This blog is written not to divide, not to condemn, and certainly not to spread fear. Rather, it aims to enlighten every Filipino, spark meaningful discussion, and challenge all of us to reflect on the direction our beloved Philippines is heading. What you will read here is an analysis based on actual events, public statements, and unfolding national issues.

In a time when information is easily manipulated and opinions are weaponized, we owe it to ourselves—and to the next generation—to seek clarity, ask the right questions, and courageously confront the truth.

Let’s talk honestly, openly, and with hope.

Let’s explore the paradox of the PBBM administration.

The PBBM Regime: Promises of Unity, Reality of Contradictions

When President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. took office, he carried a powerful promise of unity and renewal. The slogan “Bagong Pilipinas” projected an image of rebirth—a chance to rise above decades of division and dysfunction.

But as his administration unfolds, many Filipinos now describe the regime as something unique, unsettling, and full of contradictions. Grand speeches are given, yet behind them lie troubling realities: massive protests, billion-peso corruption allegations, weakened institutions, and a growing sense of public distrust.

This blog breaks down the major controversies shaping the current administration—issues that no Filipino should ignore.

1. The National Protests: A Wave of Public Outcry

One of the most striking phenomena under the Marcos Jr. administration is the scale of public protest—not from traditional activists alone, but from broad segments of society.

The INC National Rally

For a group like Iglesia ni Cristo, known for discipline and political influence, to conduct a three-day national protest is historic. Their rally called for transparency, accountability, and justice—specifically relating to the alleged anomalies in flood-control projects.

This is no ordinary street demonstration. It signals deep frustration with government processes, and a rare moment where religious influence and public interest intersect.

The “Million Filipino March”

On a day symbolically tied to the anniversary of Martial Law, thousands marched nationwide to protest corruption linked to infrastructure and climate-tagged projects.

These protests reflect one thing:
The people are no longer silent.

2. Infrastructure Nightmares: Ghost Projects, Inflated Budgets, Empty Promises

Infrastructure was supposed to be the pride of the Marcos administration. “Build Better More” was marketed as the grand successor to earlier development programs.

But what has emerged?
A disturbing pattern of:

ghost projects supposedly completed but never built
substandard constructions paid for at premium price
overpriced river walls and flood defenses
billions allegedly siphoned off, instead of protecting communities

The president himself admitted that corruption in flood-control projects is “systemic.” This means it is not occasional—it is embedded. It thrives. It survives.

And for Filipinos who suffer from constant flooding, these revelations feel like a betrayal.

3. The “Great Billion” of Corruption: Myth or National Reality?

The administration faces accusations that billions—some say even trillions—have been lost to corruption. Whether the figures are exact or symbolic, the uproar is real.

As a concerned barangay official and citizen deeply invested in regional cooperation and grassroots development, I have reflected carefully on whether Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM) is deserving and capable of leading the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) when the Philippines assumes the chairmanship in 2026. On the positive side, President Marcos has taken concrete institutional steps that demonstrate readiness: for instance, by issuing Administrative Order 17 on 22 March 2024 to constitute the “ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC)” tasked with planning, implementation and monitoring of programs for the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN 2026. Judiciary E-Library+3Lawphil+3Philippine News Agency+3 He has publicly stated that the Philippines is prepared to lead with “practical, inclusive, and measurable initiatives” when the country chairs the bloc. PCO Mirror In his intervention at the 47th ASEAN Summit, he reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to the ASEAN Vision 2045—to build a resilient, inclusive, and dynamic regional community. GMA Network+2PCO Mirror+2 These are favorable signals: they show that the country under his leadership is not merely seeking to host the summit as a prestige event, but at least rhetorically aiming for substantive engagement.

However, capacity and deservingness in this context involve deeper, more complex criteria. Leading ASEAN is not simply about hosting logistics; it requires diplomatic skill, consensus-building across very diverse nations, patience in navigating regional disputes, and domestic credibility. One challenge is that while the Philippines has signalled readiness, the scale of the issues at stake is high—maritime disputes, digital economy transformation, climate resilience, and differing economic capacities among member states. For example, Marcos has highlighted that “with the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) poised to boost our region’s digital economy to USD 2 trillion by 2030 … it is critical that we invest in robust cybersecurity protections, equip our people with digital skills, and build the digital infrastructure necessary to secure ASEAN’s path to becoming the fourth largest economy in the world.” Philippine News Agency At the same time, there remain questions about whether domestic governance issues or capacity shortfalls might undermine the Philippines’ ability to lead credibly and deliver effectively—not just as host but as agenda-setter and implementer.

From the vantage of Barangay Hibulangan, the question also becomes: what does ASEAN leadership mean for us? If national leadership under the barangay-level programs (such as our Solid Waste Management Program, Green Thumb Initiative, Heritage Hub empowerment scheme) is aligned with regional priorities (digital inclusion, MSME support, sustainable development), then the chairmanship presents opportunity. But if the national focus becomes heavily consumed by hosting and optics, local communities might miss out on real spill-over benefits. In my view, Marcos is deserving of the opportunity, provided that he shifts beyond announcements into concrete delivery—and capable, under the condition that domestic and regional collaboration is strengthened and transparent.

My key recommendation is: as citizens and local leaders we should engage proactively—not sit back and wait. We should demand transparency from national leadership (in its ASEAN preparations) and align our barangay programs to the themes the Philippines is emphasizing in ASEAN (e.g., MSME development, digital skills, sustainability). We should push for measurable benefits trickling down to barangays. In short, PBBM has potential and momentum; the real test will be in the coming years whether that potential is realised and whether our community sees the benefits.