President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Addresses Key Issues in SONA 2025

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is poised to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025, at 4 PM PHT. This address comes at a crucial juncture in his presidency, where he will outline the government's accomplishments, future plans, and priorities amidst various pressing issues, including the recent halted impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte and a series of natural disasters affecting the nation.

As President Marcos enters the mid-point of his term, the upcoming SONA is particularly significant given the context of the recent elections, where many of his senatorial candidates faced disappointing outcomes. According to political analyst Dr. Maria Santos, a professor at the University of the Philippines, “The SONA provides Marcos an opportunity to recalibrate his administration's approach and address the challenges posed by a divided political landscape.”

The Philippines is currently grappling with severe weather conditions, including heavy rains and flooding that have devastated several regions, compounding the challenges faced by the government. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the recent storms have displaced thousands, with recovery efforts ongoing. “The SONA will likely address the urgent need for disaster response and recovery plans,” stated Dr. Adrian Lopez, a climatologist at Ateneo de Manila University, emphasizing the importance of resilience in policy-making.

In addition to disaster recovery, the SONA is expected to touch on economic recovery post-pandemic, where key economic indicators have shown signs of improvement but remain fragile. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported an economic growth rate of 6.2% in the first quarter of 2025, a positive development but one that is under threat from global economic uncertainties.

Industry leaders are also keenly awaiting the speech, particularly in sectors heavily impacted by recent policies. “Businesses need clarity on government direction, especially in infrastructure and job creation,” remarked Michael Tan, CEO of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “A clear articulation of priorities in the SONA will help restore business confidence.”

The implications of Marcos’s SONA extend beyond immediate policy announcements; it serves as a barometer for public sentiment and political stability in the Philippines. The dynamics within Congress, particularly following the impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Duterte, will also be closely scrutinized. Political analyst Dr. Jose Cruz from the Asian Institute of Management noted, “The political landscape is tenuous, and how President Marcos navigates this will be crucial for his administration's future.”

As the nation tunes in to watch the SONA, the expectations are high for President Marcos to deliver a comprehensive plan that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by the country. The implications of this address will resonate beyond its immediate aftermath, shaping the political and economic landscape for the remainder of his term and beyond.

In summary, the 2025 SONA is not just a presentation of past accomplishments; it is a critical juncture for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to lay out a roadmap for the future amidst a backdrop of political and environmental challenges, necessitating a clear and decisive leadership approach as the country moves forward.