What to expect, issues likely to be covered at Marcos' fourth SONA

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 28, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. 

During his third SONA, Marcos made strong pronouncements specifically on the West Philippine Sea, boasted about the administration's achievements in infrastructure, including expansions of major highways, and a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in the country. 

Ahead of this year's SONA, PhilSTAR L!fe gathered insights from both social media users and political analysts. While the public expressed desires for lower commodity prices and transportation fares, analysts anticipate the president will address recent developments such as online gambling, inflation, and severe flooding.

Employment, salary

Froilan Calilung, political analyst and professor from the University of Santo Tomas, said that Marcos is expected to tackle progress on inflation, unemployment, and currency stabilization. 

"Hopefully, what we're going to have is recapitulation—not only of the promises that were laid down in the previous year, but of course the programs and the policies that were executed in the past three years," he told L!fe.

He also highlighted crucial issues the president should prioritize in the remaining three years, particularly advocating for a legislated wage hike. Calilung emphasized the need for not just a simple increase in salary, but an actual law that will set a better and more acceptable wage increase.

"This is one way by which we could combat inflation. Kasi, if inflation is something na natural na nangyayari, the only way we could neutralize this is by increasing the take-home pay of the workers. So I hope he will be able to work on that," he said.

Calamity response, Maharlika Fund

Meanwhile, political analyst and University of the Philippines professor Maria Ela Atienza predicted that Marcos would likely address calamity funds and flood control programs. For his part, Calilung added that while infrastructure, including the landmark 4PH housing program, would be mentioned, Marcos would likely avoid a deep focus on it to prevent discussions about flood control programs.

"As we know it right now, it (flood control program) is very, very problematic. So, I don't think he will be focusing too much on that, especially since it's a burning issue right now," he said, referring to the recent impact of Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong, as well as the Southwest Monsoon.

Calilung added that he hopes Marcos will also tackle the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund, which was enacted into law in July 2023.

"I hope he will also be talking about the Maharlika Investment Fund and what really happened to the Sovereign Fund that we have. Of course, this was something that the administration of President BBM really worked hard to actually legislate and turn into a law. But after it materialized, nothing much has been heard about it. We really don't know what's behind it, and I think it's important that we get to know more about this," he said.

Education, healthcare, online gambling, and more

Calilung further suggested that Marcos would likely address healthcare, particularly the state of PhilHealth and its substantial unutilized P600 billion fund, which led to it receiving no national budget subsidy this year.

He also hopes to hear him talk about the accomplishments of the different government agencies and developments concerning Overseas Filipino Workers.

Meanwhile, Atienza said Marcos "will likely highlight the achievements of the administration, as well as the items he promised."

"It is possible that he will discuss amendments to the economic provisions in the Constitution," she said. 

She added, "He should focus on passing the access to public information law (promised by the past two administrations), ways to improve education and health services in the country, as well as strengthening the rule of law and peace and order."

Atienza also suggested the president might address foreign policy, including the country's ties with the US, other allies, ASEAN, and China.

Calilung, for his part, emphasized that Marcos must report on his foreign trips, detailing which pledges have materialized and which remain unfulfilled.

He further advocated for reports on less prominent but crucial issues like digital connectivity, climate change resilience, and education. "'Yung provision na isang maayos na pag bibigay ng ayuda na hindi napupulitika kagaya ng mga programang nilatag ni Speaker. I think that is also something that we really want to hear from him," Calilung stated.

Marcos made headlines when he announced the total ban of POGO during his last SONA. Calilung said that for this year's address, Marcos will most likely tackle online gambling, possibly in the form of prohibition or total ban.