Marcos priorities broader than legacy, Palace says

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s priorities extend beyond legacy-building, Malacañang said on Wednesday, emphasizing his administration’s efforts to institutionalize accountability in government, particularly in pursuing corruption cases.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said Mr. Marcos aims to ensure that these initiatives continue beyond his term, alongside sustained investments in agriculture, healthcare and education—sectors the administration counts as critical to long-term growth and social stability.

“The President is not solely focused on his legacy. He is actively working and taking action,” she told broadcaster DZMM in Filipino.

“His response—especially given the crisis in the Middle East—shows how the president moves to address challenges.”

The President, whose term ends in 2028, faces pressing issues such as the ongoing graft scandal, rising fuel prices triggered by the Middle East crisis, weakening economy and a depreciating peso.

“We acknowledge fuel prices are high, but the President is taking action,” said Ms. Castro, noting the government’s actions in securing oil supply.

Ms. Castro’s remarks followed Davao City Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte criticisms on Mr. Marcos’ record, saying in a social media post on Monday that “your legacy is your corruption” at a time when Filipinos are grappling with rising costs and fuel price spikes tied to the Middle East crisis.

Mr. Duterte, son of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, accused Mr. Marcos of prioritizing political image over every day economic pressures.

The Marcos-Duterte tandem, a force that delivered a landslide win in the 2022 presidential polls, had a falling out after the Duterte patriarch was flown to the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity in 2025.

The Duterte family blamed Mr. Marcos for the arrest of the former president, accusing his administration of kidnapping. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana