in power accountable, Marcos appointed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the new Ombudsman, following the end of Samuel Martires’s term.

Remulla was on the shortlist submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council to the President.

His mandate? To uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently.

8 new contracts boost energy production

Aiming to boost energy security locally and reduce reliance on imported oil, Marcos unveiled his administration’s boldest move in energy exploration and production, granting eight new Petroleum Service Contracts (PSC) — the largest batch, according to the Department of Energy.

Under the PSCs, companies can explore energy sources in the Sulu Sea, Cagayan, Cebu, northwest Palawan, east Palawan and Central Luzon.

The President said petroleum continues to be the primary source of energy powering the country.

He also noted the volume of importation by the Philippines, which exposes the vulnerability of the country in case of a significant world event that is “beyond our control,” such as the rising price of oil due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, among others.

9 October

IBC gets 25 more years

President Marcos signed Republic Act 12311, renewing for another 25 years the legislative franchise of the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp. (IBC), a government-sequestered television network operating under Republic Act 8954.

With the new franchise, IBC can create employment opportunities, comply with labor standards, and ensure transparency by reporting annually to Congress on its operations, financial performance, and ownership structure.

More campus scholars

The President signed Republic Act 12310, the Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act, further strengthening the governance and management of the country’s premier secondary science learning institution.

The new law provides for the establishment of additional PSHS campuses across the country to offer scholarship-based secondary education programs, with special emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for students with exceptional aptitude in science and mathematics.

PSHS currently has 16 campuses located in Quezon City, Baguio City, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, Clark Freeport Zone, Batangas City, Romblon, Camarines Sur, Iloilo City, Cebu, Leyte, Dipolog City, Lanao del Norte, Davao City, Koronadal City and Butuan City.

10 October

TESDA remains in forefront of skills dev’t

Following the success of the Philippine delegation to the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN 2025, Marcos visited TESDA training centers, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to advancing globally competitive skills development.

He assessed the training facilities and observed ongoing programs to ensure they meet international standards and industry demands.

Among the training sites were facilities for welding, mechatronics, visual graphics, motorcycle and automotive servicing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing, and barista competency assessment.

He was joined by Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and TESDA director general Jose Francisco Benitez.

Since 2022, TESDA has recorded about five million enrollees and 4.5 million graduates, underscoring the administration’s efforts to improve employment readiness.

Filipinnovation awards

To recognize Filipino innovators and enterprises whose work advance national progress through innovation, President Marcos established the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards through Executive Order 99. It is anchored on Republic Act 11293, or the Philippine Innovation Act.

Billed as the country’s most prestigious innovation competition, the Filipinnovation Awards will be held annually to highlight Filipino-owned and registered individuals or enterprises whose products or services are in the early stages of commercialization.

Winners will be honored by the President or the Executive Secretary and will receive a presidential medallion and plaque bearing the official seal, citation, and signature of the President.

Davao jolted by magnitude 7.4 quake

Just as Cebu began to recover from the magnitude-6.9 earthquake that hit the province, Davao Oriental was struck by a magnitude-7.4 temblor, followed by a magnitude-6.9 aftershock that claimed three lives.

On learning of this, the President directed all government agencies to respond more quickly and efficiently and help the affected citizens.

For its part, the Department of Health deployed three emergency teams to Davao Oriental.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the DoH immediately activated the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development had pre-positioned more than 100,000 family food packs in the region.