President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered on July 27, 2026, was intended to showcase the administration’s accomplishments, reaffirm its policy direction, and outline priorities for the remainder of his term. Lasting one hour and twenty-six minutes the longest SONA of his presidency the speech highlighted economic gains, anti-corruption initiatives, flood control investigations, infrastructure development, and the government’s foreign policy agenda.
While supporters praised the address for emphasizing governance reforms and national development, the speech also drew significant scrutiny from opposition lawmakers, economists, policy experts, civil society organizations, and governance advocates. Their concern was not only about what the President said but also about what he did not say.
Major Issues Reportedly Not Addressed or Given Limited Attention in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Fifth SONA (2026)
Politics and Justice
- Impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte
- The Philippines’ position on the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into the previous administration’s drug war
- Anti-Dynasty Law and broader political reform
Economy and Labor
- Details of the proposed ₱6.793-trillion National Budget for 2026
- Legislated nationwide wage hike
- Reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Ending contractualization (“endo”)
- Long-term revenue and fiscal sustainability strategy
Education and Health
- Rising childhood stunting
- High illiteracy and learning crisis highlighted by EDCOM 2
- Increasing adolescent pregnancy
- Gaps in access to reproductive healthcare, contraceptives, and comprehensive sexuality education
Energy and Infrastructure
- Progress on nuclear energy development
- Development of natural gas resources
- Status and implementation of the 4PH National Housing Program
Human Rights and Peace
- Human rights concerns and drug war killings
- Peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)
Other Issues
- LGBTQ+ issues and the SOGIE Equality Bill
Across various sectors, analysts identified several major national issues that were notably absent or only minimally addressed during the annual address. These omissions, they argue, represent some of the country’s most pressing challenges that continue to affect millions of Filipinos.
Among the most discussed omissions was the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Despite the historic and politically significant proceedings involving the country’s second-highest official, President Marcos made no reference to the ongoing case. Political observers viewed the silence as a deliberate effort to maintain a “hands-off” position, allowing constitutional institutions to carry out the legal process without direct intervention from Malacañang. Critics, however, argued that the issue has become too consequential to ignore in an address intended to present the true state of the nation.
Another politically sensitive issue absent from the speech was the continuing investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) into the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign under the previous administration. Human rights organizations and legal experts noted that the President did not discuss the government’s position regarding the ICC proceedings, despite the issue remaining a significant subject of international attention and domestic political debate.
Political reform advocates likewise pointed to the continued absence of any commitment to an Anti-Dynasty Law. Although the Philippine Constitution encourages the prohibition of political dynasties through legislation, Congress has yet to pass an enabling law. Analysts observed that the issue was once again left untouched despite recurring public calls for broader political reforms and greater electoral competitiveness.
Economic experts also raised questions regarding the administration’s fiscal priorities. While the President highlighted various economic accomplishments, the speech did not provide a detailed discussion of the proposed ₱6.793-trillion national budget for 2026. Economists argued that the annual spending plan is among the government’s most important policy instruments and deserves greater public explanation, particularly regarding funding priorities, deficit management, and long-term fiscal sustainability.
Labor groups expressed disappointment over the absence of any proposal supporting a legislated nationwide wage increase. As inflation and the rising cost of living continue to challenge Filipino workers, labor organizations had hoped the President would endorse measures that could increase workers’ purchasing power through statutory wage adjustments.
Similarly, business analysts and consumer advocates noted that there was no discussion on proposals to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT), a long-standing recommendation from some sectors seeking to ease the financial burden on consumers amid persistent increases in the prices of essential goods and services.
The issue of contractualization, commonly referred to as “endo,” was also absent from the address. For years, labor organizations have urged successive administrations to end employment practices that leave workers without long-term security and benefits. The lack of any policy announcement on this issue disappointed groups advocating stronger labor protections.
Fiscal policy experts likewise emphasized the need for a more comprehensive long-term revenue strategy. While the administration has introduced tax relief measures and expanded social assistance programs, economists argued that the SONA did not sufficiently explain how these initiatives would be sustainably financed over the coming years without placing additional pressure on government finances.
Education and public health advocates also identified critical concerns that remained largely unaddressed. Members of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) pointed to the worsening problems of childhood stunting and illiteracy, warning that these challenges continue to undermine the country’s long-term human capital development. They stressed that nutritional deficiencies and poor learning outcomes require urgent national attention, particularly following years of educational disruptions.
Healthcare organizations likewise expressed concern over the absence of discussions regarding adolescent pregnancy, reproductive health services, and continuing gaps in access to contraceptives and comprehensive sexuality education. Public health experts have repeatedly warned that early pregnancy among adolescents carries significant health, educational, and economic consequences that require coordinated government intervention.
Energy policy also remained an area of unanswered questions. Although the administration had previously expressed interest in exploring nuclear energy and expanding natural gas development to strengthen the country’s energy security, the President provided no significant update regarding these long-term energy initiatives. Industry observers argued that clarity on the country’s future energy mix is increasingly important amid rising electricity demand and concerns over energy costs.
Housing advocates also questioned why the government’s flagship 4PH Housing Program received no substantial mention during the address. The program was introduced as a major initiative to reduce the country’s housing backlog, yet critics argue that implementation has fallen short of its ambitious targets, particularly for low-income Filipino families seeking affordable housing.
Human rights organizations likewise noted the absence of any discussion regarding allegations of human rights violations and unresolved drug war killings. These remain sensitive and highly debated issues both domestically and internationally. While the administration has emphasized strengthening the rule of law, rights advocates believe the SONA represented an important opportunity to articulate clearer commitments toward accountability, justice, and institutional reforms.
Peace advocates also pointed to the lack of any reference to possible peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Previous administrations have periodically pursued peace talks in an effort to resolve the country’s decades-long communist insurgency. The omission led some observers to question whether renewed negotiations remain part of the government’s long-term strategy for achieving lasting peace.
Supporters of President Marcos maintain that no single SONA can comprehensively address every issue confronting the nation. They argue that the speech appropriately focused on the administration’s priorities and achievements while allowing individual government agencies to provide more detailed policy discussions in the months ahead.
Critics, however, contend that a State of the Nation Address serves not only as a report of accomplishments but also as an opportunity to confront the country’s most difficult and controversial challenges. For them, silence on critical national concerns may leave the public with more questions than answers.
Ultimately, the significance of the fifth SONA may be measured not only by the programs it highlighted but also by the conversations it sparked over the issues left unspoken. As the administration enters the final years of its term, Filipinos from different political perspectives will continue to evaluate whether the government’s actions can address both the promises made from the podium and the concerns that remained outside the speech.