2024 has been a year of reckoning for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as his leadership faced numerous trials that revealed both his resilience and vulnerability. As we look back on this pivotal year, we assess how the President has handled both triumph and failure, offering a glimpse of the challenges and triumphs that will continue to shape his path forward.
Strengthening global ties
This year witnessed significant diplomatic efforts under President Marcos Jr.'s leadership, as he worked to enhance the Philippines' relationships with global powers and regional neighbors.
President Marcos Jr. made several trips to different countries this year to further strengthen ties with various nations.
Marcos first flew to Vietnam for a two-day state visit, during which the Philippines and Vietnam signed a five-year rice supply agreement. This deal is seen as a guarantee for a stable rice supply in the country amid the effects of climate change and other crises.
On two occasions, the President also traveled to Australia as a government guest, where he spoke before the Australian Parliament in Canberra and engaged in the ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Partnership in Melbourne.
Furthermore, Marcos also made a working visit to Germany and a state visit to the Czech Republic, where he met with senior leaders of European countries and witnessed the signing of several agreements, including those related to the deployment of Filipino workers.
The President also traveled to the United States for a trilateral summit with the US and Japan.
Marcos also visited Brunei, participated in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, and attended the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summits in Laos.
Moreover, Marcos notably flew to Indonesia to attend the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto. Following the leadership transition, he announced that Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipino worker on death row for drug trafficking charges, would finally be returning to the Philippines.
His final trip for this year took him to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he held a one-day working visit. Marcos mentioned that the trip was brief but fruitful.
Steering the Economy
2024 was a crucial year for the Philippine economy with mixed results across key economic indicators.
The Marcos administration’s ability to navigate global inflation pressures, economic recovery post-pandemic, and internal challenges were put to the test.
In addition, Marcos pledged that his administration will remain steadfast in its commitment to enhance the well-being of the Filipino people.
The country’s chief executive assured the Filipino people that the administration will persist in investing in job-creating infrastructure, social protection programs, as well as in health and education for all citizens.
Despite the ongoing issue of inflation, Marcos ordered a reduction in tariffs on imported rice to help lower its price. He also expanded the number of Kadiwa Centers to provide affordable goods to the public.
The President approved the salary increase for public sector employees and mandated a review of the minimum wage.
Malacañang also welcomed the decline in the poverty rate in the Philippines. Along with this, reports indicated that nearly half a million families will graduate from the 4Ps program by the end of the year.
Another significant development in 2024 under the Marcos administration was the continuation of land distribution with condonation to Agrarian Reform beneficiaries.
Under Marcos' leadership, the administration aims to distribute 800,000 hectares of farmland to Filipino farmers.
Resilience in the face of natural disasters
Natural disasters have been a persistent challenge for the Philippines in 2024, underscoring the need for effective disaster preparedness and response systems.
With aid from the government, President Marcos visited the affected areas, ensuring that aid would reach those in need, especially farmers.
After the El Niño phenomenon, a series of typhoons struck the country. Typhoon Carina, accompanied by the southwest monsoon, caused widespread flooding across large parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila.
In addition to affecting farmers, thousands of fishermen also saw their livelihoods devastated due to the sinking of an oil tanker, which caused an oil spill from Bataan to Cavite.
As a resolution, Marcos formed an Inter-agency task force that will focus on addressing the possible effects of the oil spill from the Motor Tanker Terra Nova that sank.
Before the year ended, five consecutive typhoons hit the country, nearly depleting the calamity funds—an issue that the government immediately addressed. The President's visits to the provinces became a regular occurrence, where he conducted inspections and provided assistance.
The President assured that the government would continue to provide assistance to typhoon victims until they fully recover and return to normal living conditions.
He was able to visit several affected provinces including Oriental Mindoro, Batanes, Albay, and Catanduanes, where he extended assistance to the disaster victims.
Marcos urged all government agencies to avoid lavish celebrations this Christmas in solidarity with the typhoon victims, encouraging that any funds saved from more modest holiday observances be redirected to support communities affected by the disasters.
The year also saw natural disasters beyond typhoons, including the explosive eruptions of Mount Kanlaon and Mount Taal, which both unleashed thick ash posing significant threats to residents.
In line with this, Marcos expressed the government’s readiness, stating that authorities are closely monitoring Taal Volcano's activity and are prepared to respond if another eruption occurs.
Marcos also assured communities affected by the Kanlaon eruption that the government, in coordination with various local government units (LGUs) and agencies, is fully prepared to provide assistance.
Handling the clamor of politics
This year, the statements and exchanges between the two highest-ranking officials of the country, Vice President Sara Duterte and President Marcos Jr., made headlines.
Marcos expressed disappointment over Duterte's statement that they were not truly friends, mentioning that he had always believed they were, but perhaps he had been deceived.
Furthermore, Vice President Duterte stated in a press conference that she had once threatened to exhume the remains of Marcos Sr. and throw them into the West Philippine Sea if the Marcos family's allies did not cease their actions against her. Marcos opted not to comment on Duterte's remarks.
The Vice President's remarks continued as she stated that Marcos Jr. is not adequately equipped with the knowledge necessary to serve as President, adding that the nation is on the "road to hell."
The political noise escalated when Duterte made a statement claiming that she had hired someone to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, should she herself be killed.
Marcos slammed the Vice President's statement, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law. He said he would not let this pass and vowed to take action against it.
Despite the exchange of words between Marcos and Duterte, the President stated that he is not closing the door to the possibility of talking and reconciling with his former running mate.
Amid political tension, the public witnessed former rivals in the presidential race, Former Vice President Leni Robredo and President Marcos, shake hands during the inauguration of the Sorsogon Sports Coliseum.
Robredo described the interaction as a gesture of respect towards the President of the Philippines.
Taking a stand and having definite actions
President Marcos took a firm stand in 2024 which reflected his commitment to protecting the Filipino people and tackling emerging threats.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos firmly asserted the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), emphasizing that this is not a mere imagination, but a rightful claim of the country.
He further emphasized that "proper" diplomatic channels would remain the sole avenue for addressing the escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Before this, Marcos reiterated that the Philippines will not yield to any foreign power in defending the country’s sovereign territory.
In a bold move during his third SONA, he also announced the ban on all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations in the country, citing illegal activities and widespread abuse and disrespect towards the system.
He then tasked the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) with dismantling POGO operations by the end of the year.
In connection with the POGO issue, the departure of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo caused a stir.
The President stated that those who assisted suspended Mayor Guo in leaving the country will be held accountable, adding that "heads will roll."
As his final action for 2024, he signed the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 into law. This law allocates funds for the operation of the government from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Prior to the signing, the President, along with his economic advisers, conducted an exhaustive review, which led to the vetoing of over P194 billion worth of line items that were inconsistent with program priorities.
As the year wraps up, President Marcos Jr.'s leadership has been characterized by a mix of triumphs and trials. His efforts in strengthening global partnerships, guiding the economy through turbulent waters, and addressing natural disasters and political tensions reflect the resilience needed to steer the nation forward.
The future of the Philippines in 2025 hinges on the results of ongoing efforts to tackle critical challenges like economic recovery, disaster management, and political cohesion, which will chart the nation's path forward.