Editor’s note: This tracker was updated on July 19, 2024. It was first published on July 17, 2023
(Updated) In his first SONA in 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presented three ways to promote good governance: improve the country’s data connectivity; implement government regulations; and complete the issuance of national IDs.
While slow, the administration is working to improve the country’s internet infrastructure by building more fiber networks and setting up additional Wi-Fi sites in public places and schools.
Simplifying government functions and facilitating ease of digital transactions, however, still have a long way to go, especially since bills to support their institutionalization are still pending in Congress.
Over 88.23 million Filipinos have been issued national IDs as of June 21 — approximately 95.9% of the 92 million target initially set for June 30, 2023.
Marcos, in his 2023 SONA, did not make new promises about addressing corruption or promoting good governance.
He warned he will not tolerate corruption or incompetence in the government. Yet, he is tight-lipped when it comes to Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs), even after Sen. Risa Hontiveros said it has potential ties to government corruption.
Neither has the president said anything about recovering ill-gotten wealth stolen during the term of his late father, the dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
As of April 2024, 85 cases covering P125 billion in assets are still pending in courts, according to the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG).
VERA Files Fact Check tracks the promises of Mr. Marcos with regard to corruption and good governance during his first SONA in 2022. See how his administration fared:
