PRESIDENT PHILIPPINES

“Well, naipakita ko na ang diploma ko. It is a degree course. So yeah, nag-graduate ako sa Oxford.” Marcos Jr. continues to lie about his educational background, falsely claiming that his Oxford special diploma is proof that he finished a “degree course.” Oxford Univeristy, in October 2021, said that the special diploma is “not a full graduate Diploma.”

“Sa buong buhay ko, hindi pa ‘ko nakakakita ng gold na ganyan, alam mo marami akong kakilala kung saan-saan naghuhukay pero ako wala pa ‘kong kahit anong nakitang gold na sinasabi nila. Baka alam nila, sabihan ako, kailangan ko ‘yung gold, wala pa ‘kong nakikitang gold.” Marcos Jr. claims he has not seen any of the gold rumored to belong to his family in the long-running “Tallano gold” myth. But in April 1990, in an interview with the late journalist Kristina Luz that was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Marcos said he was the only one who knew “where it [the gold] is and how to get to it.” In 2007, he also reiterated his gold claims before a Philippine court.

“Find me one. Hanapan mo ko kahit isa na troll. Nakita niyo naman sa Facebook, ako lang ang walang gastos sa Facebook kahit isang sentimo. I don’t do that.” Marcos Jr. denies that he has an army of trolls, and even describes "fake news" as dangerous. But numerous Rappler investigations have shown that disinformation networks benefit the Marcos family by whitewashing the abuses, killings, and massive corruption during the Martial Law regime of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“Ako? Ay hindi ako puwede sa ganyan. Masyado akong maraming ginagawa, the lifestyle – that kind of lifestyle, para sa mga walang ginagawa, sa walang trabaho.” Marcos Jr.'s response, after President Rodrigo Duterte alluded in 2021 to a presidential candidate "with a famous father" and who uses cocaine.

“Show me. Show me where there’s revisionism, from our part, our side, show me. Anything that we have said we can prove that this actually happened.” Marcos Jr.'s response to claims that his family is involved in historical revisionism. But multiple investigations by Rappler found disinformation and propaganda networks that seek to twist facts and distort data related to Martial Law and corruption in the old Marcos regime. Marcos Jr. himself has been on record making false claims about what happened during his father's dictatorial rule.

“I don’t think there is a need to take a stand. We are not involved except for our nationals.” In the immediate aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Marcos Jr. said the Philippines should stay neutral. But he changed his tune on March 4, saying that he stands “united with the rest of the world for Russia to respect Ukraine’s freedom and its citizens’ democratic way of life.”

“I know [journalist Jessica Soho is anti-Marcos] because of the treatment we received at her hands. Ganoon na naman magiging usapan. Wala nang silbi ‘yun, hindi naman magbabago ‘yung opinyon ko. Mukhang maliwanag hindi magbabago ang opinyon niya, so hindi namin mapapag-usapan ‘yung importante para sa akin na mapag-usapan, kung ano ang gagawin natin, anong program of government… What questions are going to be asked that have not been asked, and how many answers do you have to give that have not been given before? Nothing’s going to change, so why are we doing this?” Marcos Jr. defends his non-appearance in the Jessica Soho presidential interviews in January 2022 by hitting the veteran journalist.

Context

What Bongbong is Saying

Marcos Jr. says his government will not impose lockdowns and instead prioritize information drive to ramp up vaccination. 

On COVID-19 pandemic

"After we cope with this (pandemic), let us revisit the system. Let us use our experience to fix it so that when another medical issue arises in the future we will be ready."

Marcos Jr. says that in a post-pandemic situation, he will push for a higher budget for healthcare and medical research, and reorganize the health care system. He also plans to increase the number of public dialysis centers in the Philippines.

On Health

Manila Bulletin article, January 22, 2022

"Agriculture, tourism, we should go back to the concept of public-private partnership, and that way we can bring together different segments of the government working together so that the economy will come back and hopefully it will come back stronger than it was during pre-Covid."

Marcos Jr. plans to create a "comprehensive organic farming framework," strengthen domestic production of fertilizers, and start a banana research institute. He also wants to establish more trading posts across the Philippines to ensure easy access to cheaper goods. Marcos adds that public-private partnerships should be revisited to aid economic recovery. 

On Economic recovery

"I propose also that we go back to the old system na pag umuwi yung OFW pag natapos na ang kontrata, that there will be a program of retraining especially for those that will come home and are hoping to go back para sa bagong kontrata. That is the old system before but with an eye to looking at the labor market, the international labor market. Saan ba ngayon ang maraming construction? Saan ba ngayon ang maraming naghahanap ng nurse, ng doktor? Saan ba ngayon where we can export?"

Marcos Jr. is considering a retraining program for overseas Filipino workers. 

On Labor rights

ALC media group interview, January 4, 2022

"Ramdam ko ang hirap nila, hindi naging madali, marami pa rin sa mga estudyante ang nahihirapan, walang computer, tablets o kahit cellphone man lang sana, hirap rin sila sa pagsagap ng Internet, umaakyat pa sa puno, bubong para lamang makapag-aral ng mabuti, pasalamat tayo sa mga guro natin dahil sa kabila ng hirap na dinadanas nila, eh nandun pa din yung passion nila to cope up with our new system, yung iba talaga gumagawa ng paraan para matulongan ang ating mga estudyante at makapagturo ng maayos."

Marcos Jr. plans to establish a National Education Portal to help students.

On Education

"Ang gagamitin natin is natural sources of energy. Hindi na tayo gagamit ng coal. Hindi na tayo gagamit ng fossil fuel. Kailangan meron tayong kapalit and the renewables ay (always) available."

Marcos Jr. says his administration will find alternative energy sources to lower electricity costs. He also wants to remodernize the Pasig River Ferry System as part of his team's blueprint to address Metro Manila's traffic problem. 

On Environment and Climate Change

The International Criminal Court's pre-trial chamber in September 2021 green-lit an investigation into the killings under Duterte's war on drugs committed between July 2016 to March 2019. The pre-trial chamber says available information "indicates that the Philippine authorities have failed to take meaningful steps to investigate or prosecute the killings."

"We have a functioning judiciary, and that’s why I don’t see the need for a foreigner to come and do the job for us, do the job for our judicial system. Our judicial system is perfectly capable of doing that."

Marcos Jr. says he will not help the International Criminal Court investigate President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. 

On Justice, Peace, and Order

Philippine Daily Inquirer article, January 27, 2022

Marcos Jr. says he will continue President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, but vows to do it differently. He said he would pivot the campaign to a “focused” strategy, putting premium on rehabilitation while treating those suffering from drug addiction "like patients in need of a cure." He says he will focus on prevention.

On War on Drugs

"That arbitration is no longer an arbitration if there’s only one party. So, it’s no longer available to us... "Siguro naman we can come to an agreement, that, as a matter of fact, dahil kaibigan ko naman ang mga nasa Chinese embassy, nag uusap na kami tungkol dyan... We should gear our military, as you say, to civil defense, and internal threats. And I think diplomacy is what we will use to mitigate or to lessen external threats."

Marcos Jr. says he is prepared to do away with the historic arbiration win of the Philippines in The Hague. He says he will go to the route of bilateral talks with China, whom he called "friends." 

On Foreign Policy/WPS/Security

"I think for very severe cases like you said, the most, the majority are the rape victims, I think that if it can be shown that they were raped and it was not consensual sex that got them pregnant, then they should have the choice to abort or not. The other is incest perhaps."

Marcos Jr. says he is open to passing a law that will legalize abortions for severe cases like rape and incest. He says that as part of the government, he should be more concerned about the deaths than the opposition of the Church. 

On Family and Gender Issues

The PCGG was established in 1986 to recover the ill-gotten wealth of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, his family, and his cronies. The Philippine government has so far recovered P174.2 billion as of 2020.

"Maybe we could strengthen the PCCG when it comes to anti-corruption. We need to study what could be its role in the anti-corruption drive."

Marcos Jr. says he will explore how to strengthen the Presidential Commission on Good Government as an anti-corruption agency.

On Good Governance

Philippine Daily Inquirer article, February 6, 2022

Marcos Jr. says he is against mandatory vaccination against COVID-19, adding that government should prioritize promoting available vaccines.

“Sa palagay ko hindi natin pwedeng pwersahin kahit sino na magpabakuna. Alam niyo, may batas na kapag ikaw kahit na nasa hospital ka at sinasabi ng doctor na kailangan mong maiwan sa hospital, kung aayawin na ng pasyente, sasabihin ‘hindi ayoko na, gusto ko nang umuwi’ ay hindi sila mapipigilan... Ganun din ‘yung bakuna, hindi natin sila mapipilit."

Make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory?

Marcos Jr.'s official Twitter account says not even rich countries can't test all citizens, so it's better to prioritize or pick where and who to test.

Implement mass testing for COVID-19?

Marcos Jr. says during his 2016 vice presidential campaign that he intended to lead the Department of Labor and Employment to push for the end of contractualization and introduce other reforms.

"Kaya po lagi kong sinasabi na aking hihingin yung DOLE para matapos na ‘yung kanilang polisiya na pikit-mata sa mga ‘end of contract,’ sa mga 5-5-5, sa mga contractualization. Itigil na natin ‘yan at ibalik na natin ang karapatan ng mga manggagawa sa Pilipinas."

End contractualization?

Marcos Jr. says during his 2016 vice presidential campaign that workers must be immediately granted a wage increase because many suffer from low income.

"During my campaign sorties, I have talked to a lot of groups and they keep complaining about the same thing. No matter which province, no matter who I talk to, it always boils down to insufficient income for the amount of work they do and even before their salaries get to them, over 30 percent of it has already been deducted from taxes. So a wage increase should be given now"

Set a national minimum wage?

Marcos' Senate press release, April 14, 2016

In 2016, senator Marcos Jr. says easing constitutional limitations on foreign ownership can help cut electrity costs in the Philippines. He says foreign firms are hesitating to invest here because of the 60-40 rule.

"We have a lot of areas with the potential for development of renewable energy sources, but these require considerable investment. Many foreign firms are interested but not too keen on coming in unless we ease the 60-40 rule."

Allow ownership of corporations by foreigners?

Marcos' Senate press release, February 7, 2016

Increase wealth tax?

Privatize utilities?

Provide pandemic stimulus for SMEs?

Marcos Jr. vows to continue Duterte's Build Build Build program. He says he sees it as a way to create jobs for Filipinos affected by the pandemic.

"Ating pinaplano at iniisip kung paano ipapaahon ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas, kung paano ipagpapatuloy ang ginawa ni President Rodrigo Duterte na ‘Build, Build, Build’ na palalakihin pa natin at pagbubutihin."

Continue Build Build Build?

CNN Philippines article, November 30, 2021

Marcos Jr. says the government should ensure that minimum health protocols are followed for the safety of teachers and students.

"I’m happy that at least we are trying to start face-to-face classes. It is actually good news because that is a very good sign that, somehow, we are slowly going back to normalcy....  [But in] other countries, they have experienced that there were risks involved in having non-vaccinated teachers and staff when they went back to face-to-face classes."

Allow return to face-to-face classes?

Manila Standard article, November 2, 2021

Allow military presence in schools?

Set mandatory return service for beneficiaries of Free College Tuition?

Marcos Jr. in 2019 says ROTC is not only designed to help the military in times of war but also to instill values and test the character of Filipinos.

"The current debate about 'mandatory ROTC' takes me back to my time in the military. There is no replacement for the discipline and confidence I gained through the many tests of character we all had to overcome. ROTC may have been designed to support our Armed Forces, but even without the threat of war, the experience leaves each individual with valuable learnings that they will use for the rest of their lives."

Make ROTC mandatory?

Marcos Jr. says the K-12 program is not effective in improving the quality of education in the Philippines. The government should focus on improving the welfare of teachers and build more classrooms.

"I'm not sure that just putting two extra years will improve the educational attainment of our students. What we should do is strengthen the educational system that we have... The teachers need support so that they do not have to find other ways to earn a living thus allowing them to concentrate on teaching. We do not have enough school buildings. Our materials, school supplies that we provide our students in public schools, are below standard. These are the first things that we should attend to."

Continue the current design of the K-12 program?

Marcos' Senate press release, July 18, 2015

Marcos Jr. says he will allow "sustainable" mining operations but admits he is still wary about open-pit mining.

"When it comes to open-pit mining, I think I'm a bit wary about that. Because it is very difficult to control, and the pollution that's caused by open-pit mining, the leeching that occurs in open-pit mining, there are many occurrences where even after the mine has been closed, they have covered it up, they have planted trees, built houses on it, lumalabas ang lason."

Allow open-pit mining?

Presidential One-on-One Interviews with Boy Abunda, January 25, 2022

Allow land reclamation projects?

Marcos Jr. claims the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was shut down for political reasons following the ouster of his father, the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. the BNPP was a project of his father that was plagued with corruption issues.

"We really have to look at nuclear power. Wag natin i-politika. Once again, follow the science. Kaya't baka naman mapakinabangan pa natin 'yan. Kung hindi, then maybe magtayo tayo ng iba."

Recommission BNPP or nuclear power?

Push for passage of National Land Use Plan?

Marcos Jr. says he will continue President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs but will do it in a "different way."

"Yes, but perhaps in a different way. We have seen that the drug war has been conducted purely on enforcement side. I think we should also focus on the prevention side."

Continue war on drugs?

CNN Philippines interview, October 7, 2021

Marcos Jr. says the PH judicial system can do its job if it wants to investigate President Rodrigo Duterte.

"We have a functioning judiciary, and that’s why I don’t see the need for a foreigner to come and do the job for us, do the job for our judicial system. Our judicial system is perfectly capable of doing that."

Prosecute Duterte in the ICC?

Marcos Jr. says ICC investigators can come to the Philippines but not expect any help from the government. In 2022, he said that the ICC should answer if it has jurisdiction over the Philippines.

In 2021: "They can come, be tourists, look at the Philippines. But I don’t know what they expect the government to do beyond that…We will behave as a non-signatory. If they want to come to the country, everybody’s welcome but as a visitor." In 2022: "What is their jurisdiction to come here to the Philippines and conduct an investigation? Is that not a violation of our rights as a sovereign nation in the community of nations? Those questions need to be answered before they can be allowed any investigation."

Allow ICC investigators to conduct a probe in the country?

Return PH into the ICC?

Marcos Jr. says he will continue supporting NTF-ELCAC, but says it is not the only solution. NTF-ELCAC has been under fire for its persistent attacks on activists, media, students, and opposition figures, among others.

"Ipagpatuloy ang NTF-ELCAC, ngunit huwag tayong aasa na ‘yan lang ang sosolusyon sa problema natin at marami pang social problems na kelangan tugunan."

Abolish NTF-ELCAC?

SMNI Presidential Debate, February 15, 2022

Marcos Jr. says he is for strengthening the PCGG to also cover other corruption cases.

"Maybe we could strengthen the PCCG when it comes to anti-corruption. We need to study what could be its role in the anti-corruption drive."

Abolish PCGG?

Lower age of criminal responsibility?

Marcos Jr. says the NTF-ELCAC  "has become very effective in fighting this problem." 

"The first responsibility of any elected officials, on our taking our oath, is to defend and protect the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines — and that includes the defense of our people and of our republic. So this problem [of armed struggle] continues. We should continue our peace talks until we can a real peace agreement."

Resume peace talks with CPP-NPA-NDF?

Marcos Jr. says reimposition of the death penalty depends on the severity of the crime and if there is still hope that the perpetrator will change.

“We have to understand for ourselves what is the basis of what we are doing. Is it because of the moral issue? Let’s say... ‘we think that the state has to right to take a life, then we should have the death penalty. Kasi talagang hopeless na ‘yung iba. Talagang you cannot rehabilitate... then they [should] just be removed from the society.’ On the other hand, if you are trying to discourage criminality, I think history has shown not only in the Philippines but around the world that the death penalty does not really help reduce [crimes].”

Restore death penalty?

“The Chatroom” interview with Martin Andanar and Erwin Tulfo, March 19, 2022

Review of China contracts?

Joint exploration with China in WPS?

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. says he will set aside the Hague ruling and resort to talks with China, whom he refers to as "friends."

"That arbitration is no longer an arbitration if there’s only one party. So, it’s no longer available to us."

Raise Hague Ruling at the UN?

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. says he will set aside the Hague ruling and resort to talks with China, whose representatives he refers to as "friends."

"Siguro naman we can come to an agreement that, as a matter of fact, dahil kaibigan ko naman ang mga nasa Chinese embassy, nag-uusap na kami tungkol d'yan.... We should gear our military, as you say, to civil defense, and internal threats. And I think diplomacy is what we will use to mitigate or to lessen external threats."

Focus on bilateral talks for WPS?

Payment of damages for Gem-Ver fishermen?

Pass proposed baselines law?

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. says he is open to legalizing abortions for severe cases like rape and incest. He explains his stand by saying that he should be more concerned about the consequences of these crimes than the opposition of the Church to abortion. 

"I think for very severe cases like you said, the most, the majority are the rape victims, I think that if it can be shown that they were raped and it was not consensual sex that got them pregnant, then they should have the choice to abort or not. The other is incest perhaps."

In favor of abortion?

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. says he is still undecided regarding divorce because "it is not a simple question." 

"In my view, just in terms of the law, siguro ‘yung mga imposible talaga, lagi silang nag-aaway, laging magulo ‘yung mag-asawa, tapos naghihiwalay, happy sila pareho, happy ‘yung mga anak nila. So there are people who really will not…hindi tatagal na mag-asawa, maybe we can give that another status, it's not a simple question."

In favor of divorce?

In favor of same-sex union?

Marcos' Senate press release, February 17, 2016

In favor of decriminalization of sex work?

In favor of passing the SOGIE bill?

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has flipped-flopped on the issue of making his SALN public. On January 24, he said SALNs have been weaponized. A few hours after, he said he was open to releasing his SALN. He repeated this stance on February 15, 2022.

"Sa issue ng pagbigay ng SALN, ako para sa akin, hindi problema 'yun. Hindi lang ako nagsusulat ng SALN for the last 6 years pero kung ako ay maging mapalad sa darating na halalan, natural ay kailangan gagawa ng SALN at ito ay ibibigay ko sa publiko kung hihingin sa akin."

Support SALN disclosure for public officials?

Support public-private partnerships for infrastructure?

Restore effectivity of procurement law in pandemic procurements?

“Magiging honest ako sa inyo, ha? Kasi nung nag-run ako for congressman, grabe ’yung bilihan ng boto sa amin. Alam mo, mali siya, mali ’yung pagbibili ng boto. Pero ’yung sinasabi ko sa tao, tanggapin ’nyo…. ’Yung ’pinangbibili ng boto, pera din ’yan ng taong bayan…. ’Yung sa akin, tanggapin ang pera, pero iboto [ang] sa konsensiya.” In a virtual dialogue with Filipino house helpers, Robredo is asked what advice she would give to those being offered money for their votes. Robredo first says she is against vote-buying, an illegal practice, but adds that voters may take the bribes but still vote according to their conscience. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas also denounces vote-buying as "evil," but says, if a person is hungry, he or she can take a vote buyer’s money as a "gift," and still follow the dictates of conscience while voting. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez stresses that vote-buying is an election offense "regardless of financial situation or noble intentions."

“I want to address the elephant in the room kasi (because) I’ve been quoted so many times already that I’m for the abolition of NTF-ELCAC. And I want to emphasize today that I am all for the mandate and the functions of [NTF-ELCAC].” After initially saying she wanted to abolish the problematic National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), Robredo later clarifies that she is all for the task force’s mandate to combat the country’s insurgency problem, but not its “careless” red-tagging. A day after the Vice President makes the statement, groups say they are disappointed with Robredo and ask her to talk to the victims of human rights violations to reassess her stance.

"Hindi ako sang-ayon sa divorce.... Pero ang pinakaproblema ngayon ay hindi accessible masyado [ang batas sa declaration of nullity of marriage] sa mga mahihirap. So, ako, ang pinakaposisyon ko dito, dapat sana ayusin ’yung implementation ng batas para hindi siya nagiging accessible lang doon sa mga may pambayad. Pero, having said that, bukas ako – bukas ako sa usapin patungkol sa divorce. Marami akong kasama na ang paniniwala talaga nila panahon na para isulong ’yung divorce." Women’s rights advocates, even those within her own supporter base, have criticized Robredo’s conservative stance on divorce. Feminist groups have long been pushing for the legalization of divorce in the Philippines, the only country left in the world, apart from the Vatican City, without it. Advocates have also disagreed with Robredo’s conservative views on abortion and same-sex marriage.

To be “liberated” from the fear of getting sick, Robredo said that a “mahusay at matinong” (competent and sensible) leader should focus on the COVID-19 response strategy.

"Para mas mapabilis ang ating tuluyang paglaya sa COVID, ang kailangan, klaro, malawakan, strategic, at mapagpalayang tugon."

What Leni is Saying

Leni Robredo's COVID-19 plan, "Kalayaan sa COVID (Freedom from COVID)," centers on three visions: “freedom” from fear of getting sick, freedom from hunger, and freedom from lack of education. Robredo will push for the following: free COVID-19 testing, sufficient vaccines for Filipinos by making sure there are funds for it, increasing the capacity of hospitals, a nurse for each barangay, and implementation of a telemedicine system.

Robredo will push to increase healthcare facilities' capacities. She says she will push to keep the hospital bed to population ratio below 1:800 in every region. Medical personnel will easily have access to advice from specialists using technology. The Vice President wants a nurse for each barangay.

"Libre at accessible na healthcare. Libreng konsulta gamit ang teknolohiya. Bawat barangay handa at may nurse."

Leni Robredo has an overall vision to create free and accessible healthcare for all Filipinos. She wants to improve the "slow" implementation of the Universal Healthcare Act passed in 2019. Within three months, every Filipino should be enrolled in universal healthcare (UHC). The Vice President wants to "fix" the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) by installing a "competent" head. She also wants a team with the capability to analyze PhilHealth claims while maintaining their integrity. Using better technology, Robredo wants PhilHealth claims to be more easily accessible, with less red tape. Robredo wants to see the teleconsult service she launched with the Office of the Vice President rolled out across the country. Each barangay will receive a device that will allow e-consults in remote areas.

Robredo promises to strengthen agriculture and fisheries by “doubling” the Department of Agriculture’s budget, with a view that every sector in the industry “will not be left behind.”

"Kung may kumpiyansa sa pamumuno, papasok ang puhunan, lalago ang negosyo, at dadami ang trabaho."

Part of Leni Robredo's COVID-19 plan is "freedom from hunger." Robredo promises support for micro, small, and medium enterprises through a P100-billion stimulus package. Retrenched workers would receive 80% of their salary. Meanwhile, in Robredo's "Hanapbuhay Para sa Lahat (Jobs for All)" plan for economic recovery, she promises the following: supporting the marine, climate, and manufacturing industries, and making the country more attractive to "hi-tech" firms.

"Napakahalaga ng hanapbuhay para sa lahat. Ang trabaho ay karapatan, hindi tsambahan, at ipaglalaban ko ito."

In Leni Robredo's "Hanapbuhay para sa lahat (Jobs for all)" plan for economic recovery, the Vice President promises to fight for laborers' rights. Robredo will push for non-discrimination in the labor force. Anyone, regardless of age, academic attainment, or gender, for as long as they want to, will be allowed a fair chance at working opportunities, she promises.

"Sa mga lugar na mayroong low prevalence ng COVID, buksan na ang mga eskuwela. Sa mga lugar na high prevalence, ang target: mabigyan ng device ang bawat estudyante. Lahat, dapat may libreng internet access sa de-kalidad na educational materials. Susuportahan natin ang mga guro at magulang."

Leni Robredo says she will push for better access to education by opening up schools in low-risk areas for COVID-19, while providing gadgets and free internet access in high-risk areas. Part of her platform is a P68-billion “education aid” – providing P300 per month or P3,000 per year for every student to be used for purchasing load or printing of modules. She is also pushing for additional community learning hubs nationwide.

She also wants to pour investments into climate-resilient agriculture through climate smart agriculture and climate-resilient inputs. Even remote and marginalized communities will have access to financial mechanisms that will allow them to be responsive to climate change. This, the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem says, will be key to bountiful harvests, higher-value products, and resilience from the effects of climate change. Robredo will also push for a transition framework towards clean energy – which in turn would create green jobs.

"Gawing sentro ng climate industry ang Pilipinas. Sa pagtutok sa sustainable at mas modernong practices sa agrikultura at pagtatayo ng green at resilient na imprastruktura, makakalikha tayo ng trabaho."

In a bid to boost the economy while being climate-conscious, Leni Robredo wants to support the climate industry. Robredo wants to support green transport – it will be a goal for e-jeeps, e-tricycles, and other sustainable forms of transport to be more common. The increased need to produce green transport would pave the way for new industries focused on the maintenance, manufacture, and sale of climate-friendly transportation. Robredo wants green development to be an essential part of local government units' local development plans. Her national government would push to provide technical assistance to LGUs for this.

"Ipo-propose ko na bumalik 'yung ating membership sa ICC dahil napakahalaga ito to keep government in check."

Leni Robredo supports the return of the Philippines to the International Criminal Court. Robredo believes that the Philippines should stand by its long-standing values, such as upholding of human rights, when it decided to join the International Criminal Court. She believes the ICC is a safety net for governments that abuse the human rights of their own people.

Robredo also said the Philippine government should learn from other countries' experiences in eradicating their respective drug problems. According to her, countries that looked at drug addiction as a health problem rather than an enforcement problem were generally more successful in addressing the issue.

“Nakita natin in the past five years na ‘yung drug war kinonduct natin, parang lahat lang siya heavy on enforcement. Hindi ako doon naniniwala. Kaya ‘yung first recommendation ko na after I stepped down as ICAD chair, baguhin ‘yung buong sistema.”

Leni Robredo would still hold an intensified campaign against illegal drug use in the Philippines, but in contrast to President Rodrigo Duterte's enforcement-first strategy to kill all drug personalities, Robredo would focus on prevention and rehabilitation. Robredo – one of the loudest voices against Duterte’s violent war on drugs – has consistently voiced her holistic approach in addressing the drug problem. Her anti-drug platform for her 2022 presidential run is consistent with the reforms she attempted to do during her brief stint as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) in late 2020. She proposes for the ICAD to be headed by the Dangerous Drugs Board chief instead of the director-general of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“For China, we will collaborate with them in the areas that we have no conflict, such as trade and investments, much like what Vietnam has been doing. But when it comes to the West Philippine Sea, we cannot deal with them without their recognition of the arbitral ruling.”

Leni Robredo will push to achieve an “inclusive and independent” foreign policy that favors no specific countries. Robredo would pursue deals with China in areas with no conflict such as trade and investments, but when it comes to dealings involving the West Philippine Sea, China's recognition of the historic arbitral ruling saying the Philippines owns the WPS is a non-negotiable. In dealing with China's aggression in the WPS, Robredo wants to form a "coalition of nations," as the Philippines rallies support from a number of other nations that have sided with the Philippines because of the arbitral ruling.

Leni Robredo, who once lawyered for abused women in court, wants to make the declaration of nullity of marriage more accessible to the poor. Robredo has been citing this as an apparent compromise for her consistent anti-divorce stance. However, she has said that she is open to legalizing divorce after engaging in dialogues with advocates. Robredo is against abortion. She has expressed being "very conflicted" about the issue, since her religion tells her it is wrong to kill, but she said she was open to abortion in certain cases where the life of the mother is in danger. She is also open to decriminalizing abortion, which advocates have long pushed for. Robredo is against same-sex marriages, but is "all for" same-sex civil unions.

As chief executive, Robredo would push for a more strategic legislative agenda focused on economic activities that need to be less restrictive, amended, or passed in to law – such as the Public Service Act. Robredo wants a faster digital transition. This is key to faster, easier, cheaper, more efficient, and more transparent processes in the government. This would also lead to less corruption, she says.

"Tama na ang palakasan, at gobyernong walang isang salita. Gawin nating patas ang merkado. Kung may kumpiyansa sa pamumuno, papasok ang puhunan, lalago ang negosyo, at dadami ang trabaho."

As part of her "Hanapbuhay para sa lahat (Jobs for all)" economic recovery plan, Leni Robredo wants to restore trust in the government. Robredo wants to revive the National Competitive Council under the Department of Trade and Industry. The new NCC will have the following goals: strategize the Philippines' road to being globally competitive, and work towards implementing it. Robredo will push for better enforcement of the Ease of Doing Business Act and strengthen the Anti-Red Tape Authority's mandate. This can be attained by making the Ease of Doing Business framework more comprehensive, and using the concept of the Citizen's Charter to make processes easier in industries that have a public service component. Examples of these include housing and utilities – electricity, water, and communications.

Robredo is against punitive measures against unvaccinated persons. Instead of making vaccination mandatory, Robredo thinks the best way to convince people to get vaccinated is to offer incentives. Incentives may include fuel subsidies, grocery items, rice, and face masks. Positive reinforcement is key, according to Robredo, and the government should not threaten people with jailtime if they refuse to be jabbed.

“Hindi krimen ‘yung [hindi] magpabakuna. Pero babalik ako doon sa dati kong paniniwala na kailangan nagbibigay tayo ng incentive para magpabakuna ‘yung mga tao."

BISErbisyong Leni episode, January 9, 2022

When the Omicron variant caused an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases in January 2022, Robredo reiterated her call for the government to do free mass testing. Under the Office of the Vice President, Robredo launched Swab Cab in March 2021 – a free, mobile antigen swab center service in areas with high transmission. The project tested 9,757 people, according to the OVP's data as of December 2021.

"Ngayon kasi, naghahanap tayo ng justification dahil hindi natin kayang mag-test nang marami. Pero para nga sa akin, two years na. Dapat napaghandaan na natin ito."

On Labor Day 2021, Robredo called for an end to contractualization and upholding of rights of workers, especially during the pandemic. Robredo echoed the same call to end contractualization in previous Labor Day statements. In November 2021, Robredo signed a pact with labor leaders committing to work towards ending contractualization.

“Maging araw sana ito hindi lamang ng papuri at pasasalamat, kundi pati ng kongkretong aksyon sa mga isyung matagal nang idinadaing ng mga manggagawa: Ang pagtuldok sa ENDO at kontraktuwalisasyon."

Robredo raised the "YES" answer to the question asking if she was in favor of changing the Constitution to allow 100% foreign ownership in the Jessica Soho interviews in January 2022. However, she clarified she was open to debates and discussions.

"Only to open the debates and discussions."

Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews, January 22, 2022

Robredo is open to a wealth tax, but thinks that solving economic inequality goes beyond this. She cited experiences in the OVP's signature Angat Buhay program, where people with more privilege wanted to help, but "just didn't know how." She believes the government should create avenues to make more opportunities accessible to the marginalized. 

"It will always be on the table.... Taxing more does not resolve the entire spectrum of inequality. Para sa 'kin, it’s really systemic. There are a lot of avenues where government should take the lead in making sure that we close the gap."

In February 2022, Robredo said that privatizing electric cooperatives would deny  rural and far-flung areas access to electricity. For her, resorting to cost-benefit strategies would prevent the efforts to reach remote areas, since these would invoke losses for business.

"Ako ‘yung advocate na hindi dapat ito profit-oriented. Kasi kapag naging profit-oriented ito, 'pag ginawa natin na ang primary motivation ay negosyo, kawawa ‘yung Rural Electrification Program natin."

GMA News Online article, February 3, 2022

Providing immediate cash assistance during lockdowns is part of Robredo's COVID-19 action plan under her presidential bid. Lockdowns, if declared, should be targeted instead of broad. Her administration also vows to protect small businesses during lockdowns so that they would not have to resort to retrenchment.

"'Yung aking proposal, mag-budget ng P100 billion na stimulus package para sa mga MSMEs. Kailangan natin ‘tong i-back to back, doon sa unemployment na napaka-taas ngayon.... Kaya siya stimulus kasi io-offer natin ‘yon sa mga MSMEs para hindi sila kailangan pang magtanggal ng mga empleyado."

While Robredo still sees infrastructure as a priority should she win the presidency, she says that the government's mindset must be geared towards building more impactful infrastructure instead of building for the sake of building. Robredo's infrastructure plan is anchored on development and climate resilience, with three priority areas: water resources management, public transport and rural development, and reconstruction of public infrastructure and housing projects in calamity-stricken areas.

“[Ipagpapatuloy] natin yung Build, Build, Build, pero sisiguruhin natin ’yung pupuntahan ng pera para sa infrastructure, mayroon itong direct impact – mayroon siyang direct impact sa pag-angat nung mga nasa laylayan.”

In the DZRH's "Bakit Ikaw?" Presidential Job Interview in February, Robredo stressed the need for students and teachers to be vaccinated so that they can return to school safely. She cited the "damage" of not allowing students to return to their classrooms for two years.

"Buksan na ‘yung mga eskuwelahan para ‘yung mga bata ay maka face-to-face classes na kasi grabe na ‘yung damage na almost two years hindi sila nakakapasok.... Dapat ‘yung mga teachers ay mabakunahan, dapat ‘yung mga estudyante na ang edad nila puwede na silang bakunahan, mabakunahan para mas papunta na tayo doon sa normalization."

Robredo has supported the K to 12 program since 2015. While there were debates on possible displacement of staff because of the program, Robredo said that the government would need to be proactive in facing these issues, since the program would benefit Filipinos in securing chances at tertiary education and work. In October 2019, Robredo said she was open to reviewing the program to determine gaps in its implementation. She said she received reports of places where, for example, electronics and culinary students lacked the proper equipment. This would cause the students difficulty in finding work due to lack of preparedness, she said.

"Tinulak 'yung K to 12 para humabol tayo sa global standards.... So 'yung intent, maganda, pero talagang 'yung implementation may mga pagkukulang."

BISErbisyong Leni episode, October 28, 2019

If elected president, Robredo said in an interview with entertainment host Boy Abunda that she would reimpose the ban on new mining agreements. She is not for an absolute ban on mining, but is for responsible mining. She vowed to hold dialogues with communities that were affected by mining activities in the country. She also seeks to find more sustainable alternatives to mining.

"Ipapa-walang bisa ko [ang EO lifting ban on new mining agreements, at ang DENR order lifting ban on open-pit mining]. Para sa 'kin, napakahalaga pagdating sa usapin ng environment na binibigyan at ine-empower 'yung mga maaapektuhan."

Presidential One-on-One Interviews with Boy Abunda, January 26, 2022

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