MANILA, Philippines — Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar “Egay” Erice on Tuesday said Filipinos are paying the price for political infighting and unfulfilled promises, saying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pledge of national unity has given way to divisions while many campaign commitments remain unmet.
In a privilege speech, Erice said Filipinos are no longer asking what the President plans to do but what he has accomplished after five State of the Nation Addresses (SONAs).
“The promise of unity has been replaced by political infighting. While those in power prepare for 2028, ordinary Filipinos continue to suffer from high prices, low incomes, and a declining quality of life,” Erice said.
He said his succeeding privilege speeches would tackle what he described as the administration’s broken promises, the alleged 1-trillion-peso national budget and infrastructure anomaly, and the failure to pursue political reforms.
Among the unfulfilled commitments he cited were the promise of 20-peso-per-kilo rice, one million housing units annually, stronger anti-corruption measures, and the enactment of an anti-political dynasty law.
Erice also questioned the government’s handling of alleged irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects.
“He promised to identify the masterminds. He promised there would be no sacred cows. Five years later, where is the report? Where is the accounting of the alleged 1-trillion-peso budget and infrastructure anomaly? And where are those responsible?” he said.
The lawmaker also criticized the administration for failing to create the proposed Independent People’s Commission and pass the proposed CADENA Act, which he said would have made the budget process more transparent.
He added that slowing economic growth, rising debt, and weakening investor confidence continue to burden Filipinos, while urging the administration to address monopolistic practices in key industries.
Erice said he would present documentary evidence in his succeeding privilege speeches to support his claims on the national budget, flood control spending, and the alleged infrastructure anomaly.