Charles Teves
Pres. Bongbong Marcos was blasted by netizens after claiming that the Philippines had recovered from the problems brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdowns.
In a speech to the Filipino community during a trip to Japan, Marcos started his speech by joking that he’s glad to see Japan isn’t on lockdown. He noted that the Philippines had the longest-known lockdown during the height of the pandemic.
The president claimed that the Philippine economy is doing great.
“Kaya tayo – iyon na nga binibida nga namin sa ating mga kaibigan na nakakaahon na ang Pilipinas at gumaganda na ang takbo ng ekonomiya. Kaya’t pinapatibay natin ang ating pag-partner sa kanila,” he said.
https://fb.watch/iFBpn-ZXqr/
Marcos also claimed that the country has now overcome the negative effects caused by the lockdowns and the health crisis. He reiterated, “Maganda na ngayon ang sitwasyon sa Pilipinas. Naka-ahon na kami sa mga problemang hinarap natin noong pandemya at lockdown.”
This didn’t sit well with netizens living in the country.
I think Marcos Jr here was talking about the Marcos family, not the Filipino nation. "Nakaahon na kami" was referring to HIS OWN family. https://t.co/mGNkelVwmy
— Raissa Robles (@raissawriter) February 12, 2023
Liar. https://t.co/F5UDPJBXnH
— Leah Navarro (@leahnavarro) February 12, 2023
delulu so much lol https://t.co/08q3MqUe1S
— CℓAY (@Jefredszx) February 13, 2023
Speak for yourself not the general filipino people!!! Who are you kidding?! 😈 https://t.co/iIvUwe8gt5
— angel23 MISSES WOODZ (@imamoodz4life) February 13, 2023
https://twitter.com/elwayeley/status/1624951992480305152?s=20&t=Pb6u_Wm726NhErqDu9aMoA
by "kami" he meant his family. https://t.co/DN3Ag5GCwN
— lynus (@lynusplease) February 12, 2023
https://twitter.com/thrslnr/status/1624988977664262144?s=20&t=Pb6u_Wm726NhErqDu9aMoA
he's really living in a different Philippines huh https://t.co/AzQ6HuWwIK
— ace ༊·˚ (@alasceng) February 12, 2023
On Sunday, Philippine President Marcos returned from a five-day official visit to Japan, bringing with him $13 billion in pledges and investments that are expected to generate over 24,000 jobs and enhance the country’s economic environment.
The President stated that his visit to Japan was productive and led to the renewal of the partnership between the two countries.
Along with First Lady Louise “Lisa” Marcos and several members of the Cabinet, Marcos deemed his visit “fruitful,” leading to the reinvigoration of the relationship between Manila and Tokyo and increased collaboration with the global business community.
Marcos reported that, in addition to a meeting with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, he also had a session with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during which they outlined an innovative, future-focused partnership that is adaptable to the latest advancements.
He also witnessed the signing of seven crucial agreements, including a $3 billion infrastructure loan agreement.
Marcos was able to secure investment pledges from Japan-based companies across several sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, transportation, healthcare, and renewable energy.
Additionally, he held discussions with shipping executives, which could benefit the large number of Filipino seafarers employed by Japanese shipping companies. Before departing, he also met with the Filipino community and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of Filipinos working abroad.
