ILOILO City – Progressive groups have rated President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s performance as “failing” after more than two years in office since his inauguration on June 30, 2022.
Elmer Forro, secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan Panay), expressed disappointment particularly after the President’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA).
According to Forro, the administration has remained silent on critical issues such as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which he said suggested a lack of commitment to resolving the economic displacement of jeepney drivers operators.
Forro also noted the administration’s failure to increase the education budget, which he believes has adversely affected teachers who were anticipating salary raises.
“A major unresolved issue is the lack of increased budget for education. Although our state universities perform well, the President did not mention any increase in budget or salaries,” Forro told Panay News.
Another missed opportunity mentioned by Forro was the absence of any announcement regarding a legislated wage increase for workers, a measure eagerly awaited by labor groups nationwide.
However, Forro acknowledged a positive aspect of the SONA: the President’s declaration of resolving the West Philippine Sea issue without resorting to war, which he considered a prudent move given the potential disastrous consequences of military conflict.
Furthermore, Forro was pleased with the administration’s approach to the war on drugs, noting the President’s assurance of a non-violent strategy in tackling illegal drug trafficking.
Nonetheless, Forro lamented the lack of measures addressing crime linked to poverty.
“As long as poverty persists, crime, particularly drug-related offenses, will continue to be seen as an alternative livelihood by many due to desperation,” he added.
Yesterday morning, progressive groups led by Forro organized the “People’s SONA 2024” at the Iloilo provincial capitol grounds under the theme “In the ‘New Philippines’, the Suffering of the People Worsens!” This highlighted the failures of the Marcos administration hours before the President delivered his third SONA.
Mathew Gonzaga, spokesperson for Anak Bayan in Panay Island, also criticized the President’s neglect of the youth, especially in the field of education.
“It’s clear that President Marcos has not addressed the crisis in education nor has he resolved the widespread violation of student rights and welfare,” Gonzaga said.
Aside from education issues, Gonzaga pointed out failures in the PUVMP, which he said has negatively impacted many commuters, especially students who rely on affordable transportation to schools.
Lucy Francisco, regional chairperson of GABRIELA – Panay and Guimaras and spokesperson for the Panay Consumers Alliance, also gave a negative assessment of the Marcos administration’s performance. She criticized the government’s inaction on ending labor contractualization scheme and the inadequate attention to wage increases.
According to Francisco, the minimum wage of P480 per day is insufficient for a family of four to five members, especially with the high cost of living.
She also expressed concerns over the lack of governmental focus on healthcare accessibility for impoverished patients./PN
