President Marcos' SONA 2026 highlights, summary

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, 2026, before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

The President's penultimate SONA began at 4:05 p.m. and concluded at 5:31 p.m., lasting 1 hour and 26 minutes.

In his address, Marcos defended his administration's record, highlighted government programs implemented over the past year, and laid out priorities for the remainder of his term. His speech focused on anti-corruption efforts, energy security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, economic reforms, foreign policy, and the West Philippine Sea.

Below are the key highlights from President Marcos' fifth SONA:

Flood control corruption

Marcos opened his speech by addressing the alleged flood control corruption scandal, saying the Office of the Ombudsman was nearing the filing of cases against those allegedly involved, including his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

"Hindi ako pangulo ng aking pamilya, hindi ako pangulo ng aking mga kaibigan. Ako ang Pangulo ng Pilipinas."

He said nearly P25 billion worth of recovered, frozen, and preserved assets had been secured, with more than P800 million already returned to the National Treasury.

The President assured the public that the wheels of justice were moving and vowed to hold accountable those responsible for corruption.

Middle East crisis response

Marcos defended the government's response to the Middle East conflict, saying it immediately declared a State of National Energy Emergency and diversified fuel imports from Japan, South Korea, Oman, India, Russia, and China after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Marcos, the country maintained nearly two months' worth of fuel supply despite the crisis.

He also cited the following emergency measures:

• Three-month suspension of excise taxes on LPG and kerosene
• Price controls on imported rice
• Emergency assistance for affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)
• Deployment of returning OFW teachers to public schools
• Mobile energy systems for communities hit by disasters and power outages

Marcos said more than 12,000 Filipinos had been safely repatriated from conflict areas, while over 140,000 OFWs received various forms of government assistance.

Tax relief and support measures

The President announced plans to pursue tax relief measures aimed at easing the burden on workers and small businesses.

Among the proposals are:

• Expanded income tax exemption for workers earning up to P350,000 annually
• Tax relief and tax amnesty measures for small businesses
• Growth-oriented tax reforms benefiting the middle class

He also ordered refunds for consumers who were overcharged on electricity bills, installment payment options for electric bills incurred from May to July, and a temporary ban on power disconnections for consumers paying in installments.

Lower electricity rates

One of the loudest applause lines during the SONA came when Marcos called for the removal of the system loss charge from consumers' electricity bills.

"Hindi naman kasalanan ng konsyumer. Hindi ito tama na sila ang pagbayarin."

He urged Congress to pass the proposed Sariling Kuryente Act, which seeks to make solar panels and battery storage systems more affordable for households.

The President also called for amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

Energy security

Marcos announced the discovery of 222 billion cubic feet of natural gas, which he said could provide electricity for approximately 1.6 million households until 2034.

He also highlighted:

• Extension of the Malampaya service contract until 2039
• Awarding of 14 petroleum service contracts
• Four hydrogen production contracts
• Nearly 10,000 megawatts of power projects under development
• More than 1,700 megawatts of battery energy storage systems

Marcos also declared that the Philippines should revisit the use of nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy mix while ensuring safety standards.

Infrastructure

The President highlighted several flagship infrastructure projects, including:

• Partial operations of the North-South Commuter Railway next year
• Opening of 12 MRT-7 stations
• Progress on the South Luzon Expressway TR4
• Cebu Bus Rapid Transit
• Ilocos Norte Bus Rapid Transit
• Rehabilitation of major bridges, including San Juanico Bridge

He also called for amendments to the National Building Code to strengthen disaster resilience.

Agriculture and food security

Marcos highlighted measures aimed at improving food security and supporting farmers.

• Continuation of the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program benefiting more than 12 million Filipinos
• Expanded crop insurance covering livestock, fisheries, farm equipment, and life insurance for farmers and fisherfolk
• Distribution of more than 400,000 land titles covering over 500,000 hectares
• Completion of agrarian reform debt condonation this year
• Target of planting 100 million coconut trees before the end of his term

Housing and social services

Marcos reported that more than 500,000 housing units had been built or funded under the expanded 4PH housing program.

He also announced:

• Increase in the housing loan ceiling to P10 million
• Earlier implementation of a 10% SSS pension increase
• Higher pensions and subsistence allowances for retired uniformed personnel
• Expanded overseas employment opportunities and higher minimum wages for OFW household service workers

Education

Among the education initiatives announced were:

• Strengthened Senior High School curriculum and expanded work immersion
• Promotion of more than 80,000 public school teachers and school heads
• Deployment of 10,000 school counselor associates
• P100,000 Presidential Scholarships for five students in every barangay
• Artificial intelligence (AI) readiness programs benefiting 1.8 million students, teachers, and parents

Marcos also emphasized stronger anti-bullying measures and improved school safety following recent school violence incidents.

Healthcare

The President cited several health initiatives, including:

• Nearly 3 million patients benefiting from zero-balance billing
• Expanded PhilHealth coverage and higher benefit packages
• Doubling PhilHealth benefits for children with developmental disabilities
• Simplified Medical Assistance Program requirements
• Plans to establish a Virology and Vaccine Institute
• Expansion of the government's YAKAP preventive healthcare program

Economy and investments

Marcos said the Philippines now has 23 free trade agreements either in force or under negotiation.

He added that more than P6 trillion worth of investments had been facilitated through Green Lanes, creating an estimated 400,000 jobs.

The President also highlighted the US-led Pax Silica Initiative, digital transformation programs, and the country's planned first spaceport in Cagayan.

Foreign policy and the West Philippine Sea

Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to ASEAN cooperation, peaceful diplomacy, and defending the country's sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

He stressed that the 2016 Arbitral Award remains non-negotiable.

"Your government will do all that is necessary to continue upholding this Award."

He also paid tribute to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and Filipino fishermen for safeguarding the country's maritime territories.

Closing message

Marcos concluded his speech with a call for unity, patriotism, and resilience.

"Let me remind our friends and our detractors: Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and great race. We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars. We are respectful, and we are dignified. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield."

He ended by urging Filipinos to remain united despite political differences.

"Dahil tayo man ay magkakaiba sa maraming bagay, iisa lang ang ating lahi. Tayong lahat ay Pilipino."

SONA 2026 Summary

President Marcos' fifth State of the Nation Address centered on anti-corruption, energy security, tax relief, infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, housing, economic growth, and national security. He defended his administration's handling of recent crises, unveiled new proposals to lower electricity costs and reduce taxes, reaffirmed the Philippines' position on the West Philippine Sea, and called on Filipinos to remain united as his administration enters its final two years.

— The Summit Express