Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged to push forward with his anti‑corruption campaign, insisting he is “not the president of my family” nor “the president of my friends” as potential charges mount against his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Marcos first revealed alleged irregularities last year involving multi‑billion‑peso flood‑control projects, a case that included accusations of kickbacks to officials and several politicians. Romualdez was forced to step down as speaker, but questions over accountability have persisted fuelling public frustration amid rising inflation and a cost‑of‑living crisis that has exceeded government targets.
“This pains me, but we have to do what is right,” Marcos said in his penultimate address to Congress before leaving office in 2028. He added: “I am not the president of my family. I am not the president of my friends. I am the president of the Philippines, and my duty is to the Filipino people.”
The president is navigating a turbulent political landscape, including the collapse of his alliance with Vice President Sara Duterte, who now faces an impeachment trial. Public dissatisfaction has grown, reflected in recent Pulse Asia polling showing declining support.
Romualdez, for his part, said he has done nothing wrong and is prepared to face any charges that may arise.
The High Court challenge, political fractures and economic pressures now converge into one of the most difficult periods of Marcos’s presidency with his anti‑corruption stance set to define the next phase of his leadership.
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