President Marcos acknowledged that his administration had fallen short in addressing Filipinos’ daily concerns, vowing to shift focus from long-term infrastructure projects to easing the burdens of ordinary citizens following the midterm election results.
In the first episode of the BBM Podcast released on Monday, May 19, the President said the outcome of the elections served as a message from the people: they are tired of politics and frustrated by slow government service.
“I have two conclusions dito sa eleksyon. Una, nagsawa na ang Pilipino sa politika,” he said.
“Ang mensahe sa aming lahat… tama na ang pamumulitika ninyo at kami naman ang asikasuhin ninyo,” he added.
Asked if he felt the government had shortcomings, the President responded, “Oo.”
Marcos admitted that while the government prioritized big-ticket projects such as subways, airports, and hospitals, it failed to provide relief on more immediate needs like public transportation, traffic congestion, and basic services.
“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 said.
RED TAPE
The President also expressed frustration over red tape and bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder the implementation of new initiatives. He cited overly cautious officials and overlapping regulations that lead to stagnation.
“Ang sagot laging bumabalik, ‘Sir, hindi puwede ‘yan, baka ma-COA kami.’ Totoo rin naman,” he said.
“Kung minsan contradictory ang mga batas natin. Okay lang maging maingat, okay lang ang checks and balances, pero huwag naman maging paralysis doon sa bureaucracy,” he added.
When asked if he was perhaps “too kind,” Marcos said he cannot change his ways, but realized he might have to be more strict now.
“Anong gagawin ko, maging masamang tao? Hindi ko naman mababago ‘yung ugali ko. Pero siguro dapat nga talagang maging mas mabagsik,” he said.
ILLEGAL DRUGS
The President also addressed public concerns about the resurgence of illegal drugs in local communities, saying the government would continue its aggressive anti-drug operations while returning to grassroots strategies.
“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,” he said.
“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.
Marcos emphasized the importance of police presence in communities, highlighting the administration’s new “Cops on the Beat” program, wherein there would be police officers roaming around certain areas.
“Hindi magandang tignan, yung lugar mo maraming nagbebenta, maraming mga high na ano-ano ginagawa,” he said.
POLITICAL NOISE
With just over 1,130 days remaining in his term, Marcos said it’s time to move past political noise and resume the work of governance.
“Tama na ‘yung politika. Gawin na natin lahat ng kailangan gawin,” he said.
This includes having a neutral stance on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. According to President Marcos, the matter was for the Senate to handle.
“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 added.
The impeachment case, stemming from allegations of confidential fund misuse and public threats against top officials, has yet to be calendared for trial. (Argyll Geducos)
