The First State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Philippine President Bongbong Marcos Jr.

On the 30th of June 2022 took place the inauguration of the 17th president of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., at the National Museum of Fine Arts. Bongbong Marcos or BBM, the son of the late dictator and ex-president of Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., won the national election on May 9, 2022 by a historic and landslide vote of 31 million votes, despite of being the most controversial among other candidates.

After two months of his inauguration, he delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA) at 4 pm on Monday, July 25, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, the first in his six-year term in office. A constitutional requirement and annual tradition, the State of the Nation Address (SONA) is when the president provides an update on the state of the nation, reveals the government's objectives for the upcoming year, and suggests legislation to Congress.

In this article, I will discuss and explain the summary and highlights, as well as the things he did not mention during his first SONA.

Summary and highlights of his first SONA.

Agriculture

Boost food production, handle the food crisis, aid farmers, build roads from farms to markets, and modernize the agricultural industry.

Agriculture Reform

Adopt legislation validating the current agrarian reform loan, which will benefit approximately 654,000 people.

Climate

To lessen the worst effects of climate change on the nation, seek out new energy sources and encourage the usage of renewable energy.

Digitalization

Distribute National IDs more quickly and connect the nation to the internet.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

Enhance the rights of single parents, continuing the 4Ps program, and strategically distributing aid.

Economy

Make the Philippine Development Plan for 2023–2027 represent the socioeconomic policies, strategies, and programs of the government.

Education

Improve the performance of Filipino students in the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Energy

Reduce the cost of electricity for consumers through building new power plants, using renewable energy, and other measures.

Foreign affairs

Encourage "strong and increasingly complex" international ties while ensuring that the Philippines' foreign policy is solely based on the needs of the nation.

Health

For Filipinos living in remote rural regions, there should be simple access to hospitals and health centers with affordable medications.

Infrastructure

Maintain the "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure initiative while placing a new emphasis on expanding the nation's railroad network.

Migrant Employees

Automate contract verification processes as a top priority, and issue safe Overseas Employment Certifications (OEC) that OFWs can carry on their smartphone.

Tourism

By improving highways, airports, and tourist attractions, tourism can be boosted.

Things Marcos left out in his first SONA (Luna, F., 2022).

Human rights and the war on drugs

Marcos has declared his intention to prosecute Duterte's drug campaign in a new way, but he has not indicated if he will assist the probe by the International Criminal Court.

Labor issues and contractualization

Agrarian reform, unfavorable working conditions, and issues with intellectual property for workers in the creative industries were all topics covered by Marcos. He additionally encouraged the Department of Migrant Employees to make sure that it was reachable to Filipino workers abroad. However, the president barely touched on other problems that affect workers.

The transport crisis

Since the government's coronavirus task force relaxed quarantine regulations to general population quarantine in June, commuter problems have become the new normal. Even while Marcos mentioned improving railways and public transportation, he generally said so in the context of infrastructure initiatives he wanted his administration to promote.

The fuel crisis

When talking about the transportation crisis, commuter groups and unions for transport workers have noted that drivers looking for other employment options is a major contributor to the decreased availability of transportation on the roads.

The how in blended learning

Marcos only reaffirmed the Department of Education's claim that it was getting ready for the push toward in-person sessions by November. Prior to the SONA, the president claimed that despite the plethora of potential problems, blended learning is still feasible in some contexts.

Arbitral award

Marcos briefly discussed his administration's "friends to all, enemies to none" foreign policy, but he didn't address how he planned to enforce the arbitral decision that Beijing is displeased with over the South China Sea.

Peace talks

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict's recommendation for an amnesty for armed insurgents was not mentioned by Marcos.

Crime and corruption

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos told reporters before to the SONA that he anticipated the president would discuss national security. In contrast to former President Rodrigo Duterte's SONAs, Marcos' address included no explicit mention of crime, corruption, safety, or security in the nation and did not give any instructions to law enforcement officials.

In Conclusion

I firmly believe that the first SONA of President Marcos Jr. was good, although, there are some things that he was not able to give explanation and concrete plans. On the other hand, we, as the citizen of our respective state and countries, are all hoping for a good change. We are all looking for a brighter tomorrow, free from violence, poverty and oppression of freedom. With that, I also look forward that the president will be able to cover and address the crucial issues the country is facing. Together, let us achieve change despite of varying perspectives.

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Reference:

Luna, F. (2022, July 26). Things Marcos left out in his first SONA. PhilStar. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/07/26/2197838/things-marcos-left-out-his-first-sona/amp/