Bongbong Marcos' Breakthrough: The President Of The Philippines Cancels The Funding Of Trains From China

JAKARTA - Ferdinand Marcos Jr (Bongbong Marcos) was considered a disgrace in the Philippine political map. This condition is due to the poor traces of his father's repressive and corrupt power. However, Bongbong does not want a bad image to continue to be attached to his family name.

The Philippine president promised to prosper the Filipino people. His progressive step at the beginning of his tenure was to cut off cooperation in rail funding from China. Bongbong considers the cooperation to be seen as a lot of harm, rather than benefits.

The relationship between the Philippines and China was intimate in the era of President Rodrigo Duterte. The leader of the Philippines from the 2016-2022 era to the known pros of Beijing. This means that what political steps the Bamboo Curtain country will take will be supported.

This condition made China want to support all of Dutertre's plans, especially in infrastructure projects. China even agreed to provide loan instruments to fund three Philippine-owned rail megaprojects.

First, the Subic-Clark railway project. Second, the long-distance rail project. Third, the Davao-Digos railway project. The funds needed reached 5 billion US dollars. Duterte views the project will increase economic growth in the Philippines.

The presence of the plan brings relations between the two countries closer and closer. Duterte understands that the project could not run in its period. He hopes that his successor can run the train project.

The Philippines' dream of having mass transportation is one step away. However, it is far from wild. The newly appointed Philippine President in 2022, Bongbong Marcos, refuses to cooperate with China.

Bongbong, who in fact is often overshadowed by the repressive and corrupt era of his father's government, actually considers cooperation with China to bring harm. He also wants to prosper the people. This step was followed by a review of the agreement with the Chinese side.

All because China has trampled on the pride of the Philippines in the conflict in the South China Sea. Not to mention the China debt trap scheme that is on the rise is detrimental to many countries. The scheme is known by the way China will lend, the state is unable to pay, then China will seize strategic assets as collateral.

"Chinese money is indeed important. However, protecting sovereignty and regional integrity is more credible than China's political and economic coercion," said founder of the International Development and Security Cooperation (IDSC) research institute, Chester Cabalza as quoted on the Soouth China Morning Post page, November 11, 2023.

The Bongbong government firmly rejects China's involvement in rail project funding. This condition made Bongbong immediately seek new funding for the Philippine railway project. However, funding is not easy.

The Philippine plan for three train projects has not been realized. However, certainty to run a train project emerged in June 2025. Bongbong ensured that the plan to build a railway project would be carried out again.

Instead of cooperating with China, Filpine chose funding from the United States. Bongbong's reason for cooperating with the US and Japan is none other than a strategy to reduce China's influence in Asia. The presence of the US to help development is considered a blessing for the Philippines.

The train project, which initially only covered Subic-Clark then with US cooperating, was expanded to Subic, Clark, Manila, Batangan (SCMB). The project is planned to be built along 212 kilometers. The Philippine government predicts the project in the future will be the backbone of the economy in the Luzon region.

There is no doubt that the US will provide full support for SCMB's plans. The US plans to provide technical assistance as well. Among other things, the development of transportation models, integration studies of trains, to law and institutions.

Bongbong is also happy not to play. The plan is to build a railway project one step into reality. The project is considered to increase the improvement in the Philippine economy. Bongbong's decision is like a reminder to be careful with China's debt scheme.

"This project underscores the vital role of the US-Philippine alliance in protecting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. By supporting the construction of the SCMB Railway, we ensure that the main infrastructure will thrive."

"The presence of trains will increase economic cooperation to develop important trade routes that will benefit both Americans and the Philippines. Our partnership with the Philippines shows American leadership strength in the Indo-Pacific and underscores our commitment to advancing common interests," said Acting Director of the US Commerce and Development Agency (USTDA), Thomas R. Hardy as quoted by dainusembassy.gov, 27 June 2025.