MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prevailed in a divisive election on May 9 with more than 31 million votes, with those who didn’t vote for him expressing dread about the future under another Marcos.
In his inaugural speech, he promised to build the country back from the pandemic. However, actions speak louder than words, as Marcos and his allies drew flak on social media for their response to various issues after he stepped into office.
Here’s how netizens reacted to Marcos’ first 100 days as president.
Table of Contents
July 2022
Imelda Marcos’ “93th” birthday. Marcos had barely warmed the presidential seat on his second day, but social media users already had a lot to say about the tribute that his mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, got on her 93rd birthday. Some poked fun at her “93th birthday” billboard in EDSA, which filmmaker Lauren Greenfield called out for using an image whose copyright belonged to her.
Others were furious over the party held for the former first lady in Malacañang. Netizens said there was lack of transparency from the Palace over initial reports from the event.
Malacañang used to be called the people’s palace. Evidently they don’t see it that way anymore. https://t.co/vUxAgQUVun
— #NoToPAREX Two-wheeled Terror 🚲🏗️🧦🚰🔰 (@goodkidbikecity) July 3, 2022
Meanwhile, Marcos supporters celebrated Imelda’s birthday as a vindication for the former first lady and hailed her as the “epitome of a Filipina beauty.”
She the epitome of a Filipina beauty. The Real Mother of our Country and the former First Lady of Late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos.
Happy Birthday Madam Imelda Marcos/ Mama Meldy nating lahat! ❤✌🎊#HBDMadamImelda pic.twitter.com/DxPAufYy35
— ela ¹³ • aral era (@cheetahxmkl) July 1, 2022
“Not that high.” While there was partying in Malacañang, ordinary Filipinos were feeling the effects of the rise in prices of basic goods as the inflation rate jumped to 6.1% in June, the highest level since November 2018. As of September, it continues to rise to 6.9%.
Filipinos criticized Marcos’ disbelief in the June figures.
Mr. Marcos Jr.: Ano inflation rate natin?
Spokesperson: 6.1 as per PSA
Mr. Marcos Jr.: I disagree.
Philippine Statistics Authority: pic.twitter.com/HvKxk3LkM1
— 𝙥𝙖𝙪𝙡𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙡𝙖 (@pauloMDtweets) July 5, 2022
Others shared how their daily purchases were affected by the rising prices. (READ: Groups stage #BentePesosChallenge to call out inflation ahead of SONA 2022)
Ateneo shooting. A day before Marcos’ first State of the Nation Address on June 25, graduating students from Ateneo Law School witnessed a horrific shooting that killed three people before their commencement program on campus.
Social media users were saddened by the incident, especially with the death of security guard Jeneven Bandiala, even opening donation drives to help his family.
I just feel really bad for the guard man. Jeneven Bandiala. Literally just doing his job protecting the ateneo community. What happens to his family now? Random victims of impunity and extremism
— aloveyoutoo (@ALOveyoutoo) July 24, 2022
Fund raising for the family of Kuya Jeneven Bandiala.
“The graduating class of ALS arranged a donation drive for our fallen hero, Jeneven Bandiala. Kuya Jeneven went above and beyond what was expected of him… pic.twitter.com/FAvjkE9y68
— yves (@YvesMedina) July 25, 2022
Others were outraged over the way some Filipinos were defending the actions of the suspect, Chao Tiao Yumol, saying they “enable a culture of impunity.” (READ: In aftermath of Ateneo shooting, sympathizers defend gunman online)
And to the trolls and fanatics, who defend the murderer, Chao-Tiao Yumol, utilize this horrifying incident to further their political agenda, and make use of it to mock and make fun of others and Ateneo itself as an institution, you practically enable a culture of impunity too.
— Vonn Vincent Tanchuan (@vonntanchuan) July 24, 2022
State of the Nation Address. Filipinos were tuned in to Marcos’ first State of the Nation Address, expecting him to discuss his economic plan. However, Filipinos saw that the biggest news from his speech was the possible return of the Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
it is no surprise that marcos jr. will reintroduce ROTC instead of focusing on what this country really needs: an improved HUMSS curriculum.
as a weak leader who rose to power through disinformation and historical distortion, an informed, critical youth will be his downfall.
— aj (yearning era) (@N4EVlS) July 25, 2022
Other netizens said that they found Marcos’ speech sounded like a “technical paper prepared by [his] economic team,” and raised issues that he did not mention in his address. (READ: Marcos’ first SONA tops Twitter trends as Filipinos online share varying views)
Is it just me or is the current SONA speech like a Technical paper prepared by the Economic Team just being read by the President? #SONA2022
— Mike Gabriel Maclang (@contdevmikee) July 25, 2022
NO MENTION of wage increases, ending contractualization, genuine agrarian reform, junking the Rice Liberalization Law, and protecting human rights.
How is this thief and son of a dictator supposed to unite a country when he refuses to help its workers and peasants?#SONA2022
— Mateo Gasic Deza (@unyonismo) July 25, 2022
Marcos supporters were impressed by his speech and called him a “genius” over his legislative and economic agenda. They also were inspired by his final words during the SONA.
PBBM’s SONA is impressive. But, if I am part of the government, I’ll be exhausted this early coz his SONA is all about work work work work at full speed ahead.
— ianwhatiam (@iamwhatiam300) July 25, 2022
The first time in a SONA that an 18-point legislative agenda was presented and articulated without reading… All figures on economics and productions stastics including decimals are well memorized and presented in a speech that only an intelligent person can… PBBM is genius!! pic.twitter.com/YP4fr8Ree7
— AlphaOneRene (@up_kyla) July 25, 2022
Impressive! I’m sure marami ang nanood ulit ng 1st SONA ni PBBM. “We will endure. Let our Filipino spirit ever remain undimmed. I know this in my mind, I know it in my heart, I know it in my very soul, the state of the Nation is sound.” PBBM. Cheers 31M🍷❤️💚💚
— CAdelaPaz (@cadelapaz671) July 27, 2022
“Iba takbo ng brain cells ni Teves.” The SONA also coincided with the opening of the 19th Congress, with House and Senate lawmakers filing their first bills in the days following Marcos’ speech.
Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo Teves drew the ire of Filipinos due to his bill seeking to rename the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after the late Ferdinand Marcos and a measure that seeks to declare ghosting as an “emotional offense.”
From changing “NAIA” to “FEMIA” to “Anti-Ghosting” law.
Iba rin takbo ng brain cells ni Teves, out of this world.
— Jerry Caristia (@CaristiaJerry) July 26, 2022
Northern Luzon earthquake. Disaster struck for the first time during the Marcos administration as a magnitude 7 earthquake hit Northern Luzon, a region that played a vital role in Marcos’ election victory.
Social media users were scared and worried about the scenario as it reminded them of the 1990 Luzon earthquake. They feared a strong earthquake could possibly hit Metro Manila. A user urged the government to prioritize disaster response.
Baguio City had a traumatic experience on earthquakes during the July of 1990. Anniversary month niya ngayong buwan. Kaya nung lumindol kanina, ang first reaction ng mga tao ay lumabas agad, lalo na yung mga may edad.
— xian (@xiandrewE) July 27, 2022
Now that a Magnitude 7.3 quake struck northern PH earlier today, mukhang kailangan na nating i-prioritize yung disaster response management natin ano po?
And not prioritizing mandatory ROTC and laws against ghosting eme.
— ikingskie™ (@ikingskie) July 27, 2022
Marcos supporters sarcastically asked where former vice president Leni Robredo’s Angat Buhay nongovernmental organization was in the aftermath of the earthquake. Robredo’s supporters pushed back, saying that the government should be the first to respond in any disaster.
Sarcasm left the brain 🤣
— Paps Caloy (@Paps_Caloy) July 27, 2022
Why are some people demanding Angat Buhay NGO an accountability to those places who are heavily hit by the earthquake? Hindi ba dapat PH government muna should be the one demanding accountability and to respond first hand bec they have all the resources in the country to do so
— shirushi (@BLSen21) July 27, 2022
Marcos supporters responded to the backlash by emphasizing that the President was fast in his disaster response and flew to Abra following the earthquake.
The government is so suprisingly fast in dealing with an unprecedented 7 magnitude earthquake within a few hours. I have never seen this before in PH. PBBM even utilized his cabinet members to brief the media and let the DSWD go there quick just after a 30+ minutes of the quake.
— ashie 🇵🇭 (@iapinas) July 27, 2022
“We will endure. Let our Filipino spirit ever remain undimmed.”
– President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, on his 1st SONA as the 17th President of the Republic.
And a few days later, under his bright and effective leadership, the words he uttered became the UNWAVERING TRUTH.#PBBM pic.twitter.com/avtEotz6i4
— Maryang Clara (@slytherinrights) July 28, 2022
“Kingdom of the Marcoses.” Filipinos also reacted strongly to the election of Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, a first-time lawmaker, as House Senior Deputy Majority Leader.
Social media users said that the move was a “big day for nepotism.”
The father was a president.
Became the president himself.
The sister is a senator.
The 1st cousin got named House Speaker.
And as of today, the son was declared House Senior Deputy Majority Leader.
Is this the Republic of the Philippines or the goddamn Kingdom of the Marcoses?
— Reyna Valmores (@ReynaValmores) July 26, 2022
“Nauna kaysa DOH Secretary.” Almost a week after the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global health emergency, the Philippines confirmed its first case of the virus.
The news left netizens outraged about the lack of preparation by the Marcos administration, especially as the President had yet to appoint a health secretary. As of Thursday, October 6, Department of Health official Maria Rosario Vergeire remains the agency’s officer-in-charge.
Nauna pang dumating ang Monkeypox sa Pilipinas kesa sa DOH Secretary.
— JR Santiago (@oslecjunior) July 29, 2022
BBM’s been sitting in the palace for a while, even had the time to put Sandro as House Sr. Deputy Majority Leader
yet, there’s still no DOH secretary at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic—to the point that Monkeypox Outbreak has also entered the country.
Talk about priorities!❤️
— mes heart #TakderLuwisyano (@chbuan) July 29, 2022
August 2022
“History is tsismis.” Filipinos started the month of August with the release of the controversial movie Maid in Malacañang on August 3.
The film immediately drew controversy before it was shown in theaters due to actress Ella Cruz’s comments that equated history to gossip. Social media users said the comment invalidated the experiences and work of Martial Law survivors and historians. (WATCH: Rappler Talk: Is history like tsismis?)
just watched the trailer of maid in malacañang, i’m so disgusted and enraged, where are these information coming from, our history is being revised and erased. marcoses are here for this, this is the change they’re up for. 🤮
— Emman Estrada (@emmanestrada_) July 17, 2022
ella cruz’s history teacher would be so embarrassed rn knowing her former student thinks history is like chismis 😭
— sena is seeing svt 🫶🏼 (@minguscart) July 2, 2022
There was more backlash on social media for the film after its trailer showed a depiction of the Carmelite nuns playing mahjong.
Depicting the Carmelite nuns playing majong with Cory reveals how nauseating this Darryl Yap is. That scene is unjustifiable even on the grounds of artistic freedom. 😡🤮 Yap betrayed the purpose of the arts, which is not only to entertain but more importantly, to liberate.
— Fr. Anthony OFM (@iamarkofm) August 1, 2022
Critics of Maid in Malacañang encouraged Filipinos online to watch the award-winning Martial Law film Katips, which was released on the same day.
“Katips” movie should have the same push that “Heneral Luna” had. Discounts in cinemas, organizations holding film showings of it at schools and other publuc spaces, social studies teachers requiring students to watch it.
Let’s all support it! Let’s create the demand for it!
— Siegfred Severino (@srsevv) July 31, 2022
As far as Marcos’ supporters were concerned, they thought Maid would “kick off the return of Philippine cinema” as moviegoers lined up for the film.
Overpriced laptops. Meanwhile, Filipinos online also slammed the Department of Education (DepEd) after the Commission on Audit flagged the agency for P2.4 billion worth of “pricey” and “outdated” laptops for teachers.
The laptops were priced at P58,300 with Intel Celeron processors, among the cheapest in the market. Social media users made a comparison of the purchased laptop and a Macbook Air with the M1 chip, saying that the “teachers deserve better.”
Walden Bello’s arrest. Former vice presidential candidate Walden Bello was arrested for cyber libel charges filed by Jefry Tupas, Vice President Sara Duterte’s former information officer.
The move was met with swift condemnation online, saying it was a “needless spectacle to show…power” by silencing critical voices.
The arrest isn’t just about silencing Walden Bello, but about silencing the rest of us who would dare call out wrongdoing. It’s about the impunity of the powerful who use the law to suppress criticism of their abuse, and to make a needless spectacle to show their power.
— Ed Legaspi (@soiclyst) August 8, 2022
“Are we now under Martial Law?” Netizens took a stand against “censorship” after the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino banned books that allegedly contained “anti-government” text from schools and public libraries. Ironically, these books were KWF’s own publications.
This is censorship. The government is breaking its mandate to promote free speech and thought. These works are literary and don’t propose factuality. Eh ‘yung mga vlog na pawang kasinungalingan ang laman, kailan aalisin? https://t.co/UTWF6xx5pg
— Mon Sy #NeverAgain #NeverForget (@YearoftheMonSy) August 11, 2022
Others were encouraged to read the books listed due to the ban.
Sugar importation fiasco. Social media users said they had seen “better communication” from student councils than the government after an investigation into the botched resolution that would have allowed the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar supposedly without the approval of Marcos.
One user went viral for a simple explainer of what happened, showing that former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez did not respond to messages from sugar officials on the resolution.
A short explainer on how the sugar order fiasco could have been avoided.
ES Vic could have said, “The President doesn’t have a decision yet. Please hold the resolution.”
But he didn’t reply. pic.twitter.com/xD6oE27xg7
— ed (@FaraonEduard) August 24, 2022
Are you telling me that the entire national sugar import fiasco was caused by a failure to simply reply a text and then assume certain things even if it’s not provided? whew, sounds awfully familiar. Mas maayo pa lagi ang gc sa student org.
— Tonton (@tontonneri) August 24, 2022
Return of face-to-face classes. Even after two years of distance learning, netizens were concerned by the problems from the reopening of face-to-face classes, especially with students having to learn despite flooding and a shortage of armchairs.
Kid in the third pic has a wound :(((((
hate hate hate that public officials see this and think to themselves that it’s okay and people can and get used to it anyway
These kids deserve so much better https://t.co/F3IQmMiEkC
— rus (@russelmatthew_) August 22, 2022
Filipinos online also criticized the DepEd’s plan to ban extracurricular activities to address learning gaps caused by the pandemic. They said these activities were essential in shaping students’ interests and building life and career skills.
Extra-curricular activities are what helped shape my interests, built important life and career skills, and led me to my course. They are also what kept my mental health at bay whenever academics were too pressuring. To deprive students of such is to deprive them of education. https://t.co/3sF7njTX9d
— 👽✨👽 (@moonilune) September 1, 2022
so gusto lang talaga ng govt ng supply for cheap labor in the future? we’re not raising robots. we’re raising kids. human beings. https://t.co/aoHJtyZvzD
— jenna say quack 🐣 (@S4NGKABAKLAAN) September 1, 2022
Chaotic distribution. The Department of Social Welfare and Development came under fire after scenes of people flocking to DSWD offices to get educational assistance.
Social media users criticized DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo for treating the distribution like his own radio show, saying it was “rushed” and meant to “amplify [his] image.”
The DSWD rollout of educational assistance was rushed, not to cater to the needs of the students, but to amplify the image of the Secretary as evident in some materials circulating in socmed. It was not coordinated properly with the LGUs.
Sarap ipa-Tulfo. Oh. Wait.
— Paul Roset (@paulandreiroset) August 20, 2022
Dear Sec. Tulfo. Now you know how exactly it is like na maging taga gobyernong nagbibigay ng serbisyo publiko, with limited resources, manpower & time, needing to respond to thousands of clients at the same time. Kung nsa radyo kpa, siguro natira m na ng bongga ang DSWD.
— James Oliver Punay (@jopunay) August 20, 2022
Sara’s proposed 2023 budget. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte drew the ire of netizens over the proposed allocation for her department in the 2023 National Expenditure Program.
Some criticized the budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), which is three times higher than the funds given to former vice president Leni Robredo.
they are actually capable of giving an over a billion budget for ovp, pero wala yun when atty leni was vp.. look at the numbers, its almost 5 times more vp leni’s opening budget in 2017 https://t.co/NE892xMB8Z
— bee (@niccebien) August 24, 2022
The confidential funds included under the OVP and DepEd budgets worth P500 million and P150 million, respectively, also drew the ire of Filipinos. The latter came at the cost of other programs, such as the DepEd’s Special Education Program (SPED).
DepEd tried but not hard enough. Of course, one puts more effort where the gain for oneself is bigger – like the confidential funds. https://t.co/OyV954soAd
— AtengSharlene (@AtengSharlene) September 19, 2022
I don’t understand why VP Sara Duterte & Office of the Vice President couldn’t make this as a line item in the budget rather than “confidential” funds 🤷🏽♂️
What’s so “confidential” about social services? 🤷🏽♂️
Leni Robredo operated w/less & did a lot. Why can’t Duterte do same? https://t.co/vMskAj0X15
— Zion Ryan Cruz (@zryanverse) September 1, 2022
With the way SWOH is defending her budget, you’d think that the OVP is the NSA, DILG, and PCGG all rolled into one. And that’s on top of also being the DEPED.
— Logie Kinko (@Logickinko) September 4, 2022
Others also slammed Duterte’s request for an additional P100 billion for the DepEd, saying she had not presented an agenda to show how she would solve the learning crisis in the country.
Sara Duterte: Just give me P100 Billion. In six years we will be able to solve education problems. Just like that, no concrete plans, no programmes, and no agenda. Just trust her.
— Gloria B. Wilhelm (@laarni1224) September 15, 2022
As of Wednesday, October 5, the House realigned P10.581 billion in the proposed P5.268-trillion budget for 2023 to the DepEd. It is for the construction of classrooms and the restoration of SPED.
September 2022
Weakening peso. On September 6, the Philippine peso reached the P57 level against the US dollar, its weakest ever in history at the time. The local currency has since reached an all-time low of P59 on October 3.
Not a lot of Filipinos might understand its effects on their own lives, as demonstrated by a viral video on ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime. (WATCH: Mahinang piso: Biyaya o pinsala sa OFW?)
Watched this from Miss Q and A, and as funny as it may seem, there’s an underlying reality that ordinary Filipinos may actually not be able to tell the effects of weakening peso on their lives – not that they can’t feel it, but because it’s often masked by state negligence. pic.twitter.com/UJ6gUoCGLD
— Ajay Lagrimas #RejectMarcosDuterte (@ajay_lagrimas) September 30, 2022
Millenials are living through 3 financial crisis – 1998, 2008, and 2022.
remember the time when a jeepney ride was 2 pesos, a dollar was only 25 pesos and chicken joy was 39.
Now jeepney rides are 12 pesos, dollar is 60, and chicken joy is past 100 but wages are sameish
— mara wang (@marawheresclara) October 1, 2022
One user said that this highlighted the importance of explaining economic concepts to ordinary Filipinos.
Kaya mahalagang ituro at ipaliwanang ang mga konseptong pang-ekonomiya at pananalapit sa sariling wika at kontekstong mayroon tayo. Ano nga ba ang “inflation” at ano ang epekto ng lalong paghina ng piso kontra dolyar? Mainam na ipaliwanag ito sa paraang maiintindihan ng lahat. https://t.co/A1ymYiDQ1T
— 🐣 (@chanjna) October 1, 2022
ALLTV Interview. Former Senate president Manuel Villar’s newly-launched network, ALLTV, aired an exclusive interview hosted by Toni Gonzaga featuring President Marcos on September 13, around a week before the 50th anniversary of Martial Law.
Toni Gonzaga had been receiving flak since she formally endorsed Marcos in the May 2022 elections, and netizens continued to express their frustration following the release of the said interview.
ALLTV is doing that on purpose. They’re milking free publicities out of your frustration. Just like what Duterte did. Just like what Marcos did.
— J.E. Tiglao (@Pigeon_X_) September 20, 2022
Toni Gonzaga is complicit.
She’s an irresponsible Filipino citizen by proliferating the lie of the Marcos presidency.
Her main purpose is to clean up his image and provide fluff pieces to distract people from the real issues.
— Kimber (@kimiberr) September 12, 2022
A netizen even called her the “Mocha Uson” of the Marcos administration.
But Marcos supporters were pleased with the interview, saying they “admire [Marcos’] grasp of the country and its problems.”
Watching PBBM in #ToniTalksWithPBBM and I can’t help but admire PBBM’s grasp of the country, it’s problems etc. No president is ever perfect, not even Marcos Sr, but the sheer dedication and patriotism he has for the country made me realized PH is in very safe hands.
— A L C H E M i S T ® (@RyanRZambrano) September 13, 2022
They were also impressed by Toni Gonzaga’s “excellent” hosting skills, which made the interview “exciting and interesting.”
Toni Gonzaga’s hosting skills are excellent. I like the flow of her questions to the point that it makes the interviews interesting and exciting as time passes by. Not boring and uninteresting. Look up at Andrew E. and PBBM’s interviews, superb! #ToniTalks
— James Romualdez ❤️💚 (@james_romualdez) September 14, 2022
Congratulations Team ToniTalks! What an interview!
Congratulations, Tin! Sabi nga ni PBBM, YOU DID IT AGAIN!!! You always do!!! Your gift is just so amazing! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻#ToniTalksWithPBBM | Toni Gonzaga
— 🦄 (@andiclauds) September 13, 2022
Optional wearing of face masks outdoors. Without a DOH secretary, Marcos signed Executive Order No. 3, allowing optional wearing of face masks outdoors on September 12. Filipinos said that the move was “too early and too risky” and that they would choose to keep their masks on.
wearing of face mask outdoor is now voluntary??? let’s not be selfish and be considerate to other people bc covid is still out there, just wear your masks for the sake of everyone
— ً (@saintnierva) September 12, 2022
Too early & too risky. Yes, masks in other countries are pretty much optional these days.. But with our governments reputation & the VERY limited to nothing resources they provide… asahan mo ba na kaya natin? https://t.co/nmf4RSuwZV
— JORIK (@jorik_music) September 15, 2022
Helicopter parent. Vice President Sara Duterte also made headlines as she thanked Marcos for allowing her to use a helicopter to be able to reach home before her children’s bedtime.
This did not sit well with many Filipinos, considering how the public faces day-to-day struggles with the accessibility and convenience of public transportation.
Imagine commuting for HOURS, suffering amidst heavy traffic, all because of inefficient public transportation system. And there goes Sara Duterte with her private chopper, using the nation’s money.
Binoto mo man o hindi sa Dutere, kapag hindi ka pa galit, may problema na talaga.
— angel; ia 🌸 (@luhantheworld) September 14, 2022
SANA ALL!
It is disgusting that Sara Duterte have this kind of privilege while thousands of workers, commuters endure hellish public transport on a daily basis. pic.twitter.com/DxcBlr3X8x
— KMP (Peasant Movement of the Philippines) (@kmp_phl) September 13, 2022
Vic Rodriguez resignation. Not even 100 days in office and the Marcos administration already recorded its first resignation. Vic Rodriguez, Marcos’ spokesperson during the May 2022 elections, resigned from his post as executive secretary.
Social media users said the announcement was a “challenge to [Marcos’] political resolve] after Rodriguez said that he would serve as “Presidential Chief of Staff” next. The move was rejected by the President’s chief legal counsel, Juan Ponce Enrile, and the new executive secretary, Lucas Bersamin.
Am I missing something here? If Enrile recommended against the creation of the position of Presidential Chief of Staff, and Vic Rodriguez then announced himself as Presidential Chief of Staff, then does that mean that the President ultimately ignored Enrile’s advice?
— oli r. (@ohlistic) September 17, 2022
From my perspective, this resignation is rather a challenge to PBBM’s political resolve as Atty Vic Rodriguez is insisting on staying in power as Chief of Staff. https://t.co/ae5KZuhHBA
— Paolo Capino PWD Advocate (@paolocapino) September 17, 2022
UN General Assembly. On the day of the 50th anniversary of Martial Law, Marcos delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The President talked about economic recovery, food security, agricultural productivity, and climate change.
However, some netizens were dismayed after hearing the President’s speech. They believed it did not reflect the way he leads the country.
I’d say Marcos’ speech at the 77th UNGA was well written. However, his credibility to talk about food security, public health, and education while allowing budget cuts onthe said sectors, it’s complicated.
With all due respect, Mr. President, please practice what you preach.
— nick (@_nickontwt) September 21, 2022
In addition, even US President Joe Biden made noise for falling for pro-Marcos fake news. Biden said he was “impressed” with the work that Marcos “did on windmills.”
The claim that Marcos led the building of the Bangui Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte has been debunked several times.
And Marcos Jr didn’t correct the misinformation? @POTUS, no, Marcos Jr didn’t do anything about the windmills. It was a project of a private company. Please don’t subscribe to fake news. https://t.co/xTk4j5cyFj
— ricci (@ricci_richy) September 22, 2022
Speaking of fake news, Marcos supporters took the opportunity to use the US visit to attack veteran journalist and Rappler’s editor-at-large Marites Vitug for her Sui Generis newsletter, “Why Bongbong Marcos can’t go to the US.”
Supporters forgot to note that Vitug’s newsletter was written on January 10, 2022, months before Marcos became president. After getting elected president, Marcos now enjoys diplomatic immunity under international law.
Tigilan mo ako Marites. Talagang LITERAL na MARITES ka. Pangatawanan mo na hindi makakapunta si PBBM sa Amerika. Yan ginawa mo, sinasalamin niyo talaga yang paglikha ng mga pekeng balita na mas masahol pa sa tabloid na Rappler na yan. Kadiri.. kasuka.. 🤮🤮🤮🤮 pic.twitter.com/oHkTYoLeEa
— JC Punongbarangay (@jcpunongbrgy) September 22, 2022
The best thing about PBBM’s US visit is that he’ll definitely vlog about it. When he posts it on his social media accounts, Uniteam supporters should tag Rappler in the comments. Also the writer of that article too, Marites was her name yes?
“Hello New York!” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/RfucTtGVlt
— Genom Alfredo 🇵🇭 (@AlfredoGenom) September 19, 2022
“Is that the trend now?” The hashtag #NasaanAngPangulo took the top trend on Twitter Philippines after Marcos posted a vlog of his New York trip as Super Typhoon Karding hit Luzon.
Marcos supporters said the New York vlog was meant to be a “report,” adding it was a coincidence that it was uploaded when Karding made landfall in Quezon province.
PBBM’s New York vlog is NOT a vacation vlog. It is a working visit vlog. It simply relays what activities the President had in the US like UNGA speech, bilateral meetings, business meetings, meeting with POTUS etc. Its a report. Mga bobo. #NasaanAngPangulo #KardingPH
— bea (@pinaynanurse) September 26, 2022
Saan daw si PBBM? Bakit puro vlog lang.
sa mga di po nanonood ng vlogs ni PBBM, alamin niyo ang schedule ng vlog niya. every week, may new upload si PBBM. nagkataon na yung New York Vlog niya ay sumakto sa landfall ni #KardingPH
— PH HISTORY (@philhistory_) September 26, 2022
Social media users were also outraged at how Marcos trivialized climate change during a briefing with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, a contradiction to his UN General Assembly speech.
“Is that a trend? Yan na yung climate change? Wala naman tayong ganyan noon.”
Yolanda (2013)
Rolly (2020)
Ulysses (2020)
Ondoy (2009)
Pablo (2012)
Reming (2006)
Odette (2021)
Glenda (2014)
Sening (1970)
Haiphong (1881)
Did we all not exist?#KardingPH#SanaNakinigAko
— Mabin 🥗 (@mabinladen) September 26, 2022
My takeaway — he didn’t understand what his climate change speech at the UNGA was all about, if he can say these things. 🤷🏻♀️
See, a nice speech doesn’t automatically make someone a leader. Sometimes, it’s just a nice speech. https://t.co/WCfennNmRI
— Nuelle⁷ 🌸 (@nuelleduterte) September 26, 2022
Some users feel that this will not be the only time that #NasaanAngPangulo, a hashtag that was also used to call out the absence of former president Rodrigo Duterte during times of disaster, will trend under Marcos.
October 2022
“Productive?” While the country was recovering from Super Typhoon Karding, Marcos flew to Singapore to attend the Formula One Grand Prix race. Filipinos online said the incident showed that Marcos did “not care” and was “running away from his job.”
It’s raining hard in Singapore for the F1 race bcoz there’s a highly undesirable person there that chose to watch the race instead of take care of his people who were displaced in a recent typhoon. Running away from his job, as always.#SingaporeGrandPrix2022 #NasaanAngPangulo
— Markku Seguerra (@markku) October 2, 2022
The whole budget of the Marcos family for the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore could have been more than enough to help a city devastated by #KardingPH.
The fact that they planned this ahead and did not cancel despite a recent national calamity means that THEY DO NOT CARE.
— Carwyn San Luis Candila (@Carwyn_Candila) October 2, 2022
Bersamin’s defense of the President’s trip added fuel to the fire, particularly his comment that questions about the use of government funds for the trip were “irrelevant.”
“but I am sure if that was the trip of the president, you don’t need to be too particular about where the funds are sourced…”
Literally, an admission that “President, therefore, no need for financial accountability.”
Parasites. Living Parasites. https://t.co/VNPBzgGMgu
— PanDemokratiko 🍞🌷#TuloyAngLaban (@PanDemokratiko) October 4, 2022
Silenced by a bullet. Filipinos were shocked by the killing of radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa, known as Percy Lapid. Netizens said his murder “confirms the truth behind his exposés” and demanded accountability as the hashtag #JusticeForPercyLapid trended on Twitter.
It’s time to rethink the idea that journalistic killings in the Metro are “rare.”
Justice for Percy Lapid and all the reporters who were silenced by the state! https://t.co/VioR7G3a9f
— Justine Garcia (@jxrgarcia) October 3, 2022
RIP, Percy Lapid. Your killing confirms the truth behind your exposés.
— Clarice⭐️ (@siidiiess) October 3, 2022
Ka Percy Lapid devoted his time and bravery into exposing Duterte’s culture of impunity. His voice, one of courage against the deplorable state of politics and defiance to the new evil order. His being silenced by a bullet is deplorable to the highest level. Pagpupugay, Ka Percy.
— Mister Tampalpuclyde #NeverAgain #NeverForget (@claudiopoy) October 3, 2022
More resignations. Former press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles resigned from her post on October 4, due to “certain medical conditions.” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed the resignation of Commission on Audit chairperson Jose Calida on the same day.
Calida was flagged several times for receiving high allowances during his term as solicitor general of the Duterte administration.
Social media users said the series of resignations “clearly shows how unstable [the] Marcos government is.”
Vic Rodriguez, Trixie Cruz-Angeles, and Jose Calida resigning from their respective posts clearly shows how unstable Marcos’ government is. This is aside from still not having DOH and DA secretaries, yet. pic.twitter.com/Y4jm0xYLhz
— del (@lugmaograndel) October 4, 2022
Marcos said in his own words that he managed to “put together a government which is functional” in his first 100 days. He flexed his economic team to show how he was able to “find the best and brightest to help and to serve in government.”
However, a recent Pulse Asia survey showed that while the President got majority approval for 11 out of 13 national concerns, 42% of Filipinos disapproved of his performance in controlling inflation, the top urgent issue for respondents.
Marcos supporters are on the defensive, emphasizing the more positive parts of the survey and saying that it was not only in the Philippines where there was rising inflation. They put the blame on the war in Ukraine.
One of the causes of inflation around the world is the war in Ukraine. That’s why PBBM is strengthening the agriculture sector so that the price of food will decrease but it will take time. We have to help the government and you should not always depend on the gov’t. #DefendPBBM pic.twitter.com/LW5BVYEwWZ
— Mr.Winwin_Situation (@WinwinEklabu) October 6, 2022
Good job, PBBM for your first 100 days. Even US/Europe cannot control inflation so we still commend you for trying to address it the best way your economic team can. pic.twitter.com/iYzYoNOGqw
— A L C H E M i S T ® (@RyanRZambrano) October 6, 2022
A group of supporters called the ‘UNITED TWITTER LOYALIST’ also gave keywords and hashtags to trend in support of Marcos and his allies. They were able to get the keywords “PROTECT BBM” and #DefendBBM to trend nationwide on Thursday, October 6.
Our twitter party is over!❤️💚
Thank you so much 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 for your effort & cooperation for this Twitter Party.
Special thanks to @__Vincentiments , Team Abroad & Team Pilipinas for joining our twitter party. We appreciate you so much! 🇨🇿
Anyway, we trended! Congrats! pic.twitter.com/RNIIhYNFrq
— UNITED LOYALIST (@UTL4BBMSARA) October 6, 2022
As Marcos continues his term, Filipinos online will be watching very closely if he will get to fulfill his promise to “move forward together” with them. – with reports from Aidan Bernales, Issa Canlas, and Farley Bermeo Jr./Rappler.com
Aidan Bernales is a Rappler intern. He is a sophomore communications student at the Ateneo de Manila University.
Issa Canlas is a digital communications intern at Rappler. She is a student at the College of Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Farley Bermeo Jr. is a communication arts graduate from UP Los Baños and a Digital Communications volunteer at Rappler.
