President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. urged Filipinos to approach 2026 with discipline, unity and a shared sense of purpose, framing the new year as a test of collective resolve as his administration investigates a massive corruption scandal.
In his New Year's message on Thursday, Mr Marcos said the coming months would require both personal discipline and national solidarity to turn lessons learned from the past year into progress, calling on citizens to see their choices as shaping the country's direction.
“As we move into the days ahead, let us move forward with a clear understanding of our roles in each other’s lives and a renewed commitment to building a future that is shaped not by circumstance but by the strength of our will and the clarity of our collective purpose,” he said.
The President indicated that his government will emphasize policies that promote unity and social cohesion, establishing empathy and service as pillars of nation-building at a time when public confidence and economic expectations are under pressure.
He said, “A society flourishes when its people choose empathy over indifference, service over selfishness and hope over despair.” “Thus it is our commitment in government to work tirelessly in pursuing a Bagong Pilipinas that nurtures unity, promotes compassion, and reflects our greatness.” kababayans, – Chloe Marie A Hufana