Overview
The 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was held on July 28 amid tight security and recent severe flooding, focusing on economic recovery, social welfare, infrastructure, education, healthcare, disaster response, and governance reforms. The President reviewed previous promises, reported progress on targets, and announced new initiatives and accountability measures.
Event and Security Preparation
- Enhanced security measures were implemented with 22,000 police deployed around the Batasan Complex.
- Three protest groups were given permits while negotiating teams were prepared for unauthorized rallies.
- Weather concerns led to simpler SONA ceremonies, with contingency plans for storms.
- A major civil disturbance management competition was held to prepare police for possible disruptions.
Economic and Social Welfare Updates
- Poverty incidence dropped from 18.1% (2021) to 15.5% (2023), with a target of 9% by 2028.
- 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) and other social protection efforts continued, despite budget cuts affecting social and agricultural sectors.
- President emphasized investments in small businesses and agriculture, and called for viewing aid as a long-term investment in people.
Inflation, Wages, and Agriculture
- Inflation fell to 1.4% as of June 2025 but high prices and low purchasing power persist for most Filipinos.
- Rice prices remain a sensitive issue, with government interventions such as tariff reduction and Kadiwa rice sales.
- Subsidized rice programs were critiqued for limited availability and sustainability.
- Ongoing investment in agricultural productivity, modernization, and support for farmers was highlighted.
Infrastructure and Transportation
- Multiple rail and road projects such as MRT-7, NSCR, Metro Manila Subway, and Bataan-Cavite bridge are underway, though many face delays.
- New and modernized flood control efforts are being expedited after recent failures and severe flooding.
- Infrastructure expansion includes energy (electrification projects), transportation (train lines, buses), and digital connectivity (national fiber backbone, free WiFi).
Education
- Acute shortage of classrooms persists, with efforts to add 40,000 rooms and remedial learning programs expanded.
- Remediation and tutoring programs aim to address literacy and numeracy deficits.
- Investments in digital tools, teacher support, and scholarships were increased.
- Calls for more comprehensive reforms and stronger local government involvement in education management.
Healthcare
- Expansion of public hospitals and specialty centers continued, alongside enhanced PhilHealth benefits.
- Programs for cancer, dialysis, and catastrophic illnesses are supported with increased funding.
- Move toward zero-balance billing at DOH hospitals and streamlining of medical assistance processes announced.
Crime, Drugs, and Safety
- Crime rate reduced, but public perception of safety remains low.
- Campaign against illegal drugs is now focused on community-based rehabilitation rather than punitive actions.
- High-profile cases, such as kidnappings and missing persons, remain under investigation.
- Ban on POGO operations and crackdown on cybercrime and illegal gambling reiterated.
Disaster Response and Climate Change
- Intensified disaster response, preparedness, and infrastructure modernization following consecutive storms.
- Modern evacuation centers, radars, sensors, and early warning systems are being rolled out.
- Accountability for failed or "ghost" flood control projects is prioritized.
Governance, Transparency, and Public Services
- Commitment to publish and audit all flood control projects from the past three years, with investigation and charges against corrupt parties.
- Veto threats for budgets not aligned with government priorities and national plans.
- Expansion of e-government services through the EGOV mobile app for more efficient access to public services.
Citizen Concerns and Priorities
- Top public concerns include inflation, wage increases, job creation, poverty reduction, corruption, hunger, peace and order, and support for farmers and small businesses.
- Education, healthcare, and disaster mitigation remain key expectations.
- The administration is urged to deliver concrete results and continue reforms.
Decisions
- Audit and publish all flood control projects to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Prioritize classroom construction and remediation programs to address educational gaps.
- Implement zero-balance billing in DOH hospitals for basic accommodation.
Action Items
- By end of 2025 โ DPWH: Submit a full list of completed flood control projects from the past three years.
- Immediately โ Regional Project Monitoring Committees: Review listed flood control projects for failures or fraud.
- By 2028 โ DOE/NEA: Electrify over one million additional households using solar power.
- TBD โ PhilHealth/DOH: Streamline medical assistance, implement zero-balance billing, and integrate with EGOV app.
- TBD โ DepEd/Local Governments: Accelerate classroom construction and expand remedial education programs.
Recommendations / Advice
- Maintain focus on structural reforms in agriculture and social welfare to sustain poverty reduction.
- Prioritize disaster resilience and climate adaptation in all infrastructure planning.
- Continue strengthening digital infrastructure for equitable access to services and education.
- Ensure transparency and strict enforcement in procurement and major government projects.