By Jelena Villorente

For the fourth time in his administration, President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on the afternoon of July 28th, 2025. Under the nation’s eye, his speech was awaited with profound expectation — most especially in pertinence to the harrowing events that recently came awash.

Amidst the dichotomy between the red-clad supporters and torch-yielding protesters, even the days leading up to Marcos Jr.’s speech have proven to be quite the show already. Outspoken audiences began to flock Commonwealth Avenue upon the nearing SONA, either out to make a statement through a burning effigy, or cheering in support of the President and his plans.

In the end, however, both parties carried more or less the same wish — the hope that President Marcos Jr. crafted his address with meticulous consideration, concrete agenda, and the best interests of his fellow countrymen in mind.

As the President went on to reiterate the nation’s current circumstances, citizens were greeted with the wide-ranged recount of issues faced by the Filipino people — such as pervasive poverty, a failing education system, derailing development, and limited healthcare access — alongside accompanying plans and statistics that seemed cleverly tailored towards the nation’s appeal. Brief problem-centric statements were soon followed by evidentiary claims of improvement hand-in-hand with solutions that seem too good to be true — almost as if it were an overcompensation of sorts in response to the concerns he chose to make mention.

To compound this even further, even the topics PBBM failed to address also speaks volumes of the perception he carries in view of our country. The omission of significant subjects perhaps intends to carry a message of its own — a narrative that amplifies the President’s measure of relevance.

BBM’s SONA isn’t a mere report on the country’s progress — it is a message that reveals how our own government values its people. Now, after all the words said, how well did our President perform on the podium? What impact would his statements have on the millions of Filipinos tuning in to his address? 

The Approaching Address

The days approaching the SONA painted BBM’s audience with a wave of expectation, just as every time it does — sparking the eagerness to once again hear the President pursue topics of great relevance for the common Filipino folk. Solid, realistic agendas also stand as a stark hope amongst viewers, most especially in response to exigent issues that continue to perpetuate within Philippine society.

One of these include the recent problems brought about by the Habagat season, and the criticism faced by the government with their failure to prepare the public for flood-filled streets and nonstop rain. Marcos’s prior statement describing this state as the ‘new normal’ fuelled anger among the many Filipino flood victims actually counting on tangible action.

This can also be accompanied by the pervading concern of online gambling, with Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri claiming that he wanted to hear more discourse surrounding this matter coming from the President himself. Seeing as he condemned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and its illegal management in his last SONA, Zubiri also hoped for a mention of the aforementioned topic.

Another concern is that of Sara Duterte’s impeachment — with the recent ruling claiming the impeachment trial against the VP as ‘unconstitutional.’ Following this verdict was a series of lambasting, suggesting this ultimate decision as a leeway for Duterte to thrive in corruption.

Other than this, a news report also narrates the hope for Marcos’ speech to outline definite plans towards the development of sustainable careers, amidst the economic concerns that revolve around flat wages and indecent jobs. 

Overall, these suppositions laid out by SONA audiences, whether these parties are general or political, serve as a starting point of sorts, a springboard that reveals the current interests of those anticipating Marcos’s SONA. 

As press covers began and livestreams came up, these conjectures only amalgamated to form the nation’s ear — the critical organ to which the SONA was ultimately addressed, and a mirror of the public eye ready to hear out the President’s words. 

From the Mighty Podium

Facing political constituents, personalities, and press members from the podium behind which he stood, President Marcos Jr. delivered his 1 hour and 11 minute-long address as the rest of the country watched live through screens. He began his address by congratulating the victors of the recent midterm elections and welcoming the re- and newly-elected candidates seated in front of him.

Following this introduction, Marcos went on to discuss economic matters, notably expounding on the ₱20-per-kilo rice undertaking. He mentions that we have proven the capability to lower the rice costs to ₱20 per kilo without giving rise to losses for farmers. This was followed by more economic agendas that gravitate towards expanding job opportunities, supporting microenterprises, fortifying local production, and aiding the country’s coconut industry.

Moving on, Marcos came to address the issue of unmet necessities. He first went on to mention the number of households lacking sufficient electricity due to hiking costs, then supplied solutions through the Lifeline Rate as a provision for customers who struggle to pay their electricity bills, alongside the Department of Energy’s Net Metering Program aiming to establish renewable energy systems for households and enterprises to take advantage of. Compounding this, Marcos also recounted the issue of limited water access, stating that concrete steps will be taken against mismanaged water district systems, especially for those living in remote, rural areas. 

Forging ahead, the President made strong stances in regards to health provisions in the country, greatly emphasizing the zero-balance billing when it comes to hospital bills. He promised PhilHealth’s coverage of a vast array of treatments and health services, as well as free accommodation in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals. 

Another major topic brought up in the SONA was the value held for the country’s education, as Marcos shed light on concerns centered upon unmet educational needs, mental health issues, bullying cases, and so on. He underlined the extensive reforms that will be undertaken for the enhancement of the education system and its underpinnings, such as the provision of gadgets for teachers to utilize, the mobilization of guidance counselors within schools and development centers, the establishment of more classrooms, financial assistance for college students, and work options for senior high school graduates, among others.

The subject of sports was also brought up in connection with the nurturance of nationwide potential, as Marcos applauded Filipino athletes such as Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, and Jerrold Mangliwan — even jokingly alluding to Nicolas Torre, Chief of the Philippine National Police, given his infamous exchange with Davao City’s Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte. With this, he promised government support for the country’s upcoming athletic events such as the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy Games.

On the spectrum of infrastructure development, Marcos underscored his “Build Better More” stint and significant projects outlined under this umbrella, especially in regards to the refinement of highway networks such as the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, SLEX extension, and the improvement of transport connectivity in Mindanao. He announced the comeback of the “Love Bus” for commuters to utilize for free in major metropolitan areas, alongside the slated rehabilitation of Guadalupe Bridge later in the year.

Upon bringing up the case of the missing sabungeros, Marcos vowed to initiate a thorough investigation on the disappearance of these cockfighters. He stressed the perpetrators’ inevitable answer to the law, regardless of social status — emphasizing his move to hold them accountable. Marcos also later brought up the case of drugs, claiming to have confiscated narcotics worth ₱83 billion, alongside the arrest of over 150,000 drug pushers.

Finally, Marcos concluded his address with an answer to the looming inquiry on the flood control projects — a blatant rebuke to failed operations allocated under contractors and government officials. He pledged to refine this system by means of an audit, a public list that translates the progress of all outlined flood projects in the last three years through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He decries corrupt authorities and their temerity amidst the high-rise issues in front of them, and stressed that these officials shall face the impending consequences.

Among other miscellaneous claims interspersed throughout Marcos’ speech, his SONA was a strong recount — a noble narration of issues and the solutions laid out to solve them. The formula remains the same: with every mention of an issue, a response must come to answer tenfold — yet, how can we be so sure? Is this overcompensation merely made to appeal to applauding audiences?

Down the Line of Inquiry

From daring claims to even more daring plans, President Marcos Jr. did not fail to build up a brazen front. He remained relentless in establishing the pillars meant to solve every problem he made mention, promising his people it would all end well in due time — but that fortified facade does little to hide the concerns that encapsulated his words.

Beginning with his primary statements, economic growth is a slow rhythm for Filipinos, especially as it surrounds diverse factors that dynamically interplay. The fulfillment of the ₱20-per-kilo rice seems attainable in accordance with the lowered rice prices as of late, but the promise of eradicating losses for farmers seemed to be a stretch. Filipino farmers are already struggling with insufficient profit and unpayable debts as is — how exactly will the government compensate for these provisions?

Moving on, the Lifeline Rate was established to accommodate those struggling to fully avail their electricity while the country continues to navigate and address its complicated energy system according to Marcos. Members of the 4Ps and other eligible customers who have enlisted are able to avail of this subsidized rate — and yet, there lies an issue in qualified individuals and families who may be unaware of the benefit they are entitled to. The lack of cognizance translates into a lack of action — and for the millions of other Filipinos deserving of this subsidy yet are unbeknownst to it, their hardships continue to persist. In addition, renewable energy access also remains a rocky road, littered with challenges such as financial risks and inadequate energy storage that must be addressed to ensure its efficacy.

In response to Marcos’ statements about water security, it is only right that these operations are to be held accountable whenever lapses in logistics occur — especially when the health of Filipinos are at stake. Although, only time will tell when these initiatives will truly make a difference for Filipinos with narrowing access to clean, affordable water.

On the topic of health provision, Marcos seemed unwavering in his many agendas towards the refinement of Filipino healthcare, especially in response to the many issues this has faced in the past, such as restricted access, costly services, and lackluster quality. Besides this promising front, however, concerns still lie within PhilHealth’s recent controversies in regards to its financial instability and unpaid debts, potentially raising questions as to whether PhilHealth will truly be able to uphold these plans in the name of Filipino healthcare. 

Upon the subject of education, this sector has also undoubtedly faced a myriad of challenges throughout its progress. The fact that these are willing to be addressed in innovative manners is noble at best — yet the oath is yet to be fulfilled. Some of the mentioned issues, such as low performance and poor mental health, have been problems for the longest time, yet plans to respond to these seemed to be void of urgency for those suffering the consequences. Before his administration ends, the hope runs clear for these plans to be achieved, especially as students and faculty continue to waver in the lines of learning.

Marcos’ plans for sports and fitness support is admirable, yet he makes a joke out of the petty rivalry between Duterte and Torre, given the former’s retreat out of the boxing match he initiated against the latter. It almost mocks the champions he listed prior, insulting the gilded names of Filipino athletes and stooping these figures down to the level of trivial competitors.

Moving forward, infrastructure development continues to push through as one of Marcos’ most prominent undertakings, effectively forging the persistent nudge towards refined networks and highways. The lack of proper management as well as equally allocated funds for balanced development, however, come off as issues that may derail progress in this field, especially as Marcos vows continued projects for enhanced connectivity across the country. 

On the case of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts, the off-putting notion that it took almost four years for this issue to be addressed reveals the neglect this occurrence has endured — especially for the families suffering their justice-void losses.

Finally, upon the topic of his vowed flood control projects, pointing fingers seemed to be the most optimal move for Marcos to save his own face amidst the ‘new normal’ he claimed the Habagat weather to be. Despite the solution he provided for the failed efforts, he did not account for his lack of initiative in preparing for these situations firsthand and actively leading the strategies towards disaster preparedness.

In the end, Marcos’ claims came to be littered with statements that could slide right down criticism’s unwavering line of inquiry. Even the subjects left unsaid remain crucial in the curation of his message to the country. He failed to mention Vice President Sara Duterte’s dismissed impeachment trial. He failed to expound on the prominence of online gambling. He failed to elucidate on the progress of present disaster rehabilitation schemes. He failed to address issues on the West Philippine Sea, instead claiming to arm the country to become a ‘friend to all’ and an ‘enemy to none’.

Tailored for the audience’s allure and applause, there only lies the hope that these promises end up being fulfilled — or else the Filipino people will continue to painfully endure.

Where Resolution is Due 

As the SONA came and went, it is ultimately up to the public whether or not their inquiries end up being quelled by Marcos’ words. From brazen promises to noble decries, his 4th address is a jam-pack of plans he wishes to pursue for the betterment of Philippine livelihood — and yet, upon the precipice of his third year in administration, the country’s cries and complaints still remain amplified against the background of his political climate.

What the President must be aware of is that with every pledge is due resolution, a promise that deserves to not only be acknowledged, but to be fulfilled for the sake of his fellow countrymen.

As the days fade out of Marcos’ annual speech season, the prayer of the public remains steadfast, the hope that the address meant more than a mere podium-bound articulation. On behalf of the Filipinos coming from places of hardship and neglect, the desire is loud and clear, whether or not they’re plastered on media outlets — and with every word addressed to the Filipino people lending an ear, many are counting on their transcendence from the podium, translated into action for those that need it most.