Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr on his 5th SONA. Photo courtesy of PCO.
With only two years remaining in his term, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM)’s administration is under growing pressure to translate his promises into measurable results as good governance advocates warned that effective implementation—not new commitments—will define the legacy he leaves behind when he steps down in 2028.
This view emerged during the Democracy Watch’s post-State of the Nation Address (SoNA) forum where Department of Budget and Management (DBM) secretary Kim Robert De Leon unveiled a series of reforms designed to strengthen transparency and prevent corruption in the preparation of the proposed 2027 national budget.
Accordingly, Democracy Watch co-convenor Victor Andres Manhit enthused that the fifth SoNA correctly identified corruption, economic growth, and improving the lives of Filipinos as key priorities.
However, he stressed that the administration has entered a stage where citizens expect concrete outcomes rather than fresh policy announcements.
“With only two years left in his term, the focus can no longer be on announcing reforms,” Manhit pointed out. “The challenge now is demonstrating that policies already put in place are producing measurable improvements in governance, public services, and the economy. Implementation will ultimately define this administration’s legacy.”
He cited the results if the recent Stratbase-commissioned surveys which reflected declining public confidence in the administration—with President Marcos Jr.’s trust rating falling to 34 percent in June 2026—its lowest level since he assumed office.
“This indicates that Filipinos are seeking stronger leadership, greater accountability and decisive action on issues that directly affect their daily lives,” Manhit added.
So DBM, under its acting secretary, is responding by tightening the budget process to ensure that government spending delivers measurable public benefits.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that these commitments are translated into sound policies, effective programs, and a national budget that delivers meaningful results for every Filipino,” De Leon stressed.
“Every agency, every public servant and every peso entrusted to us must contribute to delivering better outcomes for our country,” he asserted.
