Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says that the nation needs a “like-minded president in 2028”, in order to continue the economic reforms introduced in his administration.
In statements at the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum in Manila, the official noted that without such continuity “all of these will just go by the wayside”.
The nation’s leader furthered that investors are way about reversals in policy that have previously occurred with administrative changes.
While Marcos noted that some reforms have been “enshrined in law”, he noted that any future top official would need to understand economics, including “how to create jobs” and “how to keep the inflation rate down”.
During his time in office, the president took a strong stance against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), outlawing them by presidential order and shutting down the once-profitable industry in response to public outcry over crimes – including human trafficking, money laundering and fraud – linked to such operations.
Despite the mandate against offshore gaming operations, Marcos Jr. did not follow calls for a complete shut-down of the online gaming sector, maintaining the legality of Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGOs), while pressuring government agencies such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to ensure strict oversight.
Marcos’ POGO ban directly reflects the shifting political spectrum, as POGOs were authorized to operate by PAGCOR during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte in 2016.
The daughter of the former president, sitting Vice President Sara Duterte, has already declared her intention to run in the 2028 elections.
Marcos indicated that he has not yet decided if he will endorse a successor, noting that it is till “too soon. Timing is everything,” cites the Philippine News Agency.
The official furthered that potential candidates would likely already have a political background as it was “quite difficult” otherwise due to the nation’s “highly political atmosphere”.
