President Bongbong Marcos' State of the Nation Address Highlights Achievements and Plans

President Bongbong Marcos was seen walking alone towards the plenary hall, a symbolic moment that sets the tone for the State of the Nation Address. This tradition allows the President to directly address the citizens, outlining past achievements, current plans, and future promises of the administration.

The joint session at the plenary hall has commenced with President Bongbong Marcos entering. Various government officials, including Joseph Estrada, are present. Vice President is notably absent as he is in Bohol for their founding anniversary.

The national anthem was sung, followed by a prayer for the nation's well-being and guidance for the leaders. The prayer emphasized unity, cooperation, and wisdom in governance for the progress and peace of the country.

The speaker asks for blessings for the leaders and officials of the country to ensure their thoughts, actions, and efforts lead to faithful and excellent service. They seek guidance for the leaders to bear more fruits of blessings for the nation and its people, emphasizing the importance of citizen involvement in the country's progress.

The speaker emphasizes the need to prioritize the welfare of the nation as a whole over individual interests. They urge for a greater focus on caring for fellow citizens and valuing each other in a democratic society, aiming for the common good and peace to prevail.

The speaker acknowledges and praises the presence of distinguished guests, including former Presidents, Senate President, House Speaker, Chief Justice, members of the diplomatic corps, and cabinet officials. They express gratitude and recognition for the esteemed individuals attending the event.

The speaker reflects on the challenges faced by the nation, highlighting the impact of high food prices, particularly rice, on the Filipino population. Despite positive statistics, the reality of market forces dictating prices creates hardships for citizens, necessitating a balance between local production and imports to meet rice demand.

The speaker discusses the record-high rice harvest in the past year, exceeding 20 million tons. However, this production falls short of the country's 16 million ton rice requirement, leading to the need for imports. Despite the need for imports, the speaker emphasizes the continued importance of valuing and supporting local rice production.

The government is supporting the agriculture sector to boost production, distribution, and sales, aiming to prevent product spoilage. Over 100 billion kilos of various seeds and fertilizers were distributed to farmers. Additionally, more than 1 million fingerlings and 3,000 boats were provided to fishermen. Technical and financial assistance is also offered for modern farming methods and investment opportunities. Vaccines against swine fever will be released to strengthen animal husbandry and protect farmers from losses.

Price ceilings on rice were enforced, and reduced tariff rates were extended for rice, corn, and pork imports until the year's end. The government assures farmers that these measures are temporary solutions. Land titles were distributed to over 100 beneficiaries in the past two years, along with the expedited issuance of collective certificates of land ownership awards. Condonation certificates worth over PHP 7 billion were also distributed to more than a thousand beneficiaries, resolving over 7,000 agrarian reform cases.

Through modernized customs procedures and increased enforcement, over 2.7 billion worth of smuggled fishery products were seized, preventing them from entering the market and affecting prices. Confiscated rice shipments are promptly distributed to the needy, while other illicit products are destroyed. Stringent measures like pre-order technical verification and electronic invoicing for cross-border trade will be implemented to reduce business costs and deter illegal activities.

To streamline business processes, pre-order technical verification and electronic invoicing will be introduced for cross-border trade. Local government units are prohibited from collecting fees for transporting goods on national roads. The government aims to reduce unnecessary business costs and discourage illicit activities by implementing these measures.

The 'Kadiwa' centers have been effective in helping consumers during high food prices. The government, along with local authorities, will expand these centers nationwide. Efforts are being made to make the 'Kadiwa' program permanent and more frequent to ensure continued support for consumers.

This year, one kilometer of farm-to-market roads will be constructed nationwide, aiming to improve transportation and accessibility for farmers. The government is investing in infrastructure to support agricultural development and enhance connectivity across the country.

The government is actively working on various irrigation projects across the Philippines. This year, approximately 45,000 hectares of new land will receive irrigation, while irrigation will be restored to around 38,000 hectares of land nationwide. Notable projects include the completion of stage 2 of the Malitubog-Marid Agao Irrigation Project, benefiting nearly 10,000 hectares of land in North Cotabato and Maguindanao del Sur.

Expansion of water projects includes the Pump Irrigation Project in Kirino and Isabela, as well as the Hala River Multipurpose Project in Iloilo, which aims to provide irrigation to approximately 32,000 hectares of land. These projects not only supply water for agriculture but also contribute to flood control, electricity generation, and tourism.

The government acknowledges the increasing severity of weather events due to climate change. To address this, the Philippines is actively advocating for climate responsibility and justice globally. The country has secured a seat on the board of the Loss and Damage Fund and has been selected as the host country for the Fund, requiring enabling legislation from Congress. These efforts complement existing climate adaptation and mitigation measures.

The Philippines prioritizes disaster preparedness, with a focus on building infrastructure for disaster response. Over the past two years, numerous evacuation centers have been constructed, and a disaster response command center has been operational since January. The country's disaster risk reduction and management workers ensure readiness and coordination for any calamity.

Significant efforts are being made in flood control projects nationwide, with over 5,000 flood control projects completed. Projects like the Flood Risk Management Project in Cagayan de Oro River aim to provide long-term protection to over 6,000 hectares of land, enhancing the country's resilience to flooding and natural disasters.

The project in Pampanga Bay serves as an additional solution to flooding. In January, the cleanliness drive in the Philippines collected over 40,000 tons of garbage from more than 22,000 barangays nationwide. The continuous support of local governments in community cleaning is crucial.

Infrastructure development in the Philippines encompasses various sectors like agriculture, disaster risk reduction, education, health, energy, low-cost housing, transport, and information technology. The goal is to benefit from aggressive infrastructure development to achieve an upper-middle-income economic status.

The free wifi program has benefited nearly 10 million unique user devices in over 1000 locations nationwide. Phase 1 of the national fiber backbone is completed, with phases 2 and 3 underway and expected to finish by 2026. The aim is to increase internet connectivity, as only 77% or 20.6 million households were connected to the internet in 2022.

Efforts are being made to efficiently utilize common towers to provide connectivity to Filipinos in remote areas. The government is fully supporting this critical project, including policy reforms and streamlined processes to ensure successful completion.

A national cyber security plan has been launched to safeguard systems against cyber attacks. The focus is on ensuring that IT development aligns with economic aspirations. Stronger cyber defense is essential as energy projects are completed and new investments flow into the sector.

The nation's power supply is expected to increase steadily to meet growing demand. Efforts are ongoing to diagnose and address power shortages and systemic causes of blackouts in unserved and underserved areas. Initiatives like microgrids, off-grid systems, and small power utilities supported by solar energy are being implemented.

The completion of the Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose transmission line in Bataan, Pampanga, and Bulacan strengthens the Luzon power grid. The Cebu-Negros-Panay backbone project stabilizes power in western and central Visayas, preventing past power outages. Energy sharing and transfers between Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are now possible, enhancing overall energy capacity.

The connection of the power grids of all three major Island groups in the Philippines, namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, marks a defining moment for the power sector and the country as a whole. This unified Philippine Grid realization stems from a vision initiated in the 1980s and achieved through Filipino persistence and innovation.

Acknowledging the high cost of electricity in the country, the government is focused on enhancing electricity infrastructure to lower prices. Initiatives include a fair lifeline rate program for the underprivileged, temporary suspension of the fit all tariff on electric bills, an anti-bill shock program, and the suspension of the wholesale electricity spot market during critical periods.

There is a call to revisit and scrutinize the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to assess its relevance and timeliness in the current situation. Collaboration with Congress is sought to amend the law for the benefit of Filipino consumers amidst the challenges posed by high electricity prices.

Significant investments have been made in infrastructure development, with over 1,000 kilometers of roads and more than 1,000 bridges upgraded across the Philippines. Notable projects include the upgrade of 367 bridges and almost 1,600 kilometers of road along the Maharlika Highway, enhancing connectivity from Luzon to Mindanao.

Under the inter-Island linkage bridge program, major bridges like the Pangil Bay Bridge in Northern Mindanao and the Geam Bridge in Zamboanga Sibugay are set to open, connecting different regions. These projects aim to improve connectivity and facilitate easier travel between islands.

Enhancements in transportation infrastructure include faster and more convenient travel to and from Clark Airport with the inauguration of the 20 km New Clark City access road in Pampanga. The railway sector is also experiencing progress, with projects like the Metro Manila subway, MRT7, and North-South commuter railway advancing steadily.

As part of the LRT1 Cavite Extension project, the LRT Line 1 route in Metro Manila will be extended from Baclaran to Sucat, with plans to further extend it to Bacoor in the coming years. Additionally, 76 new and modern trains will be added to the LRT1 line to enhance public transportation.

Recent developments in the Philippines have focused on improving transportation infrastructure. The Philippine National Railways (PNR) Bicol line, spanning 100 km from Naga to Gasp, has been reopened to the public. Additionally, there have been enhancements in airports and seaports to provide better services for travelers. The Manila airport, managed by the private sector, is undergoing improvements to accommodate over 62 million passengers annually. Numerous airport and seaport projects have been completed, with 350 ongoing projects set to be finished by 2028. Passenger terminal buildings at General Santos Airport and the B International Airport have been expanded by 300-500%, now serving 2000 and 1600 passengers respectively. The Batangas port can now accommodate 8,000 travelers at a time.

The Philippines has institutionalized public-private partnerships (PPP) as a crucial funding mechanism for major projects. This approach, supported by legislation, aims to facilitate strategic investments for timely project development. Notably, the NAIA PPP project stands out for its transparency, competitiveness, and efficiency. Through PPPs, significant infrastructure projects like the NAIA are being revitalized, transforming once stressful airports into world-class facilities.

In the healthcare sector, the Philippines is focusing on infrastructure development. The UP-PGH Cancer Center, the first PPP project in this administration, and the Philippine Cancer Center of the DOH are leading the fight against cancer. These specialty hospitals aim to enhance the nation's healthcare capabilities. Moreover, the government is establishing urgent care and ambulatory service centers across the country to decongest public hospitals and provide quality care, especially for the underprivileged. Local governments are also collaborating to build 'super health centers' to ensure adequate medical services for all provinces.

Efforts are underway to improve access to medical services in the Philippines. The government is working to ensure that every province has sufficient medical facilities capable of providing primary medical services to citizens. Mobile clean-up vans will bring laboratory exams and essential medical services closer to the people. Additionally, the availability of generic drugs, with 53 new medications for various conditions like high blood pressure, nerve pain, and epileptic seizures, has increased to benefit outpatient care. PH Health has doubled benefits for severe illnesses such as acute stroke and pneumonia.

The Philippine government has raised the conditions for cancer treatment benefits, increasing the benefits for breast cancer from the previous limit of 100,000 to php1.4 million. Additionally, benefits for colon cancer have also been improved, and chemotherapy for lung, liver, ovary, and prostate cancer will now be covered by the PH Health program.

A higher budget has been allocated for medical assistance programs to assist more Filipinos. This increased funding aims to provide support to a greater number of individuals in need of medical aid.

Apart from hiring efforts, the government has enhanced medical and allied health programs, allocated seed funds for public medical schools, and initiated scholarships and upskilling programs. These initiatives aim to strengthen the medical and nursing professions and bolster the country's healthcare workforce.

The government is prioritizing vaccinations, nutrition, mental wellbeing, and promoting active and healthy lifestyles as part of a recalibrated health approach. Efforts are focused on increasing vaccination rates, especially in regions like Region 6 and BARMM, where vaccination coverage is below half.

The Philippine government has launched convergent programs to combat hunger and malnutrition, with a particular focus on expanding school-based feeding programs. These initiatives have shown positive results, significantly impacting the physical and mental wellbeing of learners.

The government plans to further enhance feeding programs in schools and daycare centers. The 'Walang Gutom 2027' program, initially covering 2,300 households, aims to reach 300,000 food-poor households by the end of the year, with a long-term goal of feeding 1 million of the most food-insecure families.

A key strategy to address malnutrition is the 'First 1000 Days' program, focusing on the health and nutrition of children aged zero to two years from the poorest families. The government has proposed a new grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to support pregnant women and mothers with financial aid for healthcare and nutrition.

The Department of Health has launched a comprehensive Mental Health plan and ensured an adequate supply of medications. Additionally, grassroots and sports programs for all age groups have been reintroduced to promote mental wellbeing and physical health among Filipinos.

The government is committed to supporting health-enhancing sports programs to promote physical activity and wellbeing. These initiatives aim to guide Filipino youth towards sporting excellence, following the successful return of the Palarong Pambansa after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Investing in the education sector in the Philippines is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. The World Bank report highlighted that the country's economic growth is largely due to the skills, industry, and resourcefulness of Filipinos. The focus is on inclusive development, particularly in education and training, to ensure the country's wealth creation is sustained by the Filipino workforce.

Recent assessments have shown that a significant number of students in grades 6, 10, and 12 are not reaching proficiency levels in information literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. This underscores the urgent need for a National learning recovery program, especially in Basic Education, to address these shortcomings and ensure students are equipped for success and the future.

Efforts are being made to bridge the digital gap in education by providing students with essential technology tools like computers, Smart TVs, digital books, and access to the internet. The goal is to make digitalization and solar-powered electricity standard features in schools, facilitating educational reform through technology and ensuring students have the necessary resources for learning.

To enhance the quality of education, there is a focus on resolving issues surrounding textbooks. The production of up-to-date and error-free instructional materials, especially textbooks, will be streamlined to ensure quicker approval, procurement, and distribution processes. This aims to provide students and teachers with relevant and high-quality learning materials within a shorter timeframe.

Recognizing the pivotal role of teachers in the education system, efforts are being made to uplift and upskill educators. This includes providing teaching allowances, personal accident insurance, and special hardship allowances to public school teachers. Additionally, funds have been allocated for the implementation of an expanded career progression system to promote professional development and career advancement within the teaching profession.

The Philippines is accelerating the growth of the education system to support teachers, with a focus on ensuring that retiring teachers are replaced. The Higher Education system has gained international recognition, with 87 institutions making it into world university rankings, including 51 public universities. Enrollment rates in higher education have increased, along with a rise in technical vocational education and training (TVET) enrollment. TVET graduates have an 80% employability rate, leading to efforts by DEPED, CHED, DOLE, and TESDA to incorporate TVET in the senior high school curriculum.

The Philippines is focusing on fostering innovation and creativity in sectors like IT and creative industries, aiming to drive forward solutions and ideas across the country. Schools are being positioned as incubators for Filipino creativity, with plans to introduce advanced learning systems in areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. Technical and professional training courses, particularly in cybersecurity and creative industries, are being launched to support the growing demand in these sectors.

The Philippines has made significant strides in global rankings, with 63 of its higher education institutions ranking in the top 300 globally. Notably, Mabalacat City College in Pampanga received the Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year award, showcasing the country's commitment to technological advancements. Samar State University has topped rankings for its pioneering research and development projects for the second consecutive year.

The Philippines is providing scholarships and grants to support research and development initiatives, aligning with the goal of fostering startups and commercializing R&D outputs. Efforts are being made to enforce intellectual property rights and provide venture financing to drive innovation. Infrastructure and linkages are being developed to support the ethical development of artificial intelligence systems for practical applications.

The Philippines has made significant progress in space technology, with satellites generating over 51,000 maps, images, and data for various purposes. This data is crucial for guiding strategic decisions in agricultural development, urban planning, environmental management, and maritime domain awareness. Collaboration with local space technology companies is providing further impetus to the country's space endeavors, with plans to launch the MULA satellite, the largest Earth observation satellite.

The Philippines has seen a rise in high-quality jobs, with underemployment decreasing from 11.7% to 9.9%. Middle-skilled employment, wage and salary employment, and full-time jobs have also increased. Despite challenges like high food prices, efforts to create jobs and strengthen citizens' capabilities during difficult times are ongoing.

Social protection programs aim to develop the productive potential and capacities of those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has successfully graduated over 4 million families, improving their livelihoods and enabling them to pursue better opportunities. Notable beneficiaries include Teacher Kan Jevy Cervantes from Davao Oriental and Engineer Alexis Alegado, showcasing the program's impact on professional success.

The government ensures effective implementation of policies and programs for PWDs, guaranteeing equitable opportunities and special interventions. Initiatives like increased discounts for PWDs and senior citizens on basic necessities and prime commodities demonstrate the commitment to supporting vulnerable groups. Future plans include launching health benefits for children with disabilities, doubling discounts, and providing incentives for PWDs.

The private sector plays a crucial role in job creation and wage improvements through tripartite consensus. Minimum wage levels have been raised across various sectors, benefiting millions of workers and their families. Government employees can expect medical allowances and potential salary increases in the coming years, with allocated funds for these enhancements.

The government's focus on infrastructure development, business-friendly policies, and investment promotion aims to generate quality jobs and boost economic growth. Numerous investment pledges have already materialized, creating over 200,000 jobs for Filipinos. The CREATE Act's incentive scheme has attracted investments worth over 1 trillion pesos, leading to the creation of more than 100,000 new jobs.

Efforts to enhance the ease of doing business and streamline government services through digitalization have resulted in cost savings, increased revenues, and faster transactions. These initiatives have effectively addressed inefficiencies, leading to a more efficient and responsive government service delivery system.

Government services have become more efficient and digital, benefiting individuals, MSMEs, and agricultural workers. Programs like Paling QR have gained popularity. Cybercrime prevention has been bolstered with the passing of the anti-fan account scamming act. Job placement success rate through public employment service offices is at 98%. New business and corporate registrations, including foreign firms, have significantly increased.

Shortened timelines have led to increased new business and corporate registrations, surpassing last year's numbers. Obstacles in food supply chains and logistics sectors are being addressed, making processes more efficient. Energy projects are moving towards complete virtual integration. Infrastructure flagship projects under the Build Better More program are being expedited.

The Philippines aims to tap into its 7,641 beautiful tourism sites. Infrastructure and digital reforms are enhancing the tourist experience. The focus is on experiential tourism, including food, culture, heritage, arts, education, and sports. The challenge now is to elevate and expand understanding of tourism concepts like 'one town, one product'. Filipino creativity and ingenuity will unlock the untapped potential of Philippine tourism.

Over $37 billion was remitted by OFWs to the Philippines last year, significantly aiding the recovering economy. The government expresses gratitude and honor to all OFWs for their sacrifices. Vital partnerships with other countries have led to investments, strengthened national security, and quality job opportunities for Filipino nationals seeking foreign employment.

The United Nations has adopted a resolution to promote and protect the human rights of seafarers, ensuring their safe and decent living and working conditions at sea. Special facilities and services have been opened for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) like the OFW Lou in the Naa and Seafarers Hub in Manila. Assistance has been provided to OFWs affected by various conflicts in Israel, Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, and Yemen, ensuring their safe return to the Philippines.

Saudi Arabia initiated the distribution of checks to Filipino workers who lost their jobs there, gradually compensating affected OFWs. The Philippines expresses sincere gratitude to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their support.

Peace and order are crucial for genuine prosperity and social development. Despite challenges and diversity, the Philippines has invested in strengthening peace pillars like the police, military, and coast guard. Continuous capacity building and asset upgrading have led to a decrease in crime rates and an improvement in crime solution efficiency. However, law enforcement must continue to earn the trust of the people for a more effective criminal justice system.

The newly enacted Republic Act Number 129 aims to modernize and innovate government procurement processes, making them more streamlined, efficient, and aligned with global best practices. The Philippine government expresses gratitude to Congress for promptly amending a 20-year-old law, marking significant progress towards lasting and inclusive peace.

The Philippines has made substantial progress in dismantling guerilla fronts, with only seven weak groups remaining for focused operations. Alongside asserting government might, peace, community development, and reintegration programs are offered to former rebels who have returned to the law. Peace agreements are being implemented, former combatants lead peaceful lives, and some have integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is committed to fulfilling its remaining deliverables and commitments.

The Bangsamoro region has laid a strong foundation for progressive autonomous social development, attracting increased investments of 140% year on year. The region has impressively established a conducive environment for peace and development, with continuous investments pouring in to support its growth.

The Bangsamoro region has seen significant progress in governance and poverty reduction since 2018. Rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts in Marawi are ongoing under the supervision of the office of the President. Intergovernmental mechanisms have been organized, essential laws enacted, and preparations made for regular elections.

The Philippines continues its anti-illegal drug campaign with a focus on an effective strategy rather than extermination. Over 7,500 operations have led to the seizure of over 44 billion pesos worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of more than 97,000 drug personalities, including high-value targets and government employees.

To further cripple drug operations, assets worth over 500 million pesos have been frozen. The drug conviction rate stands at 79%, and the number of drug-affected barangays has decreased by 32%.

The Philippines asserts its rights and interests in territorial sovereignty through peaceful means. Efforts are made to de-escalate tensions in contested areas while maintaining strategic partnerships with like-minded states.

The Philippines emphasizes the importance of national defense, enhancing aerial and maritime domain awareness. The country remains steadfast in developing self-reliance and partnerships for defense, ensuring sovereignty and security.

Efforts are made to strengthen national consciousness and knowledge transfer to future generations. Laws on maritime zones and archipelagic baselines aim to instill a sense of duty and awareness in the Filipino people.

Despite challenges, the Philippines demonstrates post-pandemic resilience with a decrease in poverty incidence to 15.5%. The country's economic prospects remain positive, showing signs of recovery and stability compared to strong economies in the region.

The government is focused on sustaining economic gains by promoting investment and growth through policies and programs. Reforms in capital markets and the implementation of green lanes have attracted around 100 projects with a total investment of about 3 trillion pesos across sectors like renewable energy, digital infrastructure, food security, and manufacturing.

The Philippine financial system remains robust and resilient, with efficient tax and non-tax revenue collection. Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) have remitted dividends exceeding their contributions in 2022, showcasing financial stability and efficiency.

Guided by strong fiscal discipline, the proposed government budget for the year was meticulously crafted. The government seeks cooperation from the legislature to approve and adhere closely to the budget. Agencies are expected to ensure judicious spending of allocated funds for urgent priorities and impactful programs.

Due to illicit activities such as financial scamming and human trafficking, all POGOs are banned effective immediately. PAGCOR is instructed to wind down operations by the end of the year, with efforts to find new jobs for displaced workers. The move aims to address societal problems caused by POGOs.

To address all societal problems, officials, law enforcers, government workers, and citizens must remain vigilant and prioritize the nation's well-being. All individuals must protest and prevent wrongdoings, as complacency allows harm to persist. Upholding what is right and good is essential for a prosperous society.

The President urges citizens to fight against wrongdoings and evil, advocating for what is right and good. Expressing love for the Philippines and its people, he emphasizes the importance of unity and patriotism in building a better nation. The message resonates with the call to embrace positive values and work towards a brighter future.

President Bongbong Marcos announced the immediate ban on Pogo operations in the country, effective on the same day of his speech. He instructed the commencement of the seizure operations of Pogos, with a deadline until the end of the year for them to wind down their operations. This unexpected announcement was a highlight of his speech, despite some government officials previously recommending this action to the president.

President Marcos emphasized the grave abuse committed by Pogos in the country, stating that they were disguised as legitimate entities but engaged in illegal activities. This led to his decision to halt their operations and seek new employment opportunities for affected citizens.

President Marcos received a standing ovation for his statement that 'extermination' was never a strategy in the drug war, which he referred to as a 'bloodless war.' He highlighted a 32% reduction in drug-affected barangays, showcasing the effectiveness of his approach compared to the previous administration's aggressive and bloody war on drugs.

President Marcos expressed gratitude to the armed forces, coast guard, and fishermen for safeguarding the West Philippines Sea. He asserted the Philippines' sovereignty over the area, emphasizing that the country cannot yield or waver in its position. This marked the first direct mention of the West Philippine Sea in a State of the Nation Address, garnering strong support and applause from the audience.

During the speech, it was mentioned that Rin was among the first to evacuate. The importance of using diplomatic channels was stressed as the only acceptable way of settling disputes for the country.

President Bongbong Marcos emphasized the importance of instilling love for the country and knowledge about national affairs in the youth to protect the country's territory.

President Marcos discussed the economy, the significance of education in the country, and issued directives to the new Education Secretary Sunny Angara to improve the education system promptly.

A noticeable shift in language use was observed during the speech, with a mix of Filipino and English used to enhance understanding among the audience.

President Marcos strongly defended the West Philippine Sea while also emphasizing the importance of diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions without compromising the country's position.

Towards the end of the speech, President Marcos officially announced a ban on Pogo operations by the end of the year, aiming to find new job opportunities for affected citizens.

As President Bongbong Marcos left the plenary, gratitude was expressed for the audience's attention during the State of the Nation Address. Viewers were encouraged to stay tuned for further details on the SONA through various media channels.