Marcos: Gov't to spend more on infra, social protection amid gains

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said his admnistration will continue to pour resources to make sure Filipinos' lives will improve amid recent economic gains.

In a video statement, Marcos touted the 6.3-percent economic growth in the second quarter of 2024, the 3.1-percent dip in the unemployment rate, and the 15.5-percent decrease in the poverty rate.

"Bagama't maganda ang datos na ito, wala itong kabuluhan kung hindi maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan," Marcos said.

(While these numbers are rosy, these mean nothing if our countrymen will not feel its effects.)

"So I assure you, this government will continue to invest in job-generating infrastructure, social protection programs, health and education for all Filipinos," he added. 

"We will not rest on our laurels but use them to propel us forward into social and economic transformation," Marcos said.

The video was posted hours after Vice President Sara Duterte released a statement criticizing the Philippine government for a supposed lack of action and “disloyalty”.

Duterte slammed the government on the supposed lack of infrastructure and healthcare systems.

"Ang Pilipinas ay pinamumunuan dapat ng mga taong may malasakit at kakayanan para itaguyod ang malinis na pamahalaan at pag-unlad ng bayan," Duterte said.

"Subalit ang Pilipinas ngayon ay pinamumunuan ng mga taong walang katapatan sa trabahong sinumpaan. Kaya ang tanging nananaig sa atin ay takot para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak," she added.

(The Philippines should be led by people who care and have the ability to promote clean government and the development of the country. However, the Philippines today is governed by those who have no loyalty to their sworn duty. We are now being overcome by fear for the future of our children.) 

Marcos said the 6.3-percent growth was one of the highest in Southeast Asia.

"This is due to the increase in investments and construction under the Build Better More program," Marcos said.

Marcos said the government continues to generate quality jobs.

"This June, the unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent, one of the lowest on record for the last two decades. Over 50.3 million Filipinos are now employed, with 63.8 percent of them in the formal sector," Marcos said.

"Lalong dumadami ang mga kababayan nating may disente at pormal na hanap buhay at naging bahagi ng middle class," he added.

Marcos said the decrease in the poverty rate meant "we have lifted two and a half million Filipinos out of poverty, and only 10.9 percent of Filipino families remain poor."

"Our goal is to further reduce this rate to 9 percent by 2028, and improve the lives of 8 million Filipinos," Marcos said. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated News