Bayan: Ang Estado Ngayon 2026 – Ang Ika-limang State of the Nation Address ni Pangulong Marcos Jr.

It is his fifth address before both Houses of Congress and the rest of the nation.

On Monday, July 27, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

He is expected to report the progress and plans of his administration amid the ongoing challenges that the country is facing in various fronts such as the rise of fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions, the Philippines’ own dispute with China, the ongoing Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, and more.

Highlights

• President Marcos arrived at the Batasang Pambansa more than 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony. He was welcomed leaders of both Houses of Congress, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and House Speaker Faustino Dy III, as well as other members.

• He began his speech shortly after being introduced by Speaker Dy and the singing of the National Anthem and Prayers.

• Marcos opens his speech by greeting former President and incumbent Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, other lawmakers and distinguished guests inside the Plenary Hall.

FLOOD CONTROL CORRUPTION

• Marcos begins his speech with the flood control corruption case, noting progress made since he mentioned it during his SONA 2025.
• “Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking pamilya. Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking kaibigan. Ako ay Pangulo ng Pilipinas,” PBBM said as he admitted that he is “hurt” by the imminent filing of raps against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is his cousin, over the flood control corruption scandal.
• P25-B retrieved, frozen assets of those involved in the scandal. P800-M returned to the Treasury.
• “Ang gulong ng hustisya ay tumatakbo,” he told as he hoped to bring justice through the legal proceedings in court.
• Marcos: Sumbong Sa Pangulo helped in fight against corruption; projects were reviewed to ensure no overpricing in materials and are properly implemented.
• The President shared that the funds retrieved from the flood control scandal were allotted to programs in education, food, and healthcare.

ENERGY EMERGENCY, MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS, AND RELATED RESPONSES

• He moves on to the measures done by the government in response to the energy crisis caused by the war between the United States and Iran.
• Marcos notes the UPLIFT Program. P58-B distributed to local government units for fast and quick assistance to the public.
• PBBM also shared that 12,000 OFWs were repatriated, with 140,000 were assisted amid the tensions in the Middle East. Those who came home were also given livelihoods and other interventions by the government.
• He also said that the country has secured and sourced oil supply from various sources such as Japan, South Korea, Oman, India, Russia, and China to ensure buffer supply of up to two months.
• Gov’t also coordinated with Iran to ensure safety of Filipinos traversing the Strait of Hormuz.
• PBBM also told that the government has made moves to temper oil price hikes, including the suspension of excise taxes on LPG and Kerosene.
• Government also went after hoarders.
• 100 job fairs were conducted for 300,000 jobs available in the market.
• Gov’t also told banks and e-wallets to reduce charges to lessen burden on the public. SSS, GSIS, and PAG-IBIG also made adjustments.
• On electricity prices, Marcos says that the gov’t ordered utility companies to return excess charges of these companies to their customers. Installment payments for select consumers’ bills in May, June, and July bills also directed, with disconnection during these payments also not allowed.
• PUV drivers given relief assistance, subsidies in response to the energy crisis.
• Passengers were given discounts or free rides through Service Contracting Program. MRT-3 and LRT-2 also continue reduced fares.
• Fees at airports, sea ports, and bus terminals reduced or waived in light of the crisis.
• “Ginawa namin ang lahat para agapan ang krisis,” Marcos said on the government’s response to the energy crisis.
• P60-B allotted to respond to the crisis until the end of the year. Gov’t to continue assisting beneficiaries of social services programs, minimum wage earners.
• Marcos: Energy and food security among lessons learned in the past few months.

AGRICULTURE

• 26,000 tons of rice have been distributed to 2.5 million families, to continue until 8 million families benefit from ongoing program.
• He also said there are 12 million beneficiaries across the country in the Benteng Bigas Program (P20 rice program).
• 800 KADIWA stores nationwide continue to help farmers; farmers and fisherfolks also given assistance amid the ongoing rise in prices.
• Marcos also says that agricultural production in the country has been increasing since 2023 amid support from the government.
• Coconut industry being strengthened, PBBM bares target of 100 million trees before the end of his administration.
• Crop insurance now also covers equipment and animals.
• 400,000 land titles distributed as part of decades-long land reform measures; extinguishment of obligations of fatmers for Agrarian Reform beneficiaries to be completed.

TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS

• Government focusing on trains, busways, transport hubs, and integrated terminals to ensure better and comfortable journeys.
• Valenzuela-Malolos leg of North-South Commuter Railway to begin in 2027. He cites assurance from the DOTr that the section to Clark will be finished before the administration ends.
• MRT-7 to expand rail network in the National Capital Region for the first time in three years.
• Marcos: Right-of-way issues “quickly resolved” by new ARROW Act
• Cebu BRT Phase 1 completed, Ilocos Norte busway to be opened in 2027.
• Gov’t removes tariffs of electric vehicles to bring down prices as part of clean energy initiative. The government plans to have half of vehicles by 2040 to be EVs.
• Electric-powered boats developed locally to be used for Pasig River Ferry System.
• SLEX section from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Tiaong, Quezon to be completed this year, benefitting 17,000 motorists.
• Damaged or dilpidated bridges such as San Juanico in Leyte and Cabagan in Isabela have been reopened.
• National Building Code amendment pushed for the construction of buildings that can withstand various natural disasters.
• Oplan Kontra-Baha launched in Manila and other parts of the country to clean up waterways and prevent persistent flooding.
• Amendment of Ecological Waste Management Act also pushed by the President.

TAXES

• BIR implements one-time tax abatement for micro entrepreneurs.
• Marcos calls for tax relief measures to promote growth such as expanding exemption for income taxes to include those not earning P350,000 annually and the lowering of income taxes for other taxpayers.
• Small businesses to no longer have minimum corporate income tax.
• Tax amnesty for unpaid dues such as income, estate, donor’s, and value-added tax, including waiving of fines.

DISASTER RESPONSE

• 600,000 families assisted after the Sarangani earthquake last June. Water, electricity, and road infrastructure slowly being rebuilt.
• Disaster Resource Centers and other infrastructure established across the three main island groups to ensure delivery of necessary supplies and equipment in umder 24 hours.
• Marcos: Our overarching mission and all efforts henceforth must not be to simply uplift, but to ensure security and self-sufficiency.
• Ligtas Pinoy centers to be opened in areas prone to disasters. These are designed to withstand super typhoons and major earthquakes.

ENERGY

• PBBM notes there are 200 projects with 10,000 MW, with 45 of these are already completed and 31 more to finish this year. 124 are expected to finish in 2028.
• 1,700 MW projects for energy stirage system will also ensure security for the public and industries.
• Renewable and local sources also being explored to reduce reliance on foriegn supplies.
• At Malampaya, 222 billion cubic feet of natural gas discovered — enough to power 1.6 million households until 2034.
• 14 petroleum service contracts issued across the country to further diversify sources. Four are for production of hydrogen, to be used as back-up for plants.
• Hydrogen power plants be established in Marinduque, Masbate, and Zamboanga Sibugay.
• Marcos vouches for nuclear energy production for energy security, bring down costs. Wants its safety to be explained to the public.
• For easier installation of solar panels and systems by private owners, he wants the Congress to pass the “Sariling Kuryente” Act.
• Marcos also wants systems loss charges to be scrapped. This earned a standing ovation from the entire Plenary. He also said that he looks to remove the value added tax thereon.
• “We demand for the immediate amendment of the EPIRA Law” – PBBM

SOCIAL SERVICES, JOB SECURITY, AND HOUSING

• He once again mentioned various social services programs for individuals in crisis such as AICS, TUPAD, providing temporary work or assistance.
• Marcos says that local industries being strengthened to add more jobs to the industry.
• SSS, GSIS, and PAG-IBIG Fund serve as protection for Filipino workers.
• DHSUD also rolling housing projects in partnership with local governments and private sector to solve housing issues around the country.
• 500,000 houses have since been built, including 100,000 built in one year under 4PH.
• Upper limit for the housing loan under PAG-IBIG Fund’s 17 million members upgraded to P10 million.
• Minimum wages for domestic workers in foreign countries also increased.
• Pensioned security personnel also see their pensions and subsistence allowance increased this year.
• SSS pensioners also get 10% hike in their pensions starting in June.
• 44 million Filipinos now protected by SSS, including members of informal sector.
• Contract of service, job order workers see their contracts extended, with salary increased to add to theor contribution to SSS, GSIS, and PAG-IBIG.

EDUCATION

• Marcos says education is number one in the list of the priorities of the administration.
• He emphasizes “lifelong learning” and “continuous self-improvement,” citing the challenges encountered by the country in the past months that showed the importance of reskilling and up skilling of workers.
• Through Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in March, more than 1,500 senior high school graduates were hired on the spot.
• New curriculum sees intensified work immersion for senior high school.
• PBBM shares that the number of Philippine university and colleges in the country that entered the World University Rankings for Innovation was only 12. Now, it already stands at 140—half of which are state universities and colleges (SUCs).
• Office of the President also launched the Presidential Scholars in various parts of the country.
• Marcos: 81% job placement rate for those who finished tech-voc courses (TVET); national certificate can be used to get college diploma
• TESDA Skills Passport also launched this year.
• Scholarships and funding grants encourage trailblazing traits to recognize talents, hardwork of students.
• Marcos: We must protect students from harmful influences and forces that exploit their vulnerability.
• He also mentions the recent spate of school-based and school-related violence.
• PBBM: Ang mga insidente ng karahasan sa eskwelahan ay nag-iwan ng mapait na aral para sa ating lahat.
• The President also expressed the government’s condolences to the bereaved families of students who were killed in these violent events, especially the school shooting incident in Tacloban last June 22.
• He also said that heightened security measures have been introduced through the collaboration of DepEd with other agencies and local government units.
• Marcos also says DepEd has laid out mechanisms for reporting of bullying incidents and responding to these, as well as other emergencies.
• 10,000 School Counselor Associates to assist in the mental health concerns of students.
• 80,000 teachers and school heads promoted under Expanded Career Progression program.
• Over 30,000 new positions add to the teaching workforce.
• Government agencies and private sectors tapped to help in building new classrooms to reduce backlog.
• School-based feeding program expanded to cover more students in the country.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

• Due to expanded and cheaper cost of connectivity, Marcos claims that the online setup for school and work have been effective “alternatives.”
• Marcos: AI is here to stay; we adopt it to harness its potential to enhance critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and industries.
• AI readiness seminars held and reaches 1.8 million people to ensure AI-readiness, global competitiveness.
• eGovPH app now has 56 million users.
• PBBM also mentions the divisive Pax Silica Industrial Hub in Tarlac, which he says will bring quality job and accelerate the industrial competitiveness and revitalize economy.
• Philippines to also have its first spaceport in Cagayan, where the country’s first rocket headed to space will be launched im 2027, in partnership with a South Korean firm.

HEALTHCARE AND SPORTS

• Marcos takes note of how challenging and costly medical bills are. He says that the government is pushing for healthy living and removing vices.
• Admin also pushes support towards sports, Marcos mentions the achievements of Alex Eala in the international tennis scene and the Philippine Women’s Football Team.
• PhilHealth YAKAP Program looks to help prevent sickness through consultations. It also helps bring down cost of medication.
• Value added tax on 2,000 types of medicine also removed.
• In 2027, YAKAP will include blood tests and medicines to identify and cure or manage kidney problems, Hepatitis B, and thyroid.
• PhilHealth also covers HIV-AIDS and tuberculosis.
• For children with developmental disabilities, the support will be doubled according to the President to cover up to 190 therapy sessions. Project Aruga of DSWD to also provide additional aid.
• PhilHealth has brnefitted over 7 million according to Marcos, Jr.
• Zero balance billing has benefitted almost 3 million people in DOH-hospital wards.
• Medical assistance also made easier through eGovPH app, removing the need for guarantee letters.
• Specialty centers also being built around the country; Virology center to be established.
• Marcos also noted the increasing number of medical scholarships.

FOREIGN RELATIONS AND OTHER DOMESTIC AFFAIRS

• Marcos: “Our strong foreign relations have earned us incalculable dividends.”
• Philippines now a “full member” of community of nations.
• The country now integrated into the International Free Trade Network, which he says is the “widest and most-active” in the country’s history.
• PH to seal Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirate, 23 free trade agreements already signed or are under negotiations.
• The President also shared the growing export market of Filipino products and services in the global trade market.
• Marcos cites the promotion of ease of doing business and other policies as reason why “foreign investments continue to pour.”
• More than P6-T facilitated through green lanes, creating 400,000 jobs in the country.
• Marcos: We will also present a strong case for Palawan and the Halal industry.
• PBBM also calls ASEAN as the Philippines’ “safe harbor,” which share not only proximity, but also affinity.
• Marcos also mentions initatives such as rice and petroleum reserves of the ASEAN in response to the Middle East crisis.
• Government ready to formalize historic peace pact with CBA-CPLA.
• BARMM Parliamentary Elections to also he held in the said autonomous region.
• “Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and great race. We are not greeey, we are not racists, we are not liars. We are respectful, diginified, we are Filipinos and we do not yield.” – President Marcos
• He also brought up the 10th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s decision in 2016 and vowed that it is not a claim that the Philippines advances alone, nor will it abandon.
• The Chief Executive also recognized members of the Armed Forces, Philippine Coast Guard and fisherfolks in the West Philippine Sea.
• Marcos: Magkakaiba man tayo sa maraming bagay, iisa lang ang ating lahi… tayo ay Pilipino.
• The President also stressed: “Sa mga pang-aalipusta, hindi tayo matitinag. Sa manlulupig, hindi tayo pasisiil.”

Before ending his speech, Marcos said that the administration will finish what it started in line with its goal of making “the Philippines the country that the Filipinos deserve.”

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