PBBM wants more family time, lasting reforms

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has a simple birthday wish for his family but a bigger one for the country.

Speaking during a Kapihan in New Delhi, India on Sunday, Sept. 13, Marcos Jr. said he wants to spend more time with his children and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, whose schedules often do not match his.

“I suppose for my family, simple lang. I wish I saw more of all of you. And it’s not just my children, including the First Lady. Our schedules don’t match very well. We don’t see each other that much either. I wish I could spend more time with all of you, number one,” he said.

For the country, the President said he hopes to put in place reforms that will continue even after his administration ends.

“I wish I’ll be able to get the beginnings of what we started in place, so that they continue,” he said, describing the effort as a restructuring aimed at improving government institutions.

Marcos Jr. also said he wants the Philippines to maintain its engagement with other countries, while promoting trade and diplomacy.

“We’ll continue down the road of engagement with other countries. We will encourage trade. We will encourage diplomacy. We will always be on the side of peace,” he said.IMT