Marcos to highlight 'many accomplishments' in SONA

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos is putting the finishing touches on his fifth and penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) set for Monday. Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez stated that the President would be working over the weekend to finalize the draft and rehearse for the speech. Gomez indicated that the SONA would likely "outline a lot of accomplishments" particularly in the areas of education, affordable healthcare, transparency in public works, and food security. The President himself has also hinted at highlighting "many accomplishments" during his address. When pressed about potential mentions of corruption, President Marcos responded with "Wait for the next chapter" (Abangan ang susunod na kabanata) when asked by media on Friday. However, he has a history of addressing corruption, notably exposing multibillion-peso corruption in flood control projects last year and telling officials to "Have some shame" (Mahiya naman kayo). Earlier this year, he also signaled continued efforts to hold accountable those behind substandard and ghost projects, including those from past administrations, suggesting that corruption could be a significant topic. President Marcos also mentioned that his address would touch upon policies and programs implemented over the past year to address major challenges posed by "external forces." Meanwhile, Speaker Faustino Dy III of the House of Representatives has urged the Senate to expedite the approval of priority legislation under the Marcos administration, as the House aims to pass more bills before the year ends. Several priority bills, including the proposed Cybersecurity Act, are currently moving through Congress, with others awaiting committee action. Dy expressed confidence that the Senate can fulfill its constitutional duties as an impeachment court while continuing its legislative responsibilities. Congress has already approved 26 out of 52 priority measures under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). On the security front, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is on alert for provocateurs who might disrupt demonstrations and cause chaos during the SONA. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Narratez Jr. urged rally organizers to monitor for potential saboteurs. Information Source: Philstar Nation