One hundred days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was sworn into office, Filipino workers and members of civil society are still looking for clear directions and comprehensive and inclusive plans from the present administration on how to immediately address the country’s economic woes, San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said on Tuesday, October 11.
Marcos has not given his formal report of “accomplishments” in his first 100 days in office, Alminaza said in a statement.
“But while the plans and priorities of this administration remain unclear and unreliable, what is certain is that the needs of the Filipino people require nothing less than urgent action,” he said.
The most recent report from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows a rise in unemployment, and the prices of basic commodities have been on the rise, he said.
“Where the President seems to show most enthusiasm is in wasteful spending in blatant exhibitions of lavish living — joining parties, junkets, extravagant dinners abroad, and Formula One Singapore trip. The flaunting of privilege coupled with the lack of decisive action to curtail economic hardships experienced by ordinary Filipinos is both insensitive and unchristian,” Alminaza said.
“There is power in unity and solidarity. But without a clear people-centered vision and the decisive leadership necessary to take us there, we can only be united in poverty and hunger. We demand no less from the President of the Philippines and his administration. And 100 days without solutions to our country’s urgent needs is 100 days too long,” he said.*