President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his 5th SONA. Photo courtesy of PCO.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Congress to approve key economic measures aimed at easing the financial burden on Filipinos during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
Among his priority proposals was exempting workers earning up to Php 350,000 annually from paying income tax. Marcos said the measure would allow more workers to keep a larger portion of their earnings amid rising living costs.
The President also called for the removal of systems loss charges passed on to electricity consumers, saying the practice should no longer continue.
“Panahon na para tanggalin ang systems loss na ipinapasa sa consumer,” Marcos said.
Marcos likewise highlighted the government’s efforts to reduce the cost of digital financial transactions. He said several banks and e-wallet providers had already lowered or eliminated online transaction fees following discussions with the government.
The President said these initiatives form part of broader reforms intended to improve public services while reducing unnecessary expenses shouldered by consumers.
He also cited the early implementation of the second tranche of the Social Security System pension increase, which allowed pensioners to receive the additional benefits beginning in June instead of September.
“Bilang dagdag-tulong naman sa mga pensyonado ng SSS, pinaaga natin ang sampung porsyentong pagtaas ng kanilang pensyon simula Hunyo,” Marcos said.
Marcos urged lawmakers to prioritize the proposed economic measures, saying they would provide meaningful relief to Filipino workers, consumers, and retirees.