Marcos admits gov't should focus on PH's smaller concerns
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. admitted that the government should have focused on smaller matters affecting Filipinos, such as long queues at trains, over big projects.
Marcos discussed his realizations after the 2025 midterm elections in the first episode of his BBM Podcast with Anthony Taberna. He noted that Filipinos have been "disappointed" with the government.
"Hindi nila nararamdaman at masyadong mabagal ang galaw ng pagbubuo ng mga project na hindi pa nila maramdaman," he said, adding that he chose to focus on bigger projects with "more long-term effect" like building a subway.
"Hindi natin nabigyan ng sapat ng attensyon yung mas maliit na bagay, 'yung para maging masagbaginhawa ang pangaraw-araw ng buhay ng tao."
Addressing concerns
He then cited concerns like long queues at trains and traffic. The Department of Transportation has been considering removing X-ray scanners at the MRT-3 line to decongest lines.
Marcos said that security checks were set to be scrapped because it doesn't have anything to do with riding trains.
"Tinanggal niya lahat, nabawasan ng pila," he remarked, supposedly speaking of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
Apart from public transportation, Marcos also discussed plans to improve the experience for overseas Filipino workers at the airport.
"Ang kawawa naman sa airport 'yung OFW. 'Yung mga dayuhan ang bilis ng daan, walang problema, pero OFW, kung anu-ano hinihingi," he said.
"May ginagawa kaming pagpalit sa Bureau of Immigration pati 'yung tinatawag na e-gate," he continued, adding that he eyes to add more to reduce long lines.
The president also spoke about pushing for digitalization to solve the long lines at PhilHealth.
'Just do it'
Marcos added that government officials would undergo performance reviews to combat corruption. He then told Taberna that he wants to prioritize action and tangible results from those in office.
"Kailan mararamdaman 'yan? Hindi mo nman masisi 'yung tao. Tama naman sila eh. Kayong may hawak ng gobyerno, ayusin ninyo. Huwag na sumbong sa amin basta gawin na ninyo," he said.
"Don't explain it to us anymore. Just do it."
On the Dutertes and unity
While he didn't name Vice President Sara Duterte in his podcast, the president was asked about his stance on impeachment.
"'Yung impeachment eh nasa Senado na 'yan. Pabayaan natin sila. May proseso 'yan. Ako eh basta ang nasa isip ko tapos na ang eleksyon balik sa trabaho," he said.
Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on Feb. 5 on grounds of "series of grave allegations, including conspiracy to assassinate Marcos, large-scale corruption, abuse of public funds, and involvement in extrajudicial killings."
The Senate has proposed to start the impeachment trial on July 30.
Asked whether he's open to reconciling with the Dutertes, whom he had a falling out with, Marcos said he is.
"Ayoko ng gulo. Gusto kong makasundo sa lahat ng tao," the country's chief executive said.
"Hangga't maari ako ang habol ko ah 'yung stability, peaceful para magawa namin 'yung trabaho namin. Kaya ako lagi akong bukas sa ganyan I'm always open to any approach na halika magtulungan tayo kahit hindi tayo magkasundo sa pulisiya."
In a survey by Pulse Asia held from March 23 to 29, Marcos' performance rating was at 25% approval, with 53% disapproval and 22% undecided. The poll involved 2,400 adult Filipinos selected through multi-stage probability sampling.
During the midterm poll, six candidates under the administration slate Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas were proclaimed senators: Erwin Tulfo, Panfilo Lacson, Tito Sotto, Pia Cayetano, Camille Villar, and Lito Lapid.