Key takeaways from SONA-2025 by President BBM and breakdown of what they mean?

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025, focused on economic stability, social services, infrastructure, and institutional integrity as the administration enters the second half of its term. The speech was notable for its strong warnings against corruption and its focus on a methodical, data-driven approach to governance.

Here is a breakdown of the key points from SONA 2025:

1. Economy and Jobs

• Positive Economic Indicators: Marcos reported that inflation remains low and unemployment has fallen to around four percent.

• Investment Appeal: He urged local and foreign investors to "invest in the Filipino," highlighting the administration's priority of creating decent work as a way out of poverty.

• Infrastructure for Growth: He emphasized ongoing infrastructure projects, including railways, airports, and seaports, to support economic expansion.

2. Agriculture and Food Security

• P20-per-kilo Rice: Marcos announced the nationwide rollout of the P20 per kilo rice program through hundreds of Kadiwa centers, stating that the program has been proven viable without causing losses for farmers.

• Warning to Traders: He issued a strong warning to traders who manipulate rice prices, calling it "economic sabotage" and vowing to hold them accountable.

• Agricultural Initiatives: The PHP113-billion budget for the Department of Agriculture is earmarked for various programs, including distributing piglets to combat African Swine Fever and developing agricultural courses for the youth.

3. Social Services (Education and Health)

• Education: Education received the largest allocation in the national budget. Marcos promised to build 40,000 new schools before his term ends, provide laptops and overtime pay for teachers, and expand the free Wi-Fi network for schools.

• Health: He highlighted the expansion of healthcare services, announcing that all Filipinos are now covered by PhilHealth and that "zero-balance billing" is in effect in all Department of Health hospitals. This means patients will not have to pay for basic services.

4. Infrastructure and Anti-Corruption

• Strong Warnings: In one of the most forceful parts of his speech, Marcos issued a scathing rebuke to officials and contractors involved in corruption in flood control projects. He said "Mahiya naman kayo" (Have some shame) and announced an audit, with charges to be filed against those found guilty.

• Accountability: He vowed to reject budgets that are not aligned with the government's spending priorities and threatened a re-enacted budget if necessary.

• Energy and Water: Marcos addressed the country's energy and water issues, promising to build around 200 power plants within three years and to hold negligent utility providers accountable.

5. Foreign Policy

• "Friend to All, Enemy to None": The President reaffirmed the Philippines' independent foreign policy, emphasizing the country's role in a rules-based international order.

• OFW Diplomacy: He celebrated diplomatic wins for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), highlighting that 600 OFWs were granted clemency by other nations.

 Analyzed by: Steve P. Stavri, MBA, REB, REA
(Chief Executive Officer - Grand Premier Homes and Properties Inc.)