SONA Priority Legislation: Less Than Half Enacted Across Administrations

Analysis by Rappler reveals that a significant portion of priority legislation highlighted by Philippine Presidents in their annual State of the Nation Addresses (SONA) ultimately fails to become law. The process of prioritizing legislation for presidential mention in SONA was institutionalized in 1992 with the establishment of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). However, analysis from academics indicates that over half of the priority bills mentioned by presidents in their SONAs have not been enacted across past administrations. A former chief of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office suggests that some legislation is never intended to be passed, serving merely as a facade to present an administration favorably. Bills that do not align with the interests of those in power or legislators are often left to die a natural death. While President Benigno Aquino III's administration mentioned fewer bills in its SONAs, President Rodrigo Duterte's term saw a surge, with 21 priority bills called for in 2020, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, even then, less than half were enacted. The current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is seen to be shifting its focus from long-term institutional reforms to addressing immediate concerns affecting Filipinos as it enters the mid-term of its term. However, some observers suggest this pivot may be driven by the administration's survival and need for public approval. Factors contributing to the failure of legislation include competition with other bills in Congress, opposition from civil society groups and business interests, unexpected events (such as calls to revisit the minimum age of criminal liability), and budget constraints. For instance, President Marcos vetoed the creation of a transportation safety board, citing redundancy with existing agencies. Experts caution that being labeled a priority bill in a SONA does not guarantee its enactment. The legislative process is complex, influenced by a myriad of intertwined factors.