If you’re asking who is the president of Philippines right now, the name you need is Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr. Most people just call him "BBM."
He’s currently halfway through a six-year term that started back in 2022. It’s been a wild ride. Honestly, depending on who you talk to in Manila or the provinces, you'll hear completely different stories about how things are going. He isn't just a politician; he’s the son of the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr., which makes his presidency a massive deal for history buffs and regular citizens alike.
The Man in Malacañang: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Explained
Bongbong Marcos took his oath as the 17th president of the Republic of the Philippines on June 30, 2022. He won by a landslide—over 31 million votes. That’s a huge mandate.
But 2026 is a different beast than 2022.
The "UniTeam" alliance he formed with Vice President Sara Duterte? Yeah, that’s pretty much dead. It's the worst-kept secret in Philippine politics. While they ran together as a "dream team," the political lines have shifted. You’ve got the Marcos camp on one side and the Duterte camp on the other. It’s basically a chess match played out in the headlines every single day.
What has he actually done lately?
Just this month—January 2026—Marcos signed the ₱6.793 trillion national budget. That is a staggering amount of money. He’s calling it a "clean and disciplined" budget, focused on getting the country to a single-digit poverty rate by 2028.
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He’s also been busy on the world stage. He literally just got back from a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While there, he signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). It’s a big deal because it’s the first-ever free trade agreement between the Philippines and a Middle Eastern country.
He also secured a defense MOU with the UAE. We’re talking about collaboration on things like:
- Unmanned aerial systems (drones)
- Electronic warfare
- Naval technology
It's all part of his plan to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) while navigating the messy territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The Foreign Policy Pivot
Under the previous administration of Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines drifted toward China. Marcos did a complete 180. He’s leaned hard back into the alliance with the United States.
He’s been hosting massive military exercises and strengthening the Mutual Defense Treaty. If you follow the news, you’ve probably seen the "Brave Pioneer" bulk carrier inauguration or the new defense pacts with Japan and Australia. He's trying to build a "web" of security partners.
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Is it working? It depends on who you ask. Some say it's protecting Philippine sovereignty; others worry it's poking the bear in Beijing.
Life on the Ground: The 2026 Reality
Politics in the Philippines isn't just about treaties and budgets. It's about "rice and fish" issues. Inflation has been a thorn in the administration's side. While the government brags about GDP growth, the average person in a jeepney is still feeling the pinch at the grocery store.
The 2025 midterm elections were a huge reality check for Marcos. He didn't get the "sweep" he wanted in the Senate. He only got about 5 or 6 of his hand-picked candidates in, while the Duterte faction and even some resurgent liberals (like Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan) made surprising gains.
Major 2026 Milestones
If you're looking at what's happening right now, here are a few things on the President's desk:
- The 2026 National Budget: He recently vetoed ₱92.5 billion in "unprogrammed funds" to show he’s serious about fiscal discipline.
- Infrastructure: The construction of the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan is finally gaining real steam this year.
- Digital Transition: The country is finishing the switch from analog to digital TV broadcast by November 2026.
- Security Crackdowns: There’s been a lot of noise about the arrest of former military figures like Romeo Poquiz for "inciting to sedition." It shows the administration is still looking over its shoulder.
Why the "Marcos" Name Still Stirs Up Drama
You can't talk about who is the president of Philippines without mentioning the "Marcos" legacy.
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To his supporters, he’s a unifying figure who is bringing back a "Golden Age" of infrastructure and international prestige. To his critics, his presidency is an attempt to rewrite the history of his father’s martial law era.
There's no middle ground here.
He’s spent a lot of energy on "Bagong Pilipinas" (New Philippines)—a branding campaign meant to symbolize a fresh start. But the shadows of the past are long. International organizations still keep a close eye on human rights issues, and the rift with the Duterte family has added a whole new layer of complexity to his leadership.
Actionable Insights: Keeping Tabs on the Presidency
If you want to stay informed about what President Marcos Jr. is doing, don't just look at official Malacañang press releases. They'll always paint a rosy picture. Instead, watch these specific areas:
- The Rice Price: This is the ultimate barometer of his popularity. If rice stays expensive, his approval ratings will tank.
- The ICC Issue: Keep an eye on whether his government allows the International Criminal Court to investigate the former president’s "War on Drugs." So far, he’s said "no," but the political pressure is mounting.
- West Philippine Sea Tensions: Watch the resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal. Any escalation there defines his foreign policy success.
- The 2028 Horizon: Even though we’re in 2026, everyone is already looking at who will succeed him. The moves he makes now are all about ensuring his "legacy" survives the next election.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is a man trying to balance a heavy family legacy with a modern, globalized world. Whether he's the leader the Philippines needs or just a part of a recurring dynastic cycle is a question that 110 million Filipinos are still debating every single day.
To stay updated, monitor the official gazette for new Republic Acts and watch independent news outlets like Rappler, GMA News, or the Philippine Daily Inquirer for the "unfiltered" side of the story.