AS President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepares to deliver his penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, efforts to curb corruption in government, sustain economic gains, and protect Philippine territory are expected to shape his annual report to the nation.
Speaking to reporters in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, on Friday, Marcos said his speech is more than “90 percent” complete but remains subject to possible revisions.
He said he would discuss the government’s efforts to “navigate this very difficult period” in Philippine history, as the country faces various external challenges, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Other key developments to watch are the government’s response to concerns surrounding the state-funded flood control projects, the country’s economic trajectory following its achievement of upper-middle-income status, and continuing efforts to assert Philippine rights and jurisdiction over its maritime territories.
Flood mitigation and accountability
Flood mitigation remains a major concern as the government continues its investigation against government officials and contractors allegedly linked to the anomalous flood control projects.
“Mahiya naman kayo (Shame on you)!” was a catchphrase used by the president during his 4th SONA last year to call out government officials involved in corruption related to flood control projects.
Marcos has repeatedly vowed to ensure that public funds allocation for infrastructure projects produces tangible and meaningful results.
Following concerns over the implementation and effectiveness of some flood control projects, the president has committed to strengthening monitoring mechanisms and holding accountable those responsible for irregularities.
Government initiatives include the launch of the online “Sumbong sa Pangulo” platform and the establishment of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which concluded its operations on March 31.
Economic gains
The Philippines’ economic performance and development outlook are also expected to be among the highlights of the president’s annual address.
Marcos’ recent foreign trips have focused on attracting more investments, creating jobs, expanding industries, and strengthening key sectors as the country continues its development trajectory after attaining upper-middle-income status.
He is expected to present the government’s economic agenda for the succeeding years, as the country continues to face domestic and global challenges.
Defending PH interests
The assertion of Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea is another major national issue expected to receive attention.
Marcos has continued to uphold the country’s maritime rights by pursuing diplomatic and legal avenues that are consistent with international law.
On July 20, or just a week before the president delivers his fifth SONA, tensions flared anew after a Philippine Navy sailor sustained head injuries when he was struck with a wooden baton by a member of the China Coast Guard (CCG) during a confrontation near Ayungin Shoal.
The incident highlighted the continuing challenges in the West Philippine Sea despite the government’s efforts to safeguard the country’s maritime interests and ensure the safety of Filipinos in the disputed waters.
Following the CCG’s assault on the PN personnel at Ayungin Shoal, Marcos summoned Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan to Malacañan Palace in Manila on July 20 to raise the matter and express his intent to “reset” the ties between the two nations.
Concerned government agencies continue to monitor developments in the maritime domain and strengthen efforts to safeguard Filipino fishermen, protect national resources, and uphold the country’s rights.
Support for vulnerable sectors
Social protection programs remain a major component of government efforts to assist vulnerable sectors, including low-income households, senior citizens and persons with disabilities affected by economic challenges.
Amid global uncertainties, including the impact of tensions in the Middle East, the administration has introduced measures aimed at cushioning possible effects on Filipino consumers, workers and industries.
On March 24, Marcos signed Executive Order (EO) 110, declaring a state of national energy emergency as part of measures to address potential disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis.
EO 110 also established the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (Uplift) framework, a comprehensive, whole-of-government initiative intended to strengthen energy security and ensure continuity of economic activities.
Marcos is expected to provide updates on the number of beneficiaries served, improvements in program delivery, and measures to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need.
When the president delivers his fifth SONA, the public is expected to hear updates not only on government achievements but also on strategies to address continuing challenges affecting national development, security, and the welfare of Filipinos.
Education budget
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said he expects President Marcos to provide a comprehensive update on the implementation of the country's historic education budget during his upcoming SONA, particularly on efforts to address the nation's classroom shortage and improve access to quality education.
Gatchalian said the 2026 national budget allocated unprecedented funding for the education sector, marking the first time the Philippines has met the United Nations' recommended benchmark for education spending.
“We have allocated historic funds for education so that we can avert the widespread crisis facing this sector. We hope that in the upcoming SONA, we will be clearly informed about what we have achieved and what we still need to do to address the education crisis,” Gatchalian said.
The 2026 General Appropriations Act earmarked P1.35 trillion for education—equivalent to 4.4 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) — placing the Philippines within the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (Unesco) recommended allocation of 4 to 6 percent of GDP for education spending.
Among the major allocations in the education budget is P67.9 billion for the construction of at least 22,000 classrooms nationwide.
The funding is intended to help address the country's long-standing classroom shortage, which stood at about 147,000 classrooms as of July 2025.
The education budget also includes P12.3 billion to cover the funding deficiency of the government's free higher education program incurred from 2022 to 2025, ensuring the continued implementation of Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
Gatchalian, who chaired the Senate Committee on Finance during deliberations on the 2026 national budget, pushed for increased investments in education, arguing that sustained funding is crucial to reversing learning losses and addressing systemic problems confronting the sector.
Labor concerns
The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) on Saturday called on President Marcos to address workers’ rights in his SONA on Monday.
Apart from economic growth, the labor group wants the SONA to tackle issues such as the living wage, secure and permanent employment, safe working conditions, and the swift enforcement of labor laws.
“Workers are hoping that the SONA will include a call for a living wage, beginning with a P200 per day wage increase, an end to labor contractualization, genuine security of tenure, and the prompt enforcement of final and executory decisions of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), particularly for riders who have already won their labor cases but continue to wait for the execution of those decisions,” FFW President Sonny Matula said in a statement in Filipino.
The federation said they are also alarmed with the incidents of killings, stabbings, robberies, and other violent attacks against motorcycle ride-hailing and delivery riders.
“Every delivery and every trip involves a worker risking his or her life. It is unjust that the very people driving the digital economy are the ones who remain least protected. Violence should never be considered an occupational hazard,” Matula stated.
Concrete action sought
Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list on Saturday called on President Marcos to prioritize governance and concrete action over politics in his fifth SONA, saying Filipinos are looking for measurable results that directly improve their lives.
The party-list said its expectations were based on consultations with various sectors, with Rep. Robert Nazal urging the president to present a clear and credible roadmap for the remainder of his administration focused on economic growth, job creation and better public services.
“Filipinos are not looking for a longer speech; they are looking for results. Less politics, more governance. Less promises, more action. Less rhetoric, more measurable results,” Nazal said.
Nazal said the administration should prioritize attracting more investments to generate higher-paying jobs; reduce electricity costs through power sector reforms; support micro, small and medium enterprises through low- or zero-interest financing; and strengthen education and skills development for the youth.
He also urged the government to tighten regulations on online gambling and crack down on illegal gambling, promote merit-based governance under the principle of “Gobyernong Walang Padrino,” and outline plans to reduce government debt and improve fiscal discipline by streamlining public spending.
“We want to hear a clear, credible and achievable economic roadmap for the remaining years of the Marcos administration,” Nazal said.
Bagong Henerasyon chairman Bernadette Herrera, meanwhile, said she expects the president to announce concrete measures to lower the cost of food, electricity, water and fuel; fully implement existing health care laws; and strengthen support for solo parents and persons with disabilities.
Herrera also urged the administration to avoid imposing new taxes and instead improve revenue collection, while promoting transparency and accountability through the use of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology to strengthen governance and curb corruption.
“That is the leadership — and the future — that every Filipino deserves,” Herrera said.
Sen. Loren Legarda, meanwhile, called on the president to deliver an honest and accountable SONA, saying Filipinos deserve a clear picture of the country's challenges and concrete plans to address them in the administration's remaining two years.
Legarda said the address must go beyond reporting economic gains and explain how government policies have improved the lives of ordinary Filipinos amid persistent inflation, poverty, corruption issues, climate-related disasters, and national security concerns.
"The Filipino people have carried the country through every crisis. They have worked, sacrificed, adjusted and endured. The government must now show that their sacrifices have led somewhere," she said.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano called for a "national agenda" that rises above partisan politics and addresses the issues Filipinos face every day, ahead of the president’s SONA on Monday.
In his Facebook livestream on Friday, Cayetano said the country should focus on priorities that unite Filipinos instead of issues that deepen political divisions.
The senator said a national agenda should center on issues that affect all Filipinos regardless of political affiliation.
Among these, he cited affordable electricity and a lower cost of living as priorities that deserve greater attention.
Security up
The Philippine National Police (PNP) began deploying security forces on Saturday ahead of the SONA.
Police personnel have been positioned in selected areas in Quezon City and Manila to secure key locations before Monday's address.
Authorities said 100 percent of PNP personnel assigned to the security operations, along with force multipliers, will be deployed on Sunday.
Additional police forces from nearby provinces will also be sent to augment security in Metro Manila.
The PNP earlier said it had finalized security preparations for the SONA, including crowd management and traffic control measures, as several groups are expected to hold demonstrations near the Batasang Pambansa Complex.
