Marcos on erring officials: `I want to be respected but fear is better’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

[Updated May 20, 2025, 8:38 p.m.]

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he ideally wants respect but is considering that fear might be more effective as the top leader of the country.

He said this during Episode 1 of the BBM Podcast, which was posted on his social media accounts on Monday.

READ: Marcos on Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Let process take its course

“I want to be respected but maybe fear is better,” Marcos said.

This statement referred to some government officials’ alleged disobedience and lack of fear to refrain from misconduct, which was attributed to Marcos’ “kindness.”

Marcos added that being stricter is necessary to overcome bureaucratic delays in long-term projects.

“Many people tell me that. So what am I supposed to do? Become a bad person? I can’t change my nature anymore,” he said in Filipino.

“But you probably know it really is necessary to be tougher because otherwise, well, things need to be more efficient, and the process needs to be faster,” Marcos acknowledged.

“That’s probably part of the lesson we learned from the recent election,” the president added.

Meanwhile, Marcos said he had already ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to increase police visibility to address concerns about safety and security.

“So the first thing we did was order the DILG and the Chief of the PNP—I told them there should always be police officers visible and patrolling on foot. Because over time, people get to recognize them,” Marcos said.

“So, the police become friends, so when people see them, they feel safe here. Like, ‘There’s Sergeant so-and-so.’ People need to feel that there’s always a police presence around,” he added. 

When it comes to combating illegal drug use and selling, Marcos said he tasked authorities with targeting syndicates that bring these illegal substances to the ground. / MR