President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. The speech, which lasted around 1 hour and 10 minutes, marked a notable shift in tone, language, and substance compared to his previous SONAs. This blog post breaks down the key highlights, public reactions, and the issues Marcos failed to address—as observed by online users, political analysts, and netizens.
Key Promises from Marcos’ 2025 SONA
The 2025 SONA was delivered mostly in Tagalog, which earned praise from citizens who appreciated the relatable and emotional approach. President Marcos promised:
- Subsidized rice at ₱20 per kilo for poor families through expanded government distribution networks.
- Free laptops and internet connectivity for public school students under the DepEd Tech4All Program.
- Universal healthcare access with increased funding for PhilHealth and rural clinics.
- Expanded infrastructure projects under the "Build Better More" initiative, with stricter anti-corruption checks.
Online Reactions and Trending Topics
Following the speech, hashtags like #SONA2025 and #MarcosSONA trended nationwide. Many users focused on the president’s tone of humility, where he acknowledged past shortcomings and vowed transparency. However, online commentary also zeroed in on:
- Corruption issues, especially in flood control and infrastructure projects
- Suspicious camera shots—such as the appearance of Senator Camille Villar, linked to PrimeWater, right after Marcos’ anti-corruption remarks
- Gaps in the speech, such as the absence of any mention of the West Philippine Sea conflict, online gambling concerns, and rising government debt
What Was Missing?
Critics noted the absence of any strong positions or plans regarding:
- Online gambling regulation, despite it being a major concern in recent Senate hearings
- Foreign relations, especially with China and the West Philippine Sea
- Budget breakdown for the costly social programs mentioned
These omissions have led some to question whether the administration can realistically deliver on its promises.
Conclusion: A Shift in Style, But What About Substance?
The 2025 SONA will be remembered for its relatable tone and populist pledges, but public skepticism remains. As social media continues to amplify both praise and criticism, Filipinos are watching closely to see whether the Marcos administration can turn words into action.
What do you think about the president’s promises? Let us know in the comments section below.
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