President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his fifth State of the Nation Address will serve as a report to the Filipino people on the government’s response to global uncertainties and the measures implemented to help cushion their impact on the country.
Speaking to reporters in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Friday, Marcos said the annual address would recount the challenges the Philippines faced over the past year and the actions taken by his administration.
“I always regard this SONA as a report—a report of the President to the public as to what has happened since the last SONA. And that is what we will take up,” Marcos said.
He said the speech would also highlight how the government navigated what he described as a difficult period marked by external pressures.
“Of course, I will make sure that people know all of the things that we have done to navigate this very difficult period in our history, where we are buffeted by all of these external forces,” he said.
Marcos expressed confidence that the government’s policies and interventions have been effective in helping Filipinos, particularly vulnerable sectors, cope with global economic and geopolitical challenges.
“But nonetheless, our response has been good. And we have had to make adjustments, but those adjustments have been effective and have served their purpose,” he said.
The President also said he continues to revise his speech and expects to make changes until shortly before delivering it.
“I’m never done. Until one hour before the SONA, I’m still changing it, because, of course, we want it to be perfect,” Marcos said.
He estimated that more than 90% of the speech had been completed, with the remaining work focused on refining the language, ensuring all key topics are covered and keeping the address at an appropriate length.
Asked whether he would tackle corruption in government during the address, Marcos declined to elaborate, replying only, “Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.”
President Marcos is scheduled to deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday.
