MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today will center on his administration’s response to the economic and geopolitical challenges that have confronted the country over the past year, presenting what he described as an accountability report on government actions to cushion Filipinos from the impact of global uncertainties.
Speaking ahead of the annual address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, Marcos said his speech would outline the government’s accomplishments since his previous SONA and explain how the administration navigated mounting external pressures affecting the country.
“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.
The President said the address would highlight the measures his administration implemented to steer the country through what he described as one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
“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 maintained that despite the difficult global environment, the government’s policy adjustments have helped mitigate the effects of external shocks, particularly on vulnerable sectors, and contributed to maintaining stability.
“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,” Marcos said.
The President is scheduled to deliver his fifth SONA at the Batasang Pambansa Complex today. Malacañang said the event will be conducted in a simple manner while preserving the dignity of the Constitutionally mandated annual address.
Asked whether he would tackle corruption in government during his speech, Marcos declined to provide details, saying only, “Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.”/PN
