State of the Nation Address

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), a significant annual event that opens the final two years of his presidency. The speech focused on promises of relief for citizens, including potential tax reductions, lower electricity charges, and measures to address high rice prices. Marcos Jr. also pledged to continue pursuing corruption cases, particularly those linked to a recent flood-control scandal that has impacted his administration. This address comes at a critical juncture as the nation grapples with balancing the president's anti-corruption drive with the imperative of sustaining economic growth and addressing the immediate needs of ordinary Filipinos. Analysts are closely watching for tangible results from his administration's investigations and policies, making the SONA a key moment for Marcos Jr. to demonstrate progress and outline his path forward.