The Marcos Administration: An Early Look

a virtual presentation of the Southeast Asia Forum (Stimson Center) and US-Philippines Society

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

1100-1200 EDT/2300-2400 PHST

Following an historic electoral win in May, Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his running mate Vice President Sara Duterte, pledged to promote national unity, address rising energy and food prices, and create jobs. President Marcos’ first appointments, including VP Duterte as Education Secretary, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, and the President’s own assumption of the Agriculture portfolio, calmed concerns in some quarters about the direction of the new administration. Subsequent ambiguous statements on the government’s China policy, however, raised eyebrows among critics of the previous administration’s efforts to gain favor with Beijing.  

One bright spot on the foreign policy horizon has been President Marcos’ decision to re-appoint the Philippines’ widely respected ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez. In this interview with Stimson Southeast Asia Forum Chair, Prof. William Wise, Ambassador Romualdez will preview the Marcos administration’s agenda, its domestic and foreign policy priorities, and its approach to Philippine-U.S. relations.

The interview with Ambassador Romualdez will be conducted virtually. Hank Hendrickson, Executive Director of the U.S.-Philippines Society, will provide closing remarks.

FEATURING