On Monday at 4pm Philippine time, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address from the Batasang Pambansa podium, marking the culmination of his final year in office. The 130-minute address, livestreamed from the historic chamber, covered corruption investigations, energy infrastructure, education reform, and economic recovery efforts. The speech concluded with a call for unity and a promise to complete unfinished business before the administration ends.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the podium during his 5th SONA (Photo: PTV News / YouTube livestream)
Corruption crackdown and recovery
The President opened with a solemn acknowledgment of the flood control corruption scandal that has haunted his administration. “Isang taon na ang nakalipas mula noong huli akong tumayo rito upang ilantad ang katiwalian na nadiskurin namin sa mga flood control project,” Marcos said.
He revealed that “halos 5 bilyong puso” (approximately ₱5.8 billion) in frozen assets were recovered from corrupt contractors, officials, and lawmakers. “Lahat ng mababawi mula sa mga sangkot na tiwali ay agad ibabalik sa kaban ng bayan,” Marcos pledged, adding that the National Prosecution Service has won “makatarungang hatol ng hukuman” against those involved.
Energy and infrastructure priorities
Marcos highlighted the government’s energy emergency response, noting that the Philippines now has “halos 10,000 MW” of power capacity completed, with 31 GW expected by 2026 and 12-24 GW by 2028. “Sa kabila ng pagsara ng street of HYMOS ay nagawa natin makabili at makapag-angkat,” he said, securing fuel supplies from Japan, South Korea, Oman, India, Russia, and China.
On transport, the President announced that the North-South Commuter Railway will run from Valenzuela to Malolos, while the MRT7 extension from North Avenue to Sacred Heart in Quezon City will open next year. The Cebu BRT launch was also highlighted as a major infrastructure achievement.
Education and health transformation
The President unveiled a ₱1 billion scholarship program for 100,000 students across all barangays, calling it “ang ating presidential scholar.” “Narito na ang ating presidential scholar” — the program will distribute scholarships via barangay-level allocation.
On health, Marcos announced that PhilHealth’s expanded coverage now protects 7.5 million beneficiaries in 2026, with 15 therapy sessions covered and HIV/AIDS treatment added. “75 na ang mahahalagang gamot na kasama sa listahan” under the program, he noted.
Tax relief and middle class protection
Marcos addressed the economic challenges, notably the peso’s historic low of P61.847:$1 and inflation at 6.4%. “Ang pera ng taong bayan na muntik mapunta sa bulsa ng mga tiwaling opisyal ay naisalba natin,” he said, redirecting funds to “mga pangunahing serbisyong ramdam at tiyak na at na makakatulong sa ating mamamayan.”
He announced tax reforms: expanding income tax exemption to Php350,000 annually, reducing corporate income tax for small businesses, and granting amnesty for unpaid income tax, estate tax, donor tax, and VAT.
OFW support and education
The President highlighted OFW assistance: “Mahalagang misyon ito ng pamahalaan” — over 200,000 OFWs were repatriated from the Middle East conflict, receiving food, medical care, and financial assistance through Action Fund and OAyan Program.
Education was a major theme: 81% placement rate in TVET programs, 100,000 scholarship recipients, and the “one-time tax abatement” for microentrepreneurs. “Ang bagong Pilipinas Fair” placed over 1 senior graduate hired on the spot.
Disaster response infrastructure
Marcos detailed the disaster response network: 15 hubs, 76 spokes, and 919 last-mile facilities across the Philippines. “Delivery of emergency nourishment and relief to target areas is now made possible under 24 hours,” he said.
The President also announced mobile energy systems for areas without power, a first-ever satellite-to-mobile service, and the concept of “state of imminent disaster” to prepare before disasters strike.
Transport fare relief
Using recovered flood control funds, the government subsidized public transport fares. “Milyon-milyong Pilipino driver man o pasahero ang nakaramdam ng counting ginhawa sa kanilang mga biyahe araw-araw,” Marcos said.
In Metro Manila, LRT2 and MRT3 riders continue to receive 50% fare discounts. Special discounts include 20% for regular passengers, 20% for students and seniors, and 40% for priority passengers.
International cooperation
Marcos highlighted the Philippines’ 23 free trade agreements and the pending UAE-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement. “Because of these international engagements the Philippines now has 23 free trade agreements in force or under negotiation,” he noted.
The Asian digital economy framework led by the Philippines will harmonize digital rules and enable cross-border transactions.
Closing remarks and legacy
The President concluded with a tribute to the late Senator Bongbock, saying “Ang mga nasawi na ating mag-aaral… nag-iwan ng malaking puwang sa kanilang pamilya” and calling for unity: “Magkakasama tayong lahat sa misyong ito.”
The full text of the SONA, including Tagalog and English segments, was delivered from the historic podium where past presidents have addressed the nation. The speech marked the end of a chapter for the Marcos administration.
