The on-the-Job Training (OJT) period of the Marcos, Jr. Administration has come to an end, which means critics will now have a chance to voice their opinions on the government’s actions, particularly concerning its supporters in the coming days.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself announced during his State of the National Address (SONA) to his cabinet that the honeymoon period is over, and the people can now expect real work to begin.
This marks a significant break for the Marcos Administration, as the pandemic is mostly under control, and if there are any cases, they are relatively mild, akin to a simple cold, easily treated with a single dose of paracetamol.
Compared to the grim experiences of the past two to three years, COVID-19 has become an ordinary illness. This improvement in the health situation offers hope for better economic conditions, job opportunities, and control over inflation, providing relief for those who remember the oppressive Martial Law implemented during the time of Marcos Sr.
There’s no denying the deep wounds inflicted by the Marcos regime upon the Filipino people, with countless victims of violence and exploitation of the nation’s coffers by cronies and the Marcos family. Investigations are ongoing into the billions of pesos suspected to have been plundered from the national treasury. Some assets have already been frozen, confirming the abuse of public funds.
If the quality of life improves, at least for some during his administration, President Marcos Jr. could serve as a beacon of hope for those who endured the dark days under his father’s rule. This could also be an opportunity for the Marcos family to rehabilitate their tarnished reputation.
The President’s term is still five years away from its conclusion, providing ample opportunity for him to prove that the 31 million who placed their trust in his vision of unity were not mistaken.
Hopefully, his administration will not repeat the dark chapter in the history of Filipinos. May a “Bagong Pilipinas” mantra emerge from his dreams. Good luck, Mr. President.”
