PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) will focus on ongoing social and economic programs amid a changing national landscape. “We will be talking about the social projects of the government for people in need,” Mr. Marcos said.
“We will talk about the programs that we have initiated and will continue to promote and endorse… hopefully these will continue after my term,” he added.
When President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his 3rd State of the Nation Address last year, he vowed to accelerate the Philippines’ digital economy, bolster infrastructure, modernize defense, and uphold national sovereignty.
A year later, his administration has scored a mix of significant wins and ongoing challenges, with this year’s SONA promising a stronger focus on structural reforms.
Digital backbone and economic incentives
President Marcos highlighted the CREATE Act’s role in propelling over P1 trillion in investments and generating more than 100,000 jobs.
He also launched the CREATE MORE bill to further spur economic growth through tax incentives. Legislatively, his administration passed the CREATE‑ MORE tax reform in November 2024, lowering corporate tax rates and extending incentives, a strategic move to attract foreign capital.
Infrastructure boom
The Build Better More program also accelerated under his watch. As of July 2024, nearly 1,200 km of roadways and 367 bridges, especially along the key Maharlika Highway corridor, have been built or upgraded. More projects are underway, including a P12.75 billion rehab of Laguindingan Airport, and the Aboitiz InfraCapital contract for Bohol‑ Panglao’s airport from late 2024.
Defense and maritime sovereignty
President Marcos signed the landmark Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act in November 2024, asserting sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, moves that met with diplomatic ire from China.
In October 2024, he backed legislation to revitalize the local defense industry, providing tax and financing incentives, stepping stones in the P35 billion AFP modernization program.
Fiscal discipline and budget push
By year-end 2024, President Marcos approved a record P6.33 trillion 2025 national budget—a 10 percent increase over 2024, allocating P1 trillion each for education and public works, while maintaining military modernization support.
