Marcos Talks Tough on Budget, Corruption in Bid to Reset Presidency

Philippine Leader's Speech a Deliberate Bid to Show He Can Wield Power More Decisively

- Mara Cepeda

MANILA - Bruised by the May midterm election and shadowed by a stalled impeachment trial against his erstwhile ally Vice-President Sara Duterte, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr used his fourth State of the Nation address to project strength and reclaim authority amid growing doubts over his leadership.

Breaking from his run-of-the-mill speeches in the last three years, Mr Marcos on July 28 laid out a series of populist promises aimed at improving welfare and infrastructure programmes for ordinary Filipinos: Free dialysis at state-run health centres, payment of teachers' unpaid overtime salaries, electricity and water supplies in far-flung areas, and expanded transport services for key urban centres were among the initiatives mooted.

But the most pointed moment in the speech came at the end, when Mr Marcos warned lawmakers against tampering with his proposed 6.793 trillion peso (S$152.5 billion) budget for 2026. He also vowed to crack down on corruption and investigate anomalous flood control projects that have long been seen by some quarters as sources of "pork barrel" or discretionary funds.

"Pork barrel funds" refer to government funds allocated to local projects, and are often associated with political patronage.

"To those conspiring to steal public funds and rob our people of their future, have some shame! Have some shame for the families whose homes were swept away in floods. Have some shame for the children who will inherit the debts you created, the money you pocketed for yourselves," Mr Marcos said.

Analysts told The Straits Times that Mr Marcos' tone was deliberate, with the President recognising his administration's vulnerabilities and attempting to posit himself as a leader willing to wield power more decisively.