Senator Imee Marcos vowed to prioritize finding solutions to national issues and improving the lives of Filipinos amid political noise in the country as she seeks reelection in the 2025 midterm elections.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Monday, the Presidential sister pointed out that, in her opinion, regardless of any disputes between two groups of leaders, they must remain committed to their sworn duties and concentrate on addressing the issues affecting the Filipino people.
"In principle, ayoko talaga ng gulo. Kasi para sa akin, hindi ‘yan nakakatulong. Hindi naman talaga ‘yan ang problema. Pulos pulitika, ang aga-aga pa, ang layo pa sa 2028," said Marcos.
She further noted that the country’s leaders must focus on addressing the decline in rice prices, increasing employment opportunities, and providing support for the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Improving farmers' lives in the Marcos administration
Sen. Marcos admitted that in recent years, the agriculture sector has faced difficulties, not only in the Philippines but worldwide.
However, she noted that the government managed to extend help to farmers, citing that the outstanding debts of agrarian reform beneficiaries have been settled.
"Yung mga nakalista nilang utang, na bilyon-bilyon din ‘yon, sa wakas ay nabura. Sa ngayon, namimigay na ang pamahalaan ng free titles. Nag-umpisa ‘yan nung COVID," said Marcos.
"Nagpasa ako ng panukala, lumusot, naging batas. Ngayon, nakakatulong tayo ng almost 600,000 na pamilya. Namimigay na tayo ng titulo, isa-isa na, hindi na ‘yung CLOA," she added.
Furthermore, Marcos stated that she is also the head of a COOP and expressed her desire to amend the COOP Code, noting that it is already 35 years old.
Oil price fluctuations and their impact on the transport sector
As oil prices continue to fluctuate in the country, Marcos emphasized that the transport sector is facing significant challenges, describing it as "hard hit" by the ongoing changes.
Marcos noted the recent rise in oil prices, which has been burdensome for the sector, further compounded by a price decrease that barely made an impact, as it was only a 20-centavo reduction.
"Kaya ang aking panukala, unang-una kinakailangan sigurong mag-government to government na importasyon na ng ating langis," Marcos said.
"Ikalawa, sinasabi ko nga na dapat tanggalin na ‘yung VAT. Kapag lumampas ‘yung presyo ng labis labis, huwag nang magdagdag ng 12%. Kahit bawasan ng kalahati, 6%, edi atleast P3-P6 ang bawas niyan. Malaking tulong na ‘yan," she added.
Reducing commodity prices for Filipino consumers
Marcos expressed concern over the Department of Agriculture's initiatives, alleging that they are merely tactics that may be worsening the situation regarding rice prices.
She referenced the tariff, which initially started at 50% before being lowered to 35%. Despite this reduction, rice prices continued to rise, with P38 rice increasing to P42.
When the tariff was further reduced to 15%, the price of rice surged to P60, further exacerbating the situation.
"Yung mga Pakistani, mga Vietnamese na magsasaka pinapayaman natin. Samantalang kinakawawa ‘yung mga Pilipino," Marcos explained.
"Tapos ‘yung NFA rice daw ‘yung mga aging stock, ibebenta raw pero kukunti lang ‘yon. Nasa 10-12 days ‘yung P29 na sinasabi," she added.
Moreover, with the recent declaration of a food security emergency on rice, which mandates the importation of 4,000 metric tons, she questioned why this is necessary when the early harvest season is about to begin.
She further stated that the local farmers are at a disadvantage in this situation, as they are being pitted against imported rice.
"Hindi importasyon ang sagot sa agrikultura. Ang magsasakang Pilipino pa rin ang solusyon sa agrikultura. Pagtibayin natin, tulungan natin," she added.
Marcos suggested providing farmers with wages similar to the 4Ps program, rather than just aid, emphasizing the need for a proper registry for marginal farmers and fisherfolk.
"Nagugutom tayo hindi dahil walang pagkain, kundi dahil may iilang sakim," Marcos reiterated.
Furthermore, she also suggested that if possible, taxes on fertilizers should be removed to allow all types of fertilizers to enter the country, which would help support farmers.
Implementing a nationwide Pantawid Program to better support Filipino families
The senator admitted feeling upset after the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) was cut by P50 billion, pointing out that millions of families rely on the program.
Marcos then mentioned that instead of providing assorted aid programs such as AKAP, AICS, and Tupad to Filipinos, there should be a widespread Pantawid program with a well-organized registry, offering assistance on a monthly basis.
"Pero listahan na walang paki ang congressman, walang paki ang kapitan," she said.
Relationship with her brother
Sen. Marcos stated that there is no conflict between her and her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
However, she admitted that at times, she advises her brother, stating that the political conflicts should stop as they only divide the country as a consequence.
The incumbent senator previously served as governor of Ilocos Norte from 2010 to 2019 and as the representative of Ilocos Norte's 2nd district from 1998 to 2007. She has been serving as a senator since 2019.
