MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, with lawmakers and the public urging him to present concrete reforms to address corruption, the rising cost of living, employment and other pressing national issues.
The address will outline the administration’s priorities for the final two years of Marcos’ six-year term.
A Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group and conducted from June 28 to July 3 found that 30 percent of Filipinos identified making food more affordable as the government’s top priority. The survey, released on Saturday, also showed that 28 percent of respondents want stronger action against corruption, up from 26 percent in March, while another 28 percent cited job creation and livelihood opportunities, up from 24 percent.
A separate Pulse Asia survey released Friday found that 29.8 percent of respondents want Marcos to focus on combating corruption, particularly by holding accountable those linked to the flood control projects controversy. Another 18.7 percent said the president should prioritize keeping basic goods affordable.
Stratbase Group President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said the surveys indicate that Filipinos expect the government to address inflation while improving governance, creating jobs and delivering more responsive public services.
Several lawmakers said they expect Marcos to announce concrete reforms.
Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno called on the president to present actionable measures to address inflation, rising fuel and electricity prices, unemployment and corruption.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said he hopes Marcos will outline reforms to prevent irregularities in government flood control projects, while Sen. JV Ejercito urged the administration to hold accountable those responsible for alleged misuse of public funds.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said authorities have already detained several personalities linked to the flood control investigations, while others are awaiting arrest warrants. She added that courts have also ordered the freezing of bank accounts and assets tied to the alleged anomalies.
Last week, the Office of the Ombudsman filed a supplemental complaint against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Rep. Zaldy Co and others for plunder, bribery, graft and money laundering in connection with the alleged misuse of flood control funds.
Lawmakers also expect Marcos to clarify his proposal to “reset” relations with China following recent tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Akbayan Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula said any improvement in relations should come only after China addresses alleged damage to the marine environment and actions against Philippine vessels.
Castro said the Philippines remains committed to protecting its rights in the West Philippine Sea through diplomatic means while condemning harassment against Filipino personnel.
Marcos is also expected to highlight the Philippines’ new upper-middle-income economy classification under the World Bank. However, several groups said many Filipinos continue to struggle with rising prices brought about by inflation.
The government has announced a P12.375-billion cash assistance program for 7.5 million poor and near-poor households affected by higher fuel prices.
Workers are also awaiting possible announcements on wage increases after the first tranche of an P85 daily wage hike in Metro Manila took effect on Saturday.
Malacañang said this year’s SONA will be more modest to reduce government spending as additional funds are needed for the country’s response to the Middle East crisis. The traditional red carpet ceremony has been canceled.
Vice President Sara Duterte will not attend the address because she is abroad and is expected to return on July 31.
Ahead of the SONA, Marcos’ trust rating fell to 34 percent in the latest Social Weather Stations survey, while Duterte’s trust rating remained at 57 percent despite her ongoing impeachment trial.
