Palace Admits Past Administration's Issues Hamper Economic Growth
The Philippine economy continues to feel the negative effects of unresolved issues from the Duterte administration, according to Malacañang officials. During a press briefing on Friday, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the current government is working to address these lingering problems.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration inherited numerous controversies and shortcomings that emerged even before he assumed office in 2022. Castro specifically highlighted that most of the flagged flood control projects were implemented during the previous Duterte administration.
Ghost Projects and Economic Consequences
"There are many anomalies that we need to know, including the ghost projects admitted by former President Rodrigo Duterte," Castro stated in Filipino during the November 14 briefing. She emphasized the government's current cleanup efforts, noting that "all the mess from the past, we are cleaning it up now."
The official directly linked these unresolved issues to the country's economic performance. "This is likely one of the reasons why it is having an adverse effect on the economy," Castro added, referring to the ongoing impact of previous administration's problems.
Responding to Criticism and Moving Forward
The Palace statements came in response to Vice President Sara Duterte's criticism that the Marcos administration was "daydreaming" about economic recovery by the fourth quarter of 2025. Castro countered that recent calamities and flood control issues have indeed slowed down the country's economic growth in the third quarter of 2025.
However, Castro clarified that the alleged corruption began before President Marcos took office. She reassured the public that "the President and the economic team's promise is that everything will be done to further uplift the country's economy."
Addressing claims that the administration is becoming "paranoid," Castro firmly stated that President Marcos is "not having a meltdown" and remains focused on addressing the nation's challenges.
