Marcos Commits to Completing Reforms as Administration Enters Final Two Years

News | National Posted on 2026-07-28 02:01:29

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. used his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) to reaffirm his administration's commitment to completing key reforms over the remaining two years of his term, outlining a governance agenda focused on accountability, economic transformation, food and energy security, quality education, healthcare, and the defense of Philippine sovereignty.

Speaking before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, President Marcos presented both the accomplishments of his administration over the past four years and the priorities that will define its final stretch under the vision of a "Bagong Pilipinas."

The President emphasized that the next phase of governance would focus on delivering concrete results, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that every Filipino benefits from the country's economic progress.

Stronger Fight Against Corruption

President Marcos opened his address by providing updates on the government's intensified anti-corruption campaign, particularly the investigation into alleged irregularities involving flood control projects.

He announced that multiple cases are now being prepared before the Office of the Ombudsman following extensive investigations into allegedly unfinished, substandard, and ghost infrastructure projects.

The President stressed that accountability would prevail regardless of political or family relationships.

"I am not the President of my family. I am the President of the Philippines, and my duty is to the Filipino people," Marcos declared.

According to the President, nearly ₱25 billion in public funds and assets have already been recovered, frozen, or preserved, while more than ₱800 million has been returned to the National Treasury.

Driving Economic Growth Through High-Value Investments

The President highlighted the administration's strategy of attracting high-value industries to create quality employment opportunities and strengthen the country's global competitiveness.

He reported that the government's Green Lanes for Strategic Investments have facilitated more than ₱6 trillion in approved investments over the past three years, with projects expected to generate over 400,000 jobs.

Marcos said the Philippines is expanding its presence in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence (AI), logistics, and other emerging industries.

Among the flagship initiatives is the Pax Silica Industrial Hub, an AI-driven manufacturing and logistics ecosystem under the Luzon Economic Corridor designed to position the country as a regional technology and investment hub.

The President also noted that the Philippines now has 23 free trade agreements either in force or under negotiation, including a forthcoming Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

Lower Electricity Costs and Energy Security

Addressing the country's high electricity prices, President Marcos urged Congress to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to prohibit the charging of system losses to consumers.

He argued that ordinary consumers should not bear the financial burden of electricity distribution losses, including the taxes imposed on those charges.

The President likewise reaffirmed the government's long-term energy strategy by expanding renewable energy while advancing preparations for the peaceful use of nuclear energy as part of a diversified and secure national power supply.

Food Security and Agricultural Modernization

Food security remained one of the central themes of the President's address.

Marcos outlined continuing investments in irrigation systems, farm mechanization, cold storage facilities, post-harvest infrastructure, and modern agricultural technologies to improve productivity and strengthen the country's food supply.

He also highlighted the construction of dams and reservoir irrigation projects that will provide year-round water supply, increase agricultural production, and enhance climate resilience.

The administration will further modernize agriculture through satellite monitoring, artificial intelligence, solar-powered irrigation systems, and expanded assistance programs for Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

Education and Student Welfare

Recognizing education as a cornerstone of national development, President Marcos announced several initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes and student well-being.

These include the expansion of the School-Based Feeding Program, which will provide nutritious meals to more than 4.5 million kindergarten, Grade 1, and nutritionally at-risk learners across the country.

The government will also deploy the first 10,000 School Counsellor Associates to public schools to strengthen student mental health and guidance services.

To address classroom shortages, the administration will partner with the private sector to construct more than 16,000 classrooms in Luzon, with similar projects planned for the Visayas and Mindanao.

The President also reported that over 80,000 teachers and school heads have already been promoted under the Expanded Career Progression Program, while more than 30,000 new teaching positions have been created.

Expanded Healthcare and Social Protection

President Marcos said the government continues to strengthen preventive healthcare and expand access to medical services.

He reported that the YAKAP Program has already served 4.5 million Filipinos, while PhilHealth's GAMOT Program now covers 75 essential medicines.

More than 2,000 medicines have likewise been exempted from value-added tax, including treatments for cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health conditions.

The President added that nearly three million Filipinos have benefited from the government's Zero Balance Billing Program, while over eight million patients have received assistance through the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), now integrated into the eGovPH platform for easier access.

Recovered public funds from anti-corruption efforts, he said, are being redirected toward healthcare, education, food security, and other essential public services.

Defending Philippine Sovereignty

The President concluded his address by reaffirming the country's commitment to protecting its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

Without naming any country, Marcos condemned recent actions and statements that undermined the dignity of the Filipino people while reiterating the Philippines' commitment to peaceful and lawful means in asserting its maritime rights under the 2016 Arbitral Award and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He also paid tribute to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and Filipino fisherfolk for their courage in defending the country's territorial integrity.

Completing the Work of "Bagong Pilipinas"

Rather than announcing sweeping new programs, President Marcos framed the remaining two years of his administration as a period focused on delivering results and completing reforms already underway.

The President reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to fighting corruption, lowering electricity costs, strengthening agriculture, expanding healthcare and education, attracting investments, ensuring food and energy security, and safeguarding Philippine sovereignty.

He concluded by calling on Filipinos to remain united in building a stronger and more prosperous nation.