MANILA, Philippines — House Assistant Minority Leader and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co on Monday criticized the so-called incompetence of the Marcos administration, saying it failed to deliver on its promises to uplift the lives of Filipinos.
The lawmaker’s remarks came ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), calling out the present leadership’s shortcomings in addressing the country’s most pressing issues including corruption.
"The Marcos Jr. regime is in shambles. The dreams of the youth that have been calling for a long time have turned into stone,” Co said in Filipino.
"Until now, corruption in the government continues to flourish. All those involved, no one has been held accountable. Maybe until we young people grow old, we will not witness anyone held accountable,” she added.
The opposition lawmaker also pointed to what she described as the country's worsening economic conditions, citing rising prices, continued implementation of regressive taxes, and wages that she said remain insufficient to meet the needs of Filipino workers.
Co likewise criticized the Philippines' Pax Silica agreement with the United States, arguing that the administration should instead prioritize addressing domestic issues such as the economy and public services.
She also said the government has failed to resolve the country's education crisis, pointing to students who continue to struggle with literacy, school completion, and access to quality and affordable education.
“This regime has not pushed for any real achievement or change. The demands of the people go in one ear and out the other. Is this the new Philippines that Marcos Jr. hopes for?” Co said.
