MANILA, Philippines — As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday, several senators are urging his administration to move beyond promises and deliver concrete measures addressing the country's most pressing problems in the last two years of his administration.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the public expected the President to show proof that its policies were easing the difficulties faced by Filipino families.
She said Marcos should also explain how the government would contain electricity, water, fuel and food prices; create livable jobs; increase workers’ take-home pay; and curb corruption affecting investor confidence.
"What Filipinos expect from Malacañang is not merely a report, but receipts—proof of what the government has done and will still do to lift families from hardship," Hontiveros said in a statement.
Sen. Lito Lapid, for his part, expressed confidence that Marcos would detail measures to protect Filipinos from the effects of global crises while pursuing corrupt officials.
"We trust that the President will present government actions to improve the lives of Filipinos amid global crises while relentlessly fighting corruption," Lapid said.
Sen. Loren Legarda said the President should also confront the gap between reported economic growth and the daily experiences of families struggling with inflation, unstable income and inadequate public services.
She said the SONA should identify specific targets, timelines, responsible agencies and funding for employment, food and energy security, education, climate resilience, maritime rights and the campaign against corruption.
"The remaining years of the administration must be devoted to implementation, correction, accountability, and delivery," Legarda said.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said national transformation should not depend solely on political leaders and government processes.
"Our hope cannot rest on a person. Our hope cannot rest on politics or processes," Cayetano said.
