Marcos' SONA: A Look Back at Promises, Progress, and Pressures

As President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. prepares to deliver his penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, 2026, the political landscape surrounding his administration is marked by significant divisions. This address comes at a critical juncture, with less than two years remaining in his term and the 2028 elections on the horizon. Looking back at his previous SONAs, Marcos Jr. has outlined ambitious promises alongside stern warnings. In his first address in 2022, newly elected and facing the challenge of guiding the nation out of the COVID-19 pandemic, he declared an end to lockdowns, emphasizing the need to balance public health with economic recovery. He vowed to improve the healthcare system, facilitate the return to face-to-face classes, and championed major infrastructure projects under the "Build Better More" program, including the North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway, and extensions of the LRT and MRT lines. Diplomatically, he asserted that the Philippines would not cede any territory in the West Philippine Sea while maintaining a stance of friendship towards all nations. His 2023 SONA focused heavily on inflation, a pressing concern exacerbated by post-pandemic pressures and global conflicts. Marcos Jr., who also served as Agriculture Secretary at the time, highlighted agricultural smuggling as a contributing factor. He touted the progress of the P8.3 trillion "Build Better More" program and discussed the Maharlika Investment Fund. In addressing the illegal drug problem, he signaled a shift from his predecessor's approach, prioritizing community-based treatment and reintegration over a punitive war on drugs. The 2024 SONA occurred in the wake of a public rift with Vice President Sara Duterte. President Marcos Jr. acknowledged that while the Philippine economy was performing well on paper, many citizens had yet to feel the benefits due to high prices and global tensions. He highlighted agricultural interventions aimed at lowering rice prices and reiterated the nation's claims in the West Philippine Sea. A defining moment of the 2024 address was the declaration of a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which had proliferated and become linked to various crimes, including human trafficking. However, the Marcos administration has also been shadowed by corruption allegations. The flood control program controversy has implicated numerous officials, including his cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Vice President Duterte herself has faced impeachment proceedings and trial over allegations including misuse of public funds. These political challenges raise questions about the efficacy of Marcos Jr.'s upcoming SONA in rallying a deeply divided political establishment. With his term drawing to a close, President Marcos Jr. faces pressure to demonstrate tangible progress and consolidate support. The focus will be on his administration's ability to deliver on economic stability, combat corruption, and improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos. Source: GMA News Philippines