President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. . Photo courtesy of House of Representatives/YouTube
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted his administration’s accomplishments and laid out its legislative priorities during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, emphasizing infrastructure, social services, economic reforms, and good governance.
Addressing a joint session of Congress at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Marcos said his administration remained committed to building a stronger and more resilient “Bagong Pilipinas” despite global economic challenges and other uncertainties.
Among the key initiatives cited by the President were the continued expansion of major transport projects, including the opening of 12 stations of the MRT-7 next year and the start of operations for the Valenzuela to Malolos segment of the North-South Commuter Railway. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the government’s housing program and improve public transportation through the revival of the Service Contracting Program.
On the economy, Marcos urged Congress to approve measures exempting workers earning up to Php 350,000 annually from income tax and called for the removal of systems loss charges passed on to electricity consumers. He also noted that several banks and e-wallet providers had reduced or eliminated online transaction fees following government efforts.
The President likewise underscored the administration’s energy initiatives, citing the discovery of an estimated 222 billion cubic feet of untapped natural gas that could extend the production life of the Malampaya gas field until 2034.
Marcos also highlighted programs benefiting farmers and pensioners, saying the government was on track to complete the distribution of land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries by next year. He added that the second tranche of the Social Security System pension increase had been implemented ahead of schedule.
On governance, Marcos said the administration had pursued an extensive investigation into the alleged flood control scandal, resulting in the filing of cases and the detention of several contractors, senior Department of Public Works and Highways officials, and lawmakers.
“Gaya ng aking ipinangako sa inyo, nagsagawa tayo ng malawakan at malalimang imbestigasyon na walang pinapanigan,” Marcos said. “Mayroon nang mga unang nakasuhan at nakulong.”
The President also called on lawmakers to amend the National Building Code to align it with modern standards and strengthen disaster resilience. He said the government continued to invest in emergency communications, including the rollout of a nationwide emergency communications system and a satellite-to-mobile service designed to maintain connectivity during disasters.
Marcos concluded his address by reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its sovereignty and upholding the 2016 Arbitral Award in the West Philippine Sea. “We are Filipinos, and we do not yield,” he said before ending his speech. The joint session of Congress was adjourned shortly after the address.
