President Marcos Advocates for Swift Government Modernization and Digital Transformation
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has issued a compelling call for the accelerated modernization and digitalization of government systems across the Philippines. In his latest BBM Vlog released on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the President stressed that public services must be designed to make life easier for Filipinos rather than adding unnecessary burdens to their daily lives.
Addressing Outdated Policies and Inefficient Processes
Marcos highlighted that numerous outdated policies and sluggish government procedures require immediate review and comprehensive reform. The primary goal is to enhance service delivery, streamline everyday transactions, and significantly improve the ease of doing business throughout the country.
"Kailangan padaliin ang pamumuhay ng Pilipino. Dahil ang sistema ay kailangang nagdadala ng ginhawa sa tao, hindi sakit ng ulo," President Marcos stated, translating to "The Filipino way of life needs to be made easier. Because the system should bring comfort to the people, not headaches."
Public Participation in Governance and Policy Development
The President actively encouraged citizens to engage in governance by sharing policy suggestions that address both long-standing and emerging concerns. He noted that many existing regulations no longer align with current realities and fail to respond effectively to contemporary challenges.
"Dito sa ating bansa, marami pang polisiya ang kailangan nating baguhin at rebisahin. Nakikita natin sa balita at naririnig natin ang mga kababayan natin, ang kanilang mga reklamo," Marcos emphasized, meaning "Here in our country, there are still many policies we need to change and revise. We see in the news and hear from our fellow citizens their complaints."
Characteristics of Effective Policies and International Examples
According to President Marcos, truly effective policies should possess three key characteristics:
- Clarity in implementation and understanding
- Strong enforceability mechanisms
- Direct positive impact on daily life improvements
Drawing inspiration from international models, Marcos pointed to discipline-oriented policies that help build orderly and responsible societies. He also referenced labor and health measures that boost productivity, reduce workplace burnout, and enhance overall well-being.
"Maganda lahat 'yan. 'Yang sa road courtesy, kailangan natin 'yan. Pati 'yung sa kalusugan, kailangan din natin 'yan. Pero ang tingin ko, kailangan nating tutukan ang mga lumang polisiya na nagpapabagal at nagpapahirap sa mga government transaction, sa ease of doing business, 'ika nga," the President explained, which translates to "Those are all good. That road courtesy, we need that. Also regarding health, we need that too. But I think we need to focus on old policies that slow down and make government transactions difficult, the ease of doing business, so to speak."
Specific Examples of Outdated Practices and Digital Solutions
President Marcos identified several specific outdated practices that continue to hinder efficient government operations:
- Requiring one identification document to obtain another ID
- Repeatedly filling out forms with identical information across different agencies
- Mandating physical appearances for transactions that could easily be completed digitally
The President asserted that these long-standing inefficiencies have clear technological solutions, including:
- Wider adoption and utilization of the eGovPH application
- Complete digitalization of government systems and processes
Recent Policy Improvements and Successful Implementations
Marcos highlighted several recent policy enhancements that demonstrate progress toward modernization:
- The Land Transportation Office's suspension of physical driver's license confiscation and official recognition of digital licenses
- Implementation of Beep cards in LRT and MRT systems providing 50-percent discounts to students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities
- Introduction of Sunday family promotions across LRT and MRT lines
- Expansion of the zero-billing policy to include middle-class beneficiaries
- Provision of free Wi-Fi services in LRT and MRT stations
The Crucial Role of Public Cooperation in Reform Success
President Marcos emphasized that the ultimate success of these government reforms depends heavily on public cooperation and active citizen participation. He framed policies as cultural expressions written into law and invited continuous public engagement.
"Ang mga polisiya ay kultura na isinusulat bilang batas. Ipaalam ninyo sa amin sa comment section kung may mga mungkahi kayong polisiya na makakatulong solusyonan ang marami nating problema. Aabangan namin ang mga suggestion ninyo," Marcos concluded, meaning "Policies are culture written as law. Let us know in the comment section if you have policy suggestions that can help solve our many problems. We will await your suggestions."
