Marcos Deserves ‘Incomplete’ Grade – Political Analyst

A year into President Marcos’ term, a political science lecturer said the Chief Executive deserves the “incomplete” grade given to him by an economist.

Cleve Arguelles, an assistant lecturer in De La Salle University’s (DLSU) Department of Political Science and Development Studies made this assessment on ANC’s “Headstart” on Friday, June 30, as he looked back on Marcos’ first year in office. 

Arguelles said most of the promises made by Marcos campaign period are yet to be felt by Filipinos, particularly in terms of economy such as reducing prices of basic food commodities. 

While inflation is experienced throughout Southeast Asia, Arguelles noted how neighboring countries were able to implement effective and efficient responses, making it fair to hold Marcos accountable for high prices of basic needs.

“We haven’t seen the price of a basic commodity like onion… rise the way that it did in the Philippines. Despite the inflation, this particular challenge that is shared across different countries, the response of the governments have been different and that is how we’re actually assessing this administration,” Arguelles stressed. 

He added a lack of relief policies amid rising fuel prices. Despite targeted cash transfers or the expansion of Kadiwa centers, Arguelles felt that a whole-of-government and society approach was lacking from the administration. 

“These are pockets of relief rather than a national targeted effort to help ordinary Filipinos cope with these global challenges, and definitely, it’s the responsibility of the government to help its citizens cope with these global challenges,” Arguelles explained. 

Aside from economic underperformance, Arguelles mentioned the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) and its long-term impact on the administration’s reputation. 

Given the Marcoses’ past, it does not help that the administration prioritized a “no audit slush fund” like the MIF, he said.  

“There are so many concerns about it. Not only about its economic performance, but it’s very vulnerable to massive corruption, and no less than Senator Imee Marcos, the sister of the President, already pointed this out,” Arguelles stressed.

Despite this, Arguelles noted that Marcos remains popular among Filipinos, citing surveys conducted by his firm WR Numero and other polling firms.

But he noted that President, like his predecessors, is still enjoying a “honeymoon” phase with Filipinos.

On “Sa Totoo Lang” over One PH, UP Diliman political science professor Jaime Naval gave Marcos a “6 to 6.5” out of 10 rating, saying he was more optimistic about the country’s economic situation. 

“The economy in terms of macro indicators is quite showing us a comfortable situation. We also witness on the ground that supposedly unsettling rates have been controlled… but of course, there are still indicators in the inflation rate which needs to be given more action,” Naval said.

Like Arguelles, he noted high prices on food commodities. As these have physical consequences, Naval stressed lowering prices should be a priority. 

On Thursday, June 29, Marcos himself agreed to the “incomplete” assessment and acknowledged that there is still “a long way to go” in terms of addressing the challenges confronting the country. 

Grade Of ‘Incomplete’ In 1st Year? Marcos Agrees

Polarizing but strong foreign presence 

A strong point for Arguelles is the administration’s foreign presence. He lauded the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other stakeholders as the country takes a “more active stage” internationally. 

Being in a “geopolitically dynamic region,” Arguelles stressed the Philippines should be present in international conversations. All the more that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration appeared to have shied away from most international conversations, he added.  

Although he remains wary, Arguelles recognized Marcos’ investment pledges from the United States and Japan, among other countries.

He recalled the pledges received by the previous administration, mainly from China, which hardly materialized.

“Aside from really collecting these pledges, and being part of these international conversations, (Marcos should) make sure that these pledges will turn into actual economic investments,” Arguelles said. 

He also noted how the President was correct in “balancing” relations with the US.

With China, he suggested a “balanced” interaction of open protest and dialogue, citing the Philippines’ international influence and the ongoing disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

The political analyst also cited “political baggage” in Marcos’ foreign interactions, noting 13 overseas trips within one year. Arguelles believed that part of these trips was “rehabilitating and restoring” the Marcos name.

“I think they will really use this opportunity. They waited to be back for several decades, to be able to be back in the international spotlight, so they will really use this opportunity to the best that they can,” Arguelles explained, adding frequent trips overseas might not stop anytime soon. 

Mixed circle

When it came to his appointees, Arguelles noted how Marcos chose to have a “mixed circle” among his secretaries.

He welcomed the recent appointment of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, whom he noted for his expertise and “political capital” to unite various stakeholders. 

“(Political capital) is a very important consideration in this political post. Especially that Marcos’ key marching orders, as we’ve heard from Secretary Teodoro, is to resolve this issue about military pension,” Arguelles explained.

He stressed the “importance” of having a civilian return to the post.

“I think it took President Marcos several months before making this appointment, but I’m happy to finally see it,” Arguelles said. 

On the appointment of disbarred lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon as presidential adviser on poverty reduction, Arguelles believed that it will not negatively affect Marcos’ popularity among voters. 

But he said it would make political observers wary, noting that presidential appointees are “alter-egos” of the President.

“It says so much that the President is willing to use his presidential appointment powers to appoint a disgraced, disbarred lawyer like Larry Gadon,” he said.

Arguelles also expressed disappointment in Marcos’ decision to stay as head of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

While Marcos believes that agriculture would be prioritized if he personally heads it, Arguelles said it actually led to an “underperformance” in achieving goals for the sector. Aside from high prices of basic commodities, he noted supply shortages on various products such as flour and sugar .

“And these should be something a full-time secretary of agriculture should be working on 24/7. Now that the President has faced himself in this position, my thinking is it would be very difficult for him to hand over the secretary position without any clear public victory,” Arguelles stressed. 

“I think he cannot leave the Department of Agriculture without being able to claim to the public, to his supporters he has made a remarkable achievement in that portfolio,” he said. 

Like Arguelles, Naval underscored the role of the DA secretary in fully solving the problem of inflation. He stressed that Marcos cannot be a semi-permanent fixture in the department as it is responsible for making food and other basic commodities accessible. 

“I don’t think we are bereft of manpower or great people to be Secretary of Agriculture…They said a holistic approach, or all hands on deck will be in place. Why can’t they give the post or entrust it when we will never run out of great people,” he added during his interview with “Sa Totoo Lang.”

Naval said it was “unsettling” that Teodoro and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa were only appointed recently. While Teodoro was covered by the one-year ban for those who lost in the 2022 elections, Herbosa could have been appointed much earlier.

Naval noticed an “enigmatic” feel in some of Marcos’ appointments. He recalled former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez, press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles and national security adviser Clarita Carlos, who all resigned after serving for just a few months, and Gadon’s recent appointment. 

“There will be criticisms on the part of the President for the manner in which he appoints, or disappoints in the process to the people he will place in power,” Naval said.