President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, at 4:00 p.m. before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.
As his fifth SONA before the end of his term in 2028, Marcos is expected to present his administration's accomplishments, outline key priorities for the remaining two years of his presidency, and discuss his vision for the country's future.
The president has also hinted that corruption will be among the major themes of his speech, telling reporters to "stay tuned for the next chapter."
This year's SONA comes amid several pressing national issues, including alleged corruption in flood control projects, the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, energy security, and continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Government officials, lawmakers, members of the diplomatic corps, and invited guests are expected to attend the annual address, while Vice President Sara Duterte and several minority senators are expected to be absent, with the Vice President currently overseas and not expected to return until July 31.
PBBM arrives at Batasang Pambansa
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 27, ahead of his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The president's helicopter landed at the Batasan grounds, marking the start of the government’s annual report on its accomplishments, ongoing programs, and priorities for the coming years.
Marcos holds traditional courtesy meeting before his SONA
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a traditional courtesy meeting with Senate President Win Gatchalian and House Speaker Bojie Dy at the legislative lounge before delivering his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA)
The president was joined by First Lady Liza Marcos and other members of Congress during the pre-SONA gathering at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.
The meeting served as a customary moment of unity among government leaders ahead of the president's annual address to the nation.
Marcos enters Plenary Hall
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. entered the plenary hall of the House of Representatives at the Batasang Pambansa
The president's arrival marked the start of his annual report on the administration’s accomplishments, ongoing programs, and priorities for the country.
Marcos is expected to present his government’s key achievements and outline plans for the remaining years of his term.
Joint session for Marcos’ Fifth SONA formally begins
The joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) formally began.
The session was officially called to order as lawmakers gathered for the President’s annual address.
PCSO Chorale performs national anthem
The PCSO Chorale performed the Philippine national anthem during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa
The performance opened the formal proceedings of the president's annual address before a joint session of Congress.
Ruben Laurente leads nation’s prayer
Multi-awarded singer Ruben Laurente performed “Let There Be Peace on Earth” as the nation’s prayer during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA)
Laurente’s performance was part of the opening ceremonies for the President’s annual address before a joint session of Congress.
Marcos says he is “President of the Philippines, not of his family” amid Romualdez case mention
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he is not the president of his family or friends but of the entire Philippines during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Marcos highlighted his commitment to impartial governance as he mentioned that the Ombudsman is expected to file charges against his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“Hindi ako pangulo ng aking pamilya, hindi ako pangulo ng aking kaibigan. Ako ay pangulo ng Pilipinas,” Marcos said during his address
Marcos highlights public reports’ role in fighting corruption
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized that reports and complaints submitted through “Isumbong sa Pangulo” have helped improve government services and address public concerns.
Marcos said citizens’ vigilance and participation play an important role in fighting corruption and promoting accountability in government.
“Nakatulong ang lahat ng mga ulat at hinaing ninyo sa Isumbong sa Pangulo. Ang inyong pagbabantay at pakikialam sa pamahalaan ay ang susi sa paglaban sa katiwalian,” Marcos said during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Marcos highlights PAFF aid for farmers and fisherfolk hit by high oil prices
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration provided support to nearly 2 million farmers and fisherfolk affected by high fuel prices through the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) program.
Marcos said the assistance aimed to help ease the impact of rising oil costs on the agricultural and fishing sectors.
“Nagbigay din tayo ng suporta sa halos 2 milyong magsasaka at mangingisda sa kasagsagan ng mataas na presyo ng langis sa ilalim ng Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families o PAFFF,” Marcos said during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Marcos cites assistance programs for Drivers amid rising fuel costs
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the government’s assistance programs for public transport workers, including cash relief and fuel subsidies aimed at helping drivers cope with rising costs.
Marcos said thousands of public bus and jeepney drivers received support through the government’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program and fuel subsidy initiatives to sustain their livelihood and public service.
“Ang mga tsuper ay natulungan ng cash relief assistance mula sa ating programang AICS. Mayroon ding sampung piso-kada-litro na diesel subsidy para sa mga pampasaherong jeepney at UV Express upang may dagdag na pangkarga,” Marcos said.
Marcos highlights LRT-2, MRT-3 fare discounts and libreng sakay program
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted government initiatives aimed at easing commuters’ daily expenses through fare discounts and free ride programs in Metro Manila.
Marcos said passengers benefited from the 50% fare discount in LRT-2 and MRT-3 as well as the Libreng Sakay Program, which was supported by several government agencies.
“Para naman sa mga pasahero, nagkaroon ng mga Libreng Sakay, kung saan sinegundahan pa ng ilang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan gamit ang kanilang mga sasakyan,” Marcos said
Marcos highlights ₱9.13-Billion cash aid, fuel subsidy for transport workers
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government provided cash assistance and fuel subsidies to help transport workers cope with the impact of rising oil prices.
Through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, the government allocated ₱9.13 billion in one-time ₱5,000 cash aid for eligible beneficiaries, along with a diesel subsidy for public utility jeepneys and UV Express units.
“Ang mga tsuper ay natulungan ng cash relief assistance mula sa ating programang AICS. Mayroon ding sampung piso-kada-litro na diesel subsidy para sa mga pampasaherong jeepney at UV Express upang may dagdag na pangkarga. Bukod pa rito, mahigit isang milyon at walong daang libong nagpapasada ang nahandugan din ng tulong ng AICS,” Marcos said.
Marcos Highlights Service Contracting Program for Public Transport Drivers
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the government’s renewed Service Contracting Program aimed at providing additional income to public bus and jeepney drivers while improving public transportation services.
Marcos said the program supports transport workers by giving them financial assistance while ensuring better service for commuters.
“Binuhay natin ang Service Contracting Program para sa pampublikong bus at mga jeep upang magkaroon sila ng dagdag na kita at mapabuti ang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” Marcos said.
Marcos touts 24-hour relief delivery system under nationwide disaster network
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the establishment of the Nationwide Disaster Response Network, a system designed to speed up the delivery of emergency nourishment and relief assistance during disasters.
Marcos said the network consists of disaster resource centers, hubs, spokes, and last-mile facilities across the country, allowing aid to reach affected communities within 24 hours.
“We have now established a network consisting of primary disaster resource centers in Luzon, Visayas, and soon, in Mindanao; 15 hubs; 76 spokes; and 919 last-mile facilities across the country which makes up our nationwide disaster response infrastructure," Marcos said
"Because of this robust system, delivery of emergency nourishment and relief to target areas is now made possible under 24 hours,” Marcos said during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA)," he added.
Marcos: NSCR Valenzuela-Malolos segment to begin operations next year
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the Valenzuela–Malolos segment of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is expected to begin operations next year as part of efforts to expand the country’s rail network.
Marcos said the railway project will provide a faster and more efficient transportation option for commuters in the area.
“Sa susunod na taon, ang mga tren ng North-South Commuter Railway ay tatakbo na sa pagitan ng Valenzuela at Malolos,” Marcos said.
Marcos highlights new natural gas reserve to boost energy security
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the discovery of 222 billion cubic feet of natural gas reserves that will help extend the operations of the Malampaya gas field until 2034 and strengthen the country’s energy security.
Marcos said the newly uncovered reserve will help ensure a more reliable power supply for Filipino households, businesses, and industries.
“What we have uncovered is truly a national treasure: an untapped reserve of 222 billion cubic feet of natural gas, which bodes well for the continuous production of our premier gas field until 2034,” Marcos said during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Marcos: Over 80,000 public educators promoted under career progression program
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the promotion of more than 80,000 public school teachers and school heads under the Expanded Career Progression Program during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Marcos said the initiative fulfilled his previous commitment that no retiring teacher would remain at the Teacher I position, while also creating more than 30,000 additional teaching positions to strengthen the education workforce.
“Pinangako ko noong nakalipas na SONA na walang magreretirong guro na Teacher I. Ngayon, mahigit walumpung libong guro at School Heads sa pampublikong paaralan ang na-promote gawa ng ating Expanded Career Progression. Nagkaroon na rin ng mahigit tatlumpung libong karagdagang posisyon para lumakas ang puwersa ng mga guro,” Marcos said.
Marcos Highlights School Feeding Program Benefiting Over 4 Million Students
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the government’s nationwide school-based feeding program that provided nutritional support to millions of learners as part of his administration’s goal to address hunger among Filipinos.
Marcos said the program will continue this school year, providing meals to more than 4.5 million kindergarten, Grade 1, and other students who are in need of nutritional assistance.
“Ngayong school year, tuloy ang ating school-based feeding program bilang mabisang suporta sa pag-aaral. Sa programang ito, mapapakain natin ang mahigit apat at kalahating milyong Kinder at Grade 1, at mga mag-aaral na Grade 2 at pataas, na lubos na nangangailangan ng nutrisyon,” Marcos said.
Marcos Highlights VAT Removal on Medicines to Lower Healthcare Costs
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the government’s removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on various medicines to make healthcare products more affordable and ease the financial burden on Filipino patients.
Marcos said more than 2,000 medicines have already been exempted from VAT, including treatments for cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health conditions.
“Ang bilang ng mga gamot na tinanggalan natin ng VAT ay umabot na sa mahigit dalawang libo. Mahigit pitong daan dito ay laban sa kanser; mahigit limandaan ay sa altapresyon; at mahigit anim na raan naman ay laban sa diabetes at para rin sa mental health,” Marcos said.
e-MAIFIP Brings Medical Aid Online, Removes Need for Guarantee Letters
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the implementation of the e-MAIFIP Program to make medical assistance more accessible and convenient for Filipinos through a faster digital application process.
Marcos said the program is now available in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals and integrated into the eGovPH app, reducing requirements and eliminating the need for guarantee letters (GL) for medical aid requests.
“May ‘e-MAIFIP’ na sa mga ospital ng DOH: online at kasama sa ating eGovPH app. Dalawa na lang ang requirement. Wala na ring GL-GL, kaya hindi na kailangan pumila o magmakaawa pa sa sinumang pulitiko,” Marcos said
Marcos: YAKAP, GAMOT Programs bring medical services and medicines closer to Filipinos
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the expanded reach of the DOH’s YAKAP Program and PhilHealth’s GAMOT Program as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare access under the Universal Health Care program.
Marcos said 4.5 million Filipinos have already received medical consultations out of the 25 million registered beneficiaries under the YAKAP program, while more than 300,000 Filipinos have benefited from free medicines under the GAMOT program through over 2,000 accredited providers.
The president said the programs aim to ensure that more Filipinos can access essential healthcare services and needed medicines.
Lawmakers applaud Marcos’ call to remove system loss charge
Several lawmakers and government officials gave President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a standing ovation after he called for the removal of the system loss charge from consumers’ electricity bills during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Marcos said the proposal aims to reduce the burden of electricity costs on Filipino households and make power rates more affordable.
The call drew support from members of Congress during the President’s annual address at the Batasang Pambansa.
"AI is here to stay": Marcos highlights AI training efforts for 1.8 Million Filipinos
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the government’s efforts to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness, with training programs reaching 1.8 million students, teachers, and parents to support AI adoption in education and key industries.
Marcos said the country must embrace AI and harness its potential to improve critical sectors and prepare Filipinos for future opportunities.
“AI is here to stay. So we adopt it to harness its potential to enhance critical sectors. We have launched massive training programs for AI readiness, which have reached at least 1.8 million individuals, students, parents, and teachers alike,” Marcos said
'Perhaps it is time’: Marcos calls for revisit of nuclear energy production
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced the government’s plan to revisit the possibility of nuclear energy production in the country as part of efforts to explore additional sources of power.
Marcos said the Philippines is already utilizing nuclear technology in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, water filtration, and plastic upcycling.
“We are already using nuclear energy in the fields of medicine, agriculture, water filtration, and the upcycling of plastic. Perhaps it is time for us to revisit nuclear energy production,” Marcos said.
Marcos offers condolences to families of Tacloban school shooting victims
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed his condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims of the school shooting in Tacloban City.
Marcos honored the courage and bravery of the victims, saying their actions serve as an inspiration to the nation.
“To the parents of Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo: we are all so very proud of the unflinching bravery and heroic virtue that you have instilled in your children. They are an inspiration to us all,” Marcos said.
Marcos honors Alex Eala, Filipinas Women’s Football team in SONA
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recognized the achievements of tennis star Alex Eala and the Filipinas women’s football team during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Marcos highlighted the importance of sports in inspiring Filipinos and bringing pride to the country through international competitions.
“Mahalaga sa atin ang sports,” Marcos said as he paid tribute to the Filipino athletes who continue to represent the nation on the global stage.
Marcos announces Pax Silica Industrial hub to boost AI, jobs, and economy
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced the planned establishment of the Pax Silica Industrial Hub in the Philippines, an initiative aimed at creating an AI-driven industrial ecosystem.
Marcos said the project will help strengthen the country’s industrial competitiveness, generate quality employment opportunities, and contribute to economic growth.
“It will create an ecosystem that will have AI at its core. It will bring quality jobs to our people, accelerate our industrial competitiveness, and revitalize our economy,” Marcos said.
Marcos announces first Philippine spaceport, rocket launch test next year
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that Cagayan will host the Philippines’ first spaceport as the country moves forward with its space technology initiatives.
Marcos said a sounding rocket launch test is scheduled for next year in partnership with a South Korean aerospace company, marking a major step in the country’s space development efforts.
“Yes, we’re going to launch a rocket into space. A sounding rocket launch test is slated for next year, in partnership with a South Korean aerospace company,” Marcos said.
Marcos reaffirms Philippine sovereignty, rejects intimidation
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the 2016 Arbitral Award and stood firm against actions that undermine the country’s sovereignty and dignity.
The President’s statement came amid recent tensions, including alleged harassment of Philippine vessels in the country’s exclusive economic zone and a controversial AI-generated content from China Daily that drew criticism for allegedly insulting Filipinos.
“Let me remind our friends and our detractors: Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and great race. We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars. We are respectful, and we are dignified. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield,” Marcos said.
Marcos vows to complete ongoing programs, fulfill promises to Filipinos
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed to continue and complete the projects and initiatives his administration has started as he concluded his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Marcos said the government will remain committed to fulfilling its promises and building the Philippines that Filipinos deserve.
“Let us continue the work that we have started to make the Philippines the country that Filipinos deserve,” Marcos said in his closing statement during the fifth SONA.
Marcos concludes Fifth SONA after nearly 90-minute address
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. concluded his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday at 5:31 p.m.
The president's speech lasted nearly one hour and 30 minutes, covering his administration’s accomplishments, ongoing programs, and priorities for the country.
The address marked Marcos’ latest report on the state of the nation before a joint session of Congress.
