PROGRESSIVE groups Bayan Muna Southern Mindanao Region (Bayan-SMR), Gabriela Southern Mindanao Region, Gabriela Youth Davao, Anakbayan SMR, and Sabokahan gave President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. a failing grade for his performance in his first three years in office.
In a symbolic display, representatives of the progressive groups stamped the word "FAIL" on Marcos’ report card.
The groups cited the administration’s lack of accountability and unfulfilled promises, adding that they have low expectations for his upcoming State of the Nation Address (Sona).
However, they still hope he will address the pressing issues faced by Filipinos.
Rauf Sissay of Bayan Muna-SMR stated that although it has been more than three years since Marcos was elected president, Filipinos have felt little to no meaningful change. He added that under Marcos’ administration, the conflict between the Marcos and Duterte camps has intensified.
“Kami sa Bagong Alyansang Makabayan ug ubang mga progresibong grupo nagkahiusa namo nga hatagan sa grado nga fail si President Bongbong Marcos Jr. tungod sa iyang pagka-inutil, pagka-pasista, og pagka-walay pulos nga presidente sa nasud sa Pilipinas,” he said during a presscon on Friday, July 25, 2025.
(We, from the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and other progressive groups, have united in giving President Bongbong Marcos Jr. a failing grade due to his incompetence, fascism, and uselessness as the president of the Philippines)
He further criticized Marcos’ recent visit to former U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss lowering tariffs in the Philippines, calling it a reflection of his continued subservience to the United States. Sissay pointed out that under Marcos’ administration, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) has expanded, with four additional U.S. military bases established in the country.
Sissay also emphasized the administration’s lack of decisiveness and political will in addressing the economic struggles of Filipinos, particularly regarding wages. He highlighted Marcos’ earlier statement prior to the recess of the 19th Congress, where he said that the proposed P200 wage increase was "not urgent."
Sissay argued that this illustrates the administration’s unwillingness to resolve even the most basic problems of the nation.
He added that the Marcos administration lacks accountability, citing the president's mixed signals when it comes to holding those in power responsible, specifically his hesitation to move forward with the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Meanwhile, Allyssa Ancheta of Gabriela Youth Davao said that they are no longer optimistic about Marcos’ performance as president. She asserted that in three years, he has failed to implement any significant changes in the country and continues to be subservient to U.S. interests.
“Kabahan ka na kay pag ang katawhan manimalos [You should be nervous once the people fight back], we’ve toppled down a dictator before, we can probably do it again,” she said.
Similarly, Fauzhea Guiani of Anakbayan Southern Mindanao Region said that she no longer has hope in Marcos’ leadership. Instead, she now places her trust in the strength of the Filipino people in defending their rights.
President Marcos is set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 28, 2025, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. RGP