Blog
Two presidents with the name Marcos have ruled the Philippines. The first was Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who was president from 1965 to 1986. He became known for declaring martial law, building large projects, but also for corruption, heavy debt, and human rights abuses. After he was ousted by the People Power Revolution (Known as the EDSA People Power Revolution), his family went into exile. Decades later, after the dictatorship of Marcos Sr. was overthrown, his son, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., rose to power and became president in 2022. Because of this, the leadership of father and son is often compared, with people asking if the country is experiencing real change or simply a repeat of the past.
Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos marched along the streets in different cities around the country seeking accountability and condemning government corruption of billions, even trillions of the people’s taxes, on the exposed issue of flood control projects under the Marcos Jr administration, even spanning back during the previous Duterte administration and further.
The Nabaoy River, flowing gently through the mountains of Aklan, is renowned for its crystal-clear purity, with water so clean it contains very few dissolved minerals, perfect for drinking and sustaining life. Nestled within the Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve, this meandering river is part of a vital ecosystem of lush forests and towering peaks. But beyond its natural beauty, Nabaoy carries an even greater responsibility: it is the sole freshwater source for Boracay, the world-famous island whose vibrant life and thriving tourism all depend on this hidden lifeline from the mainland.
Enforced disappearances in the Philippines cannot be seen as a separate issue. The word desaparecidos may have started in Latin America, but the same conditions, dictatorships backed by powerful countries, also shaped the Philippine experience.
The Philippines’ recent thrust to expand global trade partnerships follows the 2022 Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) with Israel and the 2025 initiation of free trade agreement (FTA) talks. While these moves are framed as opportunities for growth, they raise urgent questions about who truly benefits, and at what cost.