Written for The Diplomat
Retired and active officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the leadership of the House of Representatives have expressed support to Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after former President Rodrigo Duterte called for military action against the incumbent government.
The Marcos-Duterte rift might appear to be a mere rivalry of clans contesting for power but both sides need to recognize the rising public outrage over corruption, abuse of power, and indifference to the plight of ordinary citizens.
Philippine President Links Budget Petition to ‘Destabilization’ Plot
Written for The Diplomat
Last week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called out the petitioners against the 2025 budget for being part of a “destabilization” effort against his government.
Asked by the media about the Supreme Court petition questioning the constitutionality of the budget bill he signed in December, Marcos said that this could undermine government operations.
The president cannot prevent people from pursuing accountability and transparency by denigrating this campaign as a destabilization plot. He risks losing popular support by ignoring the clamor for good governance.