Unity instead of division: Marcos' message of hope for the Philippines in the new year

The Philippines stands at a turning point at the beginning of 2026. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used his New Year’s address to call the nation for a fresh start—a time when discipline, mutual trust, and shared goals should take precedence. However, the background of this message is serious: the past year was marked by massive revelations of corruption cases involving flood protection projects, which have shaken public trust.

A Nation in Mourning and Renewal

The corruption scandals not only led to leadership changes in Congress and Marcos’ cabinet but also revealed deeper cracks within society. While millions of Filipinos took to the streets to express their outrage against corruption, internal factions and political divisions also surfaced, threatening to tear the country apart. Marcos acknowledges this reality and calls for a rethinking: “As we move into the days ahead, let us proceed with a clearer understanding of our role in each other’s lives.”

“Bagong Pilipinas” – The Promise of a New Society

Under the slogan “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines), the president emphasizes three pillars for rebuilding: unity, compassion, and empathy. His core message is that a society can only thrive if its people choose “empathy over indifference, service over self-interest, and hope over despair.” This is more than just political rhetoric—it is a call for moral renewal.

The Political Reality: Numbers Speak Volumes

Survey data paint a nuanced picture of Filipino sentiment. Marcos ended 2025 with an approval rating of only 34%, while the distrust rate rose to 47%. In contrast, Vice President Sara Duterte—once Marcos’ political ally, now his opponent—achieved an approval rating of 56%. This shift highlights the political polarization in the country.

But there is a glimmer of hope: according to the current survey by Social Weather Stations, 44% of Filipinos are optimistic that their lives will improve in 2026. This survey institution plays an important role in measuring public sentiment and provides insight into the population’s expectations.

Outlook: Can Unity Overcome Division?

Marcos’ appeal to discipline and shared purpose is directed at a nation in urgent need of healing. Whether his message will have an effect or whether deep political divisions will persist remains to be seen in the coming months. The fact that nearly half of Filipinos look to the future with hope suggests that there may still be a path to reconciliation—if the leadership is willing to take it.