As the world celebrates Father’s Day, we turn to reflect not only on the fathers in our homes but also on the symbolic “father” of our nation—the President. In the Filipino context, leadership has long been likened to parenthood. A father is expected to be a provider, protector, and problem-solver—one who leads with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. The President of the Philippines, occupying the highest post in the land, is seen by many as the patriarch of our collective household—the 110 million-strong Filipino family.
But three years into his term, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is showing signs of a patriarch struggling to manage his house. And on this Father’s Day, perhaps the more sobering question is: Is he still capable of leading this family, or has he lost the moral and political authority to be the father figure he promised to be?
The Promise of Unity That Never Took Root
When President Marcos Jr. came to power in 2022, he ran on a platform of “unity.” It was a promise that resonated with a country fatigued by years of political divisiveness and economic instability. The campaign was sleek, the messaging hopeful, and the appeal to national memory calculated. For many, it felt like a chance to turn the page.
But unity cannot be built on slogans alone. It requires action, empathy, and inclusive governance. More than three years later, the country remains fragmented. The promise of unity now feels like a hollow phrase as political polarization deepens, institutions are weakened, and dissent is stifled. If anything, the house seems more divided than ever.
A Home in Disarray
Like any responsible father, a national leader must ensure that the household is fed, clothed, safe, and secure. Yet the realities on the ground paint a grim picture.
Unemployment and underemployment remain persistent problems, especially among the youth. Promised jobs have not materialized at the scale needed.
Inflation and rising prices of basic goods have become unbearable for ordinary families. A kilo of rice costing over ₱50? For many, this is no longer a statistic—it’s a daily burden.
Public debt has ballooned to unprecedented levels, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability. We’re borrowing heavily, but where is the investment in long-term growth and self-sufficiency?
Education, agriculture, and health—key pillars of a stable household—are often sidelined in favor of ambitious but questionable projects and foreign trips that yield little direct benefit to the average Filipino.
Peace and order is once again becoming a growing concern. Communities fear for their safety as reports of violence, unresolved killings, and rising criminality surface.
Equally alarming is the resurgence of illegal drugs, a problem once declared as under control. But recent high-profile drug busts and alleged involvement of some in uniform show that the problem is far from over. The government’s unclear direction and lack of decisive action raise questions: Are we back to square one?
And then there’s the political turmoil—cabinet infighting, legal threats against critics and political opponents, and a growing culture of blame-shifting. Instead of confronting these issues head-on, the administration seems intent on prosecuting the past, endlessly pointing fingers at previous governments rather than fixing the mess it promised to clean.nt on prosecuting the past, endlessly pointing fingers at previous governments rather than fixing the mess it promised to clean.
A Leader, Not Just a Title
Leadership is more than occupying a position of power—it is about setting the tone, owning the responsibilities, and accepting accountability. In a household, a father does not blame the previous head of the family when things fall apart under his watch. He steps up, takes charge, and puts the welfare of his family first.
Yet what we see now is a President more concerned with political maneuvering than public service. While he has time to wage political vendettas and attend lavish state functions abroad, he appears absent in moments of real crisis—during floods, agricultural disasters, or economic downturns.
Filipinos deserve a leader who leads by example. One who listens more than lectures. One who acts with urgency and purpose, not convenience and delay.
The Clock is Ticking
Three years have gone by, and only three remain. That’s enough time to rebuild trust, refocus priorities, and fulfill at least a part of the promises made. But time is running out. The cracks in the national household are becoming harder to ignore. Discontent is rising. People are not just asking for relief—they are demanding accountability.
Father’s Day is a moment to honor the role of fathers in building, protecting, and nurturing families. It’s also a time to ask tough questions. Is our President still capable of being the father this country needs? Or is he merely holding the title, while the house slowly crumbles under his watch?
A nation cannot thrive under a distracted father. We need a leader who prioritizes nation-building over legacy-building. Someone who understands that the real measure of leadership is not power, but service.
On this Father’s Day, may the President reflect deeply on what it truly means to be the “father of the nation.” Because the Filipino people are watching—and waiting—for a father who leads with vision, courage, and love for his people. Not just for today, but for the future we all share.