President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. closes 2025 with bold declarations of reform, anti-corruption, and disaster resilience. Yet behind the sweeping announcements lies a familiar tension: the gap between rhetoric and implementation, between promises of accountability and the entrenched realities of Philippine governance.

Anti-Corruption Drive: Historic or Hollow?

Marcos’ crackdown on anomalous flood control projects—punctuated by his fiery SONA rebuke, “Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino!”—was hailed as unprecedented. The creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the launch of transparency portals signaled a new era of accountability. 

But critics note that corruption probes have historically faltered once political interests are threatened. The administration’s claim of being the “first” to expose corruption glosses over past efforts by previous presidents, raising questions about whether Marcos’ campaign is more branding than systemic reform. 

Observers also point out that while arrest warrants have been issued, convictions remain uncertain. The real test lies not in headline-grabbing exposés but in whether the justice system can withstand political pressure and deliver lasting accountability.

Disaster Response: Hands-On, But Reactive

The President’s visible presence in disaster zones—from Cebu to Albay—earned praise for empathy and urgency. Declaring a year-long state of calamity and launching **Oplan Kontra Baha** suggested a proactive stance.

Yet critics argue the government remains reactive, scrambling after each calamity rather than investing in long-term resilience. Chronic flooding, power shortages, and fragile infrastructure continue to expose systemic neglect. The administration’s reliance on emergency declarations underscores the absence of structural reforms in disaster preparedness.

Health and Education: Expansive Promises, Uneven Delivery

The zero balance billing policy and expanded PhilHealth benefits were touted as breakthroughs, with over a million Filipinos reportedly benefiting. But health advocates warn that sustainability is unclear: hospitals face mounting costs, and PhilHealth’s financial stability remains in question. 

Education reforms—from digital tools to curriculum adjustments—were rolled out with fanfare. Yet teachers’ groups highlight persistent shortages, underfunded schools, and uneven internet access. The promise of laptops and satellite connectivity risks becoming symbolic if not matched by systemic investment in teacher training and infrastructure.

Social Protection: Incremental Gains, Structural Gaps

Marcos’ administration expanded pensions, cash transfers, and commuter discounts, while addressing local issues like power shortages and water supply. These measures provided immediate relief but critics argue they remain piecemeal. 

Labor advocates caution that executive orders on workers’ rights must be backed by enforcement, not just proclamations. Meanwhile, the expansion of the 4Ps program risks being undermined by inflation and stagnant wages, leaving vulnerable families still struggling.

The Bigger Picture

Marcos’ 2025 narrative is one of bold reform and decisive leadership. Yet the contradictions are stark: a president who condemns corruption while navigating a political system steeped in patronage; a leader who mobilizes disaster response while presiding over chronic vulnerabilities; a reformer who promises universal healthcare and education while facing fiscal and institutional constraints. 

As the year ends, the question remains whether Marcos’ initiatives will mark a genuine break from the past—or whether they will join the long list of ambitious reforms that faltered in the face of entrenched interests and systemic inertia.