President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa, pledging expanded social programs and job creation to address rising public dissatisfaction following his administration’s poor showing in the recent midterm elections.
In a nearly hour-long speech, the President acknowledged that while key economic indicators such as slowing inflation and growing employment appear promising, “these numbers mean little if our people continue to suffer.” His remarks signaled a major shift toward more people-centric policies, driven by the administration’s effort to rebuild trust and recalibrate its priorities.
“We must ensure that progress is not only seen in our numbers, but felt in every Filipino household,” Marcos said, emphasizing the urgency of translating economic gains into tangible improvements in daily life.
According to Bloomberg, the SONA reflected a conscious effort to soothe public discontent after the ruling coalition lost several key races in the May 2025 elections—widely interpreted as a referendum on the government’s handling of poverty, corruption, and public service delivery. In response, the President announced the rollout of expanded social welfare programs, new job creation initiatives, and renewed focus on attracting both local and foreign investments in the second half of his six-year term.
In the wake of the administration’s electoral losses, President Marcos previously asked all cabinet members to submit courtesy resignations, signaling plans for a government reset that aligns with shifting public expectations.
While no major dismissals have been confirmed, insiders say the President aims to form a leaner, more responsive leadership team that can execute key reforms quickly—especially in social services, infrastructure, and anti-corruption initiatives.
Vice President Sara Duterte was noticeably absent from the SONA, once again skipping the address as she had in 2024. Duterte previously remarked she expected “nothing substantive” from the speech. Despite ongoing political tension, former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently under ICC detention in The Hague, was still extended a formal invitation.
To secure the event, over 27,000 security personnel were deployed throughout Metro Manila, according to the House Sergeant-at-Arms.
One of the address’s more forward-looking components was a nationwide sports development initiative. The President vowed to modernize training facilities, increase funding for local athletes, and foster youth participation in physical education—presenting sports as a means of community building and national pride.
Marcos’s fourth SONA marks the midpoint of his presidency. Framed as both a report card and a roadmap, the address reflected the administration’s attempt to pivot from image-building to legacy-building, with a renewed emphasis on public welfare, livelihood, and food security.
