Marcos’ Anti-Graft Crusade: A Test of Willpower and Credibility

The Philippines is at a crossroads as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s latest address to Congress has made it clear that his administration will tackle corruption, even if it involves members of his own family. To back up this vow, tangible actions are needed, not just rhetorical flourishes.

Marcos’ willingness to take on entrenched interests marks a departure from his predecessors, but it’s also a high-risk strategy that could cement his legacy or leave him vulnerable to accusations of hypocrisy. The anti-corruption drive has already implicated several politicians, including his cousin Martin Romualdez, raising questions about the extent to which Marcos’ commitment will be tested.

Public trust in the government is at an all-time low, with 72% of Filipinos expressing distrust in Marcos and his administration. This disillusionment stems from issues like the crippling cost of living and inflation that have left many struggling to make ends meet. The pressure on Marcos to deliver results is palpable, but it’s unclear whether he can navigate the treacherous waters of Philippine politics.

The collapse of his alliance with Vice-President Sara Duterte has added to the challenges facing Marcos, who must now contend with an impeachment trial and mounting public discontent. Romualdez maintains that he did nothing wrong, but the allegations against him highlight the deep-seated corruption pervading the country’s institutions.

Pulse Asia polling suggests Marcos’ trust rating has taken a hit, plummeting to 28% in recent months. This erosion of confidence reflects not only his own unpopularity but also a broader crisis of faith in government. The question now is whether Marcos can turn the tide by delivering on his promises.

Marcos’ remarks about being the president of the Philippines, rather than his family or friends, are significant because they suggest he is willing to put principle over personal loyalty. However, as Jean Encinas-Franco, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, notes, “Rhetoric is fine, but actions are better.” The administration will ultimately be judged on whether cases are filed and pursued with integrity.

Outside Congress, hundreds of protesters demanded accountability for corruption, lower consumer prices, and higher wages. Marcos responded by asking Congress to approve tax relief measures, including broader income tax exemptions for workers and the removal of the minimum corporate income tax for small businesses. While this is a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether these measures will have any tangible impact on ordinary Filipinos.

The tensions in the South China Sea are another pressing concern that Marcos has vowed to address. His allusion to the 2016 international arbitration ruling that found China’s claims to have no legal basis is a welcome development, but it’s unclear how far he is willing to go in standing up to Beijing. Without mentioning China by name, Marcos declared that Filipinos “do not yield”, but this requires action.

The Philippines’ anti-corruption drive has drawn comparisons with similar efforts in other countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia. While these initiatives have had varying degrees of success, they share one common feature: a willingness to confront entrenched interests head-on. Marcos’ administration must be willing to walk the talk if it wants to restore public trust.

The stakes are high, and the outcome far from certain. One thing is clear: the Philippines needs leaders who can balance competing demands with integrity and principle. If Marcos fails to deliver on his promises, he risks cementing a legacy of broken promises and disillusioned citizens.