President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to embrace discipline, unity, and national progress as they enter 2026, emphasizing empathy amid the challenges of the past year.
In his New Year's message, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to use the new year as an opportunity for reflection and renewal. He stated, 'It gives us the opportunity to look back on the year that has passed—its lessons, challenges, and achievements—and to look ahead with hope and purpose to the possibilities that await us.'
The year 2025 was tumultuous for the Marcos administration, including the arrest and turnover of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court, and a massive corruption scandal at the Department of Public Works and Highways, particularly in flood control projects. There were leadership shakeups in Congress and the cabinet due to corruption allegations. Filipinos united in street protests against corruption but also faced political divisions.
Despite declining popularity—34% approval rating and 47% distrust according to surveys—Marcos focused on the future. 'As we step into 2026, I therefore call on every Filipino to embrace the year with discipline, confidence, and a shared commitment to our nation's progress,' he said. He emphasized 'Bagong Pilipinas' built on unity, compassion, and empathy.
'A society thrives when its people choose empathy over indifference, service over self-interest, and hope over despair,' he added, signaling optimism for 2026 where 44% of Filipinos are hopeful per Social Weather Stations survey.
