MANILA, Philippines — House Assistant Minority Leader and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co on Tuesday criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), calling it “underwhelming” and failed to address the country’s pressing issues.
“Is that it? We expected him to be honest about his failures but he continues to create a false sense of achievement,” Co said in Filipino and English in a statement a day after the chief executive gave his annual report.
The opposition lawmaker said Marcos’ speech failed to respond to the concerns of ordinary Filipinos.
She likewise alleged that protesters outside the Batasang Pambansa where Congress’ joint session was held, were subjected to excessive force by authorities.
“The SONA was underwhelming, yet the state terror was overwhelming,” she said. While the speech delivered inside the Batasan failed to address the people's grievances, outside, citizens voicing their complaints and demanding accountability were subjected to intense violence,” she added.
Co also questioned the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign, arguing that government policies have fallen short in addressing challenges in education, the economy, and national sovereignty.
She further criticized the government’s anti-corruption efforts, saying that while cases have reportedly been filed against erring officials, few have been held accountable.
“He claims he is not the president of his family or friends, yet it is clear that no one has been held accountable since the widespread corruption within his administration was exposed,” she said.
“Charges may have been filed, but how many of the accused have actually been convicted? How many are behind bars?” she added.
The Kabataan representative also raised concern over the arrest of protesters during demonstrations held in conjunction with the SONA, claiming that some youths were detained because they were dressed in black and had their faces covered.
Despite the administration’s efforts to project its accomplishments, Co said public dissatisfaction remained evident, adding that the youth sector would continue to push for reforms.
