2025 State of the Nation Address (Philippines)

Last updated

Fourth State of the Nation Address
of President Bongbong Marcos
State of the Nation Address 2025 PH logo.png
DateJuly 28, 2025 (2025-07-28)
Duration1 hour and 11 minutes
VenueSession Hall, Batasang Pambansa Complex
Location Quezon City, Philippines
Filmed by Radio Television Malacañang
Participants Bongbong Marcos
Francis Escudero
Martin Romualdez
LanguagesEnglish, Filipino
Previous 2024 State of the Nation Address
Next2026 State of the Nation Address
Website stateofthenation.gov.ph/sona/2025/

The 2025 State of the Nation Address was the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Bongbong Marcos on July 28, 2025, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex. [1]

Contents

Preparations

House of Representatives Sergeant-at-Arms, retired PMGen. Napoleon Taas, reported during an inter-agency coordination meeting that an estimated 27,000 security and response personnel will be deployed to secure the Batasan Complex. [2]

Guests

As with the previous year's SONA, Vice President Sara Duterte declined the House of Representatives' invitation to attend the address. Initially, no explanation was provided for her absence, although it is notable that an impeachment case was filed by the House of Representatives against the Vice President in February. Duterte later said that she did not believe President Marcos would provide "anything substantial" about the country. [3] Former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained at The Hague and awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court following his arrest in March 2025, was also sent an invitation, according to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco. [4] In addition, Duterte-allied Senators Ronald Dela Rosa, Bong Go, Robin Padilla, and Imee Marcos, who is President Marcos's sister, opted to physically skip the SONA. [5]

Address

The speech President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. held a speech of his 4th State of the Nation Address.jpg
The speech

Before President Bongbong Marcos started his speech, the singing of "Lupang Hinirang" by Sofronio Vasquez (season 26 winner of The Voice) was held. [6] It was followed by the ecumenical prayer led by representatives of various religious groups. Afterwards, Marcos outlined his administration's accomplishments while addressing specific issues such as Filipino sailors who were caught up in the Red Sea crisis, electricity outage in Siquijor, the collapse of the Cabagan–Santa Maria Bridge, and the 2021–2022 Luzon sabungero disappearances. [7] [8] Marcos also told Congress that he would not sign the 2026 budget if it was not aligned with the government's spending program, even if it meant operating on a reenacted budget. [9] Marcos' speech began at 4:06 p.m. and ended at 5:17 p.m, both times PHT, lasting for 1 hour and 11 minutes. [10]

Protests

The People's SONA, a protest led by the opposition alliance Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, was held at St. Peter's Church along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Between 4,000 to 10,000 people attended the demonstration, along with other political parties and alliances including Sanlakas, Bunyong Party, ATOM, and others. [11] Protests were also held overseas by BAYAN USA in New York City, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington DC. The People's SONA sought to highlight rising hunger, poverty, unemployment, and inflation while calling on the government to address these issues. [12]

Aftermath

Following a directive from Marcos during his address to promote active lifestyles among Filipinos, the Philippine Sports Commission opened its track and field facilities in Manila, Pasig, and Baguio for free to the public beginning on July 29. [13]

References

  1. Gulla, Vivienne (May 27, 2025). "No changes yet in SONA health protocols despite spike in COVID cases abroad: House SecGen". ABS-CBN News . Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  2. "PREPS FOR PBBM'S FOURTH SONA BEGINS". House of Representatives of the Philippines . May 1, 2025. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  3. Sarao, Zacarian (June 23, 2025). "Sara Duterte sees nothing substantial in Marcos' 4th Sona". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  4. Panti, Llanesca; Panganiban-Perez, Tina (June 19, 2025). "VP Sara Duterte to skip SONA anew —House SecGen". GMA Integrated News . Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  5. Torregoza, Hannah L. (July 28, 2025). "Duterte allies in Senate skip SONA 2025". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  6. "WATCH: Sofronio Vasquez sings Philippine national anthem at Marcos Jr.'s 4th SONA". Rappler. July 28, 2025. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  7. "Full transcript: Marcos' fourth State of the Nation Address, July 28, 2025". Philippine Daily Inquirer. July 28, 2025. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  8. "SUMMARY: Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Sona 2025". Sunstar. July 28, 2025. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  9. "Marcos tells Congress: I won't sign budget not aligned with gov't". Philippine Daily Inquirer. July 28, 2025. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  10. "SONA 2025 by the numbers". GMA News. July 28, 2025. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  11. Sampang, Dianne (July 28, 2025). "4,000 protesters take to the streets as Marcos delivers Sona". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  12. Sampang, Dianne (July 28, 2025). "The other Sona: What Filipinos demand on the streets". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  13. Javier, Paige (July 30, 2025). "PSC officially opens track and field facilities to public". ABS-CBN . Retrieved August 13, 2025.