President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, tackling a wide range of issues, including corruption, the energy crisis, education, healthcare, infrastructure, foreign relations, and the West Philippine Sea.
Opening his address, Marcos provided an update on the government’s investigation into the flood control corruption scandal, saying several contractors and lawmakers have already been charged.
He added that the Office of the Ombudsman is preparing to file charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, whom he did not mention by name, saying, “Masakit man sa akin ito, ngunit kailangan nating gawin ang tama.”
Marcos also discussed reforms within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which has been linked to the flood control controversy, emphasizing greater transparency and accountability in infrastructure projects. He thanked the public for reporting irregularities that help the government combat corruption.
On the energy crisis, Marcos highlighted the government’s UPLIFT program (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport), government efforts to reduce electricity consumption, and financial assistance for vulnerable sectors.
He said the administration’s foreign relations enabled the country to secure oil imports from Japan, South Korea, Oman, India, Russia, and China amid disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Marcos also cited the government’s coordination with oil companies to gradually increase fuel prices and Congress’ approval of a three-month suspension of excise taxes on LPG and kerosene.
He said the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program continues to benefit around 12 million Filipinos nationwide.
Addressing rising electricity costs driven by the weakening peso and the global energy crisis, Marcos said the government ordered refunds for excessive charges, suspended electricity disconnections, and allowed consumers to pay their bills in installments over three months.
He also highlighted financial assistance for jeepney drivers under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program and the continued implementation of the service contracting program.
Marcos assured the public that government assistance would continue as long as the conflict in the Middle East affects the economy.
“To ensure the continued progress of the middle class amidst the lingering effects of the crisis, we will pursue tax relief measures that promote growth, generate revenue, and advance equity toward socio-economic sustainability,” Marcos said.
He urged Congress to pass measures expanding income tax exemptions for workers, reducing corporate income taxes for small businesses, and granting tax amnesty for late or unfiled returns.
Marcos also encouraged industries to support the country’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs), noting that tariffs on EVs have been suspended until 2028 and that government fleet modernization will prioritize EVs.
He announced the extension of the Malampaya Service Contract and the resumption of drilling operations, which he said would provide energy to about 1.6 million households until 2034.
The President also called for a renewed discussion on nuclear energy, citing its potential to strengthen energy security and lower electricity costs while ensuring public safety.
He urged Congress to pass the Sariling Kuryente Act, which aims to speed up solar panel installations for households and prohibit utilities from passing system losses on to consumers.
On housing, Marcos said the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program has delivered more than 100,000 housing units over the past year.
He also announced increased wages for overseas Filipino workers employed as household service workers and higher pensions for Social Security System (SSS) members and military retirees.
The President encouraged Filipinos to continue contributing regularly to the SSS and Pag-IBIG Fund to secure their future benefits.
Marcos said education remains among the administration’s top priorities, citing ongoing revisions to the senior high school curriculum and enhanced work immersion programs to better prepare students for employment.
He also highlighted the Presidential Scholars Program, which provides P100,000 in assistance to five students from every barangay.
“In line with our digital transformation drive, our DICT continues to train our tech-savvy citizenry in high-impact tech skills,” Marcos said.
The President added that the government has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into various sectors and has already trained around 1.8 million Filipinos in AI readiness.
Marcos also called for greater protection of children from harmful online content, fake news, unrestricted access to pornography, violence, and toxic social media culture.
“We must all assume a community responsibility for our young people’s protection,” he said.
He expressed condolences to the families of victims of the recent Tacloban school shooting and honored the bravery of Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo.
Marcos said the school-based feeding program would continue to support students in need.
On healthcare, the President highlighted efforts to lower the cost of medicines and hospital services through PhilHealth and announced plans to establish a Virology and Vaccine Institute.
Marcos also underscored the country’s strengthened foreign relations, saying the Philippines now has 23 free trade agreements in force or under negotiation.
He said more than P6 trillion in investments have been facilitated through green lane initiatives, generating over 400,000 jobs.
The President cited major initiatives, including the Pax Silica Industrial Hub, which will focus on artificial intelligence and advanced industries, and the country’s first spaceport in Cagayan, where a sounding rocket test is scheduled for 2027.
Marcos also emphasized the country’s active role in ASEAN, citing cooperation on food security, digital economy initiatives, petroleum reserves, and the ASEAN Power Grid.
Returning to domestic peace efforts, he announced that the government is set to formalize its peace agreement with the Cordillera Bodong Administration and the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army, while the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao prepares for its first parliamentary elections.
On the West Philippine Sea, Marcos reaffirmed the country’s commitment to defending its sovereignty.
“Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and great race. We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars. We are respectful, and we are dignified. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the 2016 Arbitral Award through peaceful and lawful means while paying tribute to the Armed Forces, Philippine Coast Guard, and Filipino fishermen who continue to protect the country’s maritime territory.
Marcos concluded his fifth SONA by calling on Filipinos to work together in building a better future.
“There is no nobler cause than this. We do this for our children. We do this for our future. We do this because we love our country and we love our people,” Marcos said.
Written by Kristoffer Andrei Yu, USC intern
