Wrapping up his second year in office, Marcos is expected to address major issues, including asserting sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, exploring natural gas sources, increasing agricultural productivity, alleviating poverty, controlling inflation, improving the education system, and building more infrastructure.
HIGHLIGHTS: Here are key points in President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona), which he delivered in nearly an hour and a half.
The President first addressed the issue of basic commodities.
Marcos said the Philippines saw its highest rice harvest in the past year.
He said his government is ready to release the ASF vaccine.
More than 500 million fingerlings and three thousand boats have been given to fishermen.
More than 130,000 land titles have been given to beneficiaries.
More than 2.7 billion pesos worth of smuggled agri-fisheries products have been seized
1,200 kilometers of farm-to-market roads will be completed this year
Irrigation will be provided to almost 45,000 hectares of new land
To mitigate climate crisis, the Philippines secured a seat in the board of the Loss and Damage Fund and has been selected as the host country
In the last two years, 100 evacuation centers have been built
5,500 flood control projects completed
Infrastructure development remains “sustained, strategic, and on schedule.”
More than 10 million devices have benefited from free internet across the Philippines.
Phase 1 of the National Fiber Backbone has been completed
Transmission line inaugurated in Central Luzon to further strengthen Luzon grid reliability.
Cebu-Negros-Panay backbone project has been completed to stabilize power supply in the Visayas.
C-LEX, NLEX-SLEX Connector and Plaridel Bypass will be completed this year.
NAIA PPP “has set the bar in terms of openness, transparency, and competitiveness of the process.”
In PhilHealth, the government increased number of available generic medicines from 21 to 53
Aside from the classroom gap, the digital gap must also be bridged with equal intensity
The government will implement the expanded career progression system for public school teachers
Employment rate has increased to 95.9 percent
420,000 families have produced graduates through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
“Extermination” is not part of his administration’s anti-illegal drugs strategy.
“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin.”
All Pogos banned starting July 22 and Pagcor ordered to wind down existing Pogo operations until end of the year
Addressing high prices of basic commodities, upholding the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, and banning Pogos were the key soundbites in Marcos’ third Sona. Will his administration overcome odds as he enters his midterm? Stay tuned to INQUIRER.net to track his promises.
Sona 2024: Marcos’ most explosive, emotional yet
July 22 , 2024 – 08:34 PM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) has shaped up to be his most explosive and emotional yet, highlighted by the announcement of several measures, including the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos).
Sona 2024: Lawmakers want to see more action from Marcos
July 22 , 2024 – 05:47 PM
Lawmakers on Monday said they wanted to see more action from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In an ambush interview on the red carpet for Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address (Sona), Senator Robin Padilla said that although he liked to hear more from the President, he also wanted to feel the results of his promises.
Marcos: West Philippine Sea not an imagination, it will always be ours
July 22 , 2024 – 05:35 PM
The Philippines’ ownership of the West Philippine Sea is not an imagination but a reality that will stay forever, President Marcos said during his third Sona.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says the country’s education system must be fine-tuned to produce students who are critical thinkers and problem solvers.
July 22 , 2024 05:23 PM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says the country's education system must be fine-tuned to produce students who are critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Sona 2024: Marcos notes significant uptick of college, Tesda enrollments
July 22 , 2024 – 05:08 PM
There has been a significant uptick in the enrollment rate in colleges as well as in programs under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. cited this development during his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday.
Marcos: Nat’l broadband program gains ground, ‘common towers’ pushed
July 22 , 2024 – 04:48 PM
The National Fiber Backbone program has gained ground, while the common tower policy will be further pushed to provide wider internet access to Filipinos.
Marcos stresses PH vulnerability to climate change in 3rd Sona
July 22 , 2024 – 04:37 PM
The Philippines, due to its location, is twice as vulnerable as neighboring countries to the effects of climate change, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday.
“As we can see in all the world, weather events are — as have been predicted — getting more extreme such as torrential rains that instantly shift to scorching heat waves or vice versa,” Marcos said.
President Marcos Jr. on the country’s education system
July 22 , 2024 04:52 PM
“Our national learning recovery program must proceed without the slightest disruption, especially in basic education.
Our system of education must be strategically calibrated to make sure that our youth are not only taught to become literate. But, it must also consciously develop them into problem-solvers, and into critical thinkers — hungry for success and ready for the future!”
Sona 2024: Marcos admits economic gains mean little with high prices
July 22 , 2024 – 04:23 PM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. started his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday by admitting that the country’s economic gains mean little if the prices of commodities are high.
“The hard lesson of this last year has made it very clear that whatever current data proudly bannering our country as among the best performing in Asia means nothing to the Filipino who is confronted by the price of rice at P45 to P65 per kilo,” the President said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on on PhilHealth’s doubled benefits for cancer patients
July 22 , 2024 04:45 PM
“Upang mapa-igting pa ang paglaban natin sa cancer, tinaasan ng PhilHealth nang mahigit isanlibong porsyento ang benepisyo para sa pagpapagamot ng breast cancer. Ang dating limit na isandaang libong piso, ngayon ay ginawa na nating 1.4 million pesos.
At bago matapos ang taon, maisasama na rin sa mga benepisyo ng PhilHealth ang chemotherapy para sa cancer sa baga, atay, ovary, at prostate.”
‘IT WILL SOON BE A WORLD-CLASS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
July 22 , 2024 05:06 PM
'IT WILL SOON BE A WORLD-CLASS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT'
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. holds high hopes for the rehabilitation of the NAIA, the country's main international airport, with a recently signed public-private partnership agreement.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on PPP’s role in revitalizing Naia
July 22 , 2024 04:45 PM
“As a perfect example, the Naia PPP (public-private partnerships) will go down in our history not only as among the largest and fastest approved PPP, but one that has set the bar in terms of openness, transparency, and competitiveness of the process.
Once considered among the worst and most stressful airports in the world, it will soon be a world-class international airport that we can all be proud of.”
President Marcos on recent cyber attacks in the country:
July 22 , 2024 04:34 PM
“Bigger and faster IT infrastructures require stronger and more impervious cyber-defense. Our recently launched National Cybersecurity Plan lays down the blueprint for us to safeguard our systems against cyberattacks.”
President Marcos says his government is ready to release the African Swine Fever vaccine.
July 22 , 2024 04:24 PM
“Marcos: Handa na rin ang pamahalaan na ilabas ang mga bakuna laban sa [African] Swine Fever na magpapalakas sa mga alagang hayop, at magbibigay ng garantiya sa mga magsasaka laban sa pagkalugi.”
More than 500 million fingerlings and three thousand boats have been given to fishermen.
July 22 , 2024 04:24 PM
“Marcos: Para naman sa mga mangingisda, mahigit limandaang milyong fingerlings at tatlong libong mga bangka ang naipamahagi. Nakakatulong din ang mga ginawa at inayos na mga fish ports at cold storage upang masuportahan ang kanilang industriya.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. touts his administration’s efforts to combat the issue of rice smuggling.
July 22 , 2024 04:34 PM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. touts his administration's efforts to combat the issue of rice smuggling.
Marcos says the Philippines saw its highest rice harvest yield in the past year.
July 22 , 2024 04:19 PM
“Marcos: Sa kabila ng mga hamon na ating kinakaharap, nasaksihan natin ang pinakamataas na ani ng palay sa bansa noong nakalipas na taon. Pumalo ito sa lagpas dalawampung milyong tonelada — ang pinakamataas na ani natin mula noong 1987.”
LOOK: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. enters the Batasang Pambansa for his third State of the Nation Address.
July 22 , 2024 04:04 PM
LOOK: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. enters the Batasang Pambansa for his third State of the Nation Address. #SONA2024 | 📸: RTVM
Officials expect Marcos to tackle key issues in 3rd Sona
July 22 , 2024 – 04:10 PM
Key government officials believe President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. should report on key sectors of the country such as infrastructure, education, and agriculture in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday afternoon.
In an interview on the red carpet at the Batasang Pambansa, where the Sona will be held, Sen. Loren Legarda said the Marcos administration had already done a lot in the past two years.
VP Duterte won’t be watching Marcos’ 3rd Sona – OVP
July 22 , 2024 – 03:53 PM
Vice President Sara Duterte won’t be watching President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) at all, said the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Monday.
According to the OVP, Marcos is currently in Bohol to empathize with residents after the death of Vice Governor Dionisio Balit on Wednesday, July 17 at the age of 52.
LOOK: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are now in the holding room at the Batasang Pambansa ahead of the former’s third State of the Nation Address
July 22 , 2024 03:49 PM
LOOK: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are now in the holding room at the Batasang Pambansa ahead of the former’s third State of the Nation Address. #SONA2024 | 📸: RTVM
Marcos arrives at Batasang Pambansa for his 3rd Sona
July 22 , 2024 – 03:34 PM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Marcos was welcomed with military honors and was greeted by the country’s highest government officials, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Francis Escudero.
LOOK: Presidential sister and Sen. Imee Marcos arrives in what appears to be a warrior-inspired outfit, says she expects her brother President Marcos Jr. to discuss solutions to “bigas at kapayapaan.”
July 22 , 2024 03:17 PM
LOOK: Presidential sister and Sen. Imee Marcos arrives in what appears to be a warrior-inspired outfit, says she expects her brother President Marcos Jr. to discuss solutions to "bigas at kapayapaan."
NOW HAPPENING: Scenes from the ‘People’s SONA’: A large protest involving various sectors of society, held to coincide with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address.
July 22 , 2024 01:45 PM
NOW HAPPENING: Scenes from the 'People's SONA': A large protest involving various sectors of society, held to coincide with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s third State of the Nation Address.
Romualdez tells House: Don’t be complacent, Filipinos deserve more
July 22 , 2024 – 12:44 PM
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez urged his fellow lawmakers to avoid complacency, as Filipinos deserve much more from the government.
Romualdez appealed for more work from legislators at the opening of the third and final session of the House of Representatives under the 19th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 22.
WATCH: Senate opens 3rd regular session of 19th Congress
July 22 , 2024 – 12:41 PM
The third regular session of the 19th Congress officially opens Monday, July 22, 2024, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero banged the gavel a few minutes past 10 a.m., ceremoniously marking the opening of the session.
As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reports the state of the nation for the third time on Monday (July 22), the themes of his administration have remained the same.
Here’s a quick look at some of the major issues, the current situation, what’s been done, and what’s been promised.
AFP hopes Marcos Sona to tout nat’l defense initiatives
July 22 , 2024 – 11:18 AM
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) hoped President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would mention efforts to bolster national security and defense efforts in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday.
“We are anticipating that he will give updates on ongoing initiatives on our current national priorities, and it is reasonable to anticipate many key themes, and we are anticipating that it includes efforts to bolster national security and enhance defense capabilities,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said in the vernacular in a radio interview Sunday.
LOOK: Human rights group Amnesty International Philippines Group gives President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a “fail” grade “for not prioritizing human rights during his first two years in office.”
July 22 , 2024 11:10 AM
LOOK: Human rights group Amnesty International Philippines Group gives President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a “fail” grade “for not prioritizing human rights during his first two years in office.” | @RusselLoretoINQ /PDI pic.twitter.com/wP24vNj9Hh
Sona 2024: NCRPO says Metro Manila clear of security threats
July 22 , 2024 – 10:54 AM
Hours ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 22, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. cleared Metro Manila of any security threat.
“As of now, we have not monitored any threat that will affect our activity,” Nartatez told reporters in an ambush interview at Camp Karingal, the headquarters of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
The Philippine National Police in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region has been placed under full alert to maintain peace and order during the State of the Nation Address (Sona) today of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The Police Region Office 4A (PRO-4A) – Public Information Office (PIO) said the event was expected to draw various community sectors who would conduct simultaneous protest actions nationwide.
Sona 2024: House opens 19th Congress’ final regular session
July 22 , 2024 – 10:06 AM
The House of Representatives opened its third and final regular session on Monday ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s SONA.The House of Representatives opened its third and final regular session on Monday ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona).
The House’s session started at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned after it sent and received invitations for a joint session during Marcos’ third Sona.
WATCH: Former President Rodrigo Duterte is skipping President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s third Sona.
July 22 , 2024 10:05 AM
WATCH: Former President Rodrigo Duterte is skipping President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s third Sona.
“Nasa Davao eh,” Sen. Bong Go told reporters in an ambush interview when he was asked if the former chief exexutive will attend the event. | @charieabarcaINQpic.twitter.com/iYd30oN2ux
LOOK: Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros is wearing a sleek interpretation of the Baro’t Saya made of Piña designed by Joel Acebuche.
July 22 , 2024 09:25 AM
LOOK: Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros is wearing a sleek interpretation of the Baro’t Saya made of Piña designed by Joel Acebuche. | @charieabarcaINQ
LOOK: SP Francis Escudero with wife, actress Heart Evangelista, first to arrive at Senate for opening of the 3rd regular session of 19th Congress.
July 22 , 2024 09:09 AM
LOOK: SP Francis Escudero with wife, actress Heart Evangelista, first to arrive at Senate for opening of the 3rd regular session of 19th Congress. #SONA2024 | @MAgerINQ
Three days before Marcos Jr.’s third SONA, let’s remember the first president who delivered it
July 20 , 2024 03:45 PM
Metro Manila police chief balks at ‘overkill’ tag on Sona preparations
July 19 , 2024 – 03:50 PM
The deployment of police and government security forces for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) is not an “overkill,” according to Metro Manila police chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
Nartatez made the reaction to the remark of Bayan Secretary Mong Palatino, who said over Brigada News FM station that the preparations and deployment of the Philippine National Police constitute an “overkill.”
Zubiri expects inflation, food prices, wages, Pogos to be in Sona speech
July 19 , 2024 – 01:42 PM
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri outlined on Friday the topics that he expects to come up in the third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
According to Zubiri, among the topics that he would like to hear from the president’s speech are the administration’s moves against inflation and actions to reduce food prices.
A lawmaker has reminded her colleagues at the House of Representatives to follow the dress code for the State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 22 as a sign of respect to the event and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Coalition of Duterte supporters to hold rally in Manila during Sona
July 18, 2024 – 11:16 AM
A coalition of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters will hold a rally during the third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of his successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
MMDA releases traffic rerouting plan for Marcos’ Sona on July 22
July 17 , 2024 – 06:17 PM
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday released the traffic rerouting plan for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 22.
Preparations for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 22 are complete, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Tuesday. .
House: P20-M Sona budget covers food, renovation, materials
July 10 , 2024 – 06:13 PM
The P20-million budget for the 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) covers meals, renovation, and materials needed for the event, House of Representatives Secretary General Reginald Velasco said on Wednesday..
Over 22,000 policemen will be deployed to various parts of the country, including areas near Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will deliver his third State of the Nation Address on July 22.
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