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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. outlines reforms and security concerns in 2026 State of the Nation Address
On July 27, 2026 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address to a joint session of Congress. He highlighted a range of policy proposals, including the removal of value‑added tax on system losses under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, broad tax‑relief measures for middle‑class workers and small businesses, and a call to revisit nuclear energy as a clean‑power option. The speech also announced support for overseas Filipino workers, higher wages for domestic workers abroad, new trade ties with the United Arab Emirates, increased housing assistance, expanded healthcare programs, and investments in education and transport.
The address was set against heightened security concerns after an improvised explosive device exploded near the Department of Justice entrance and an unexploded device was found near the Senate, prompting House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos to order an additional security sweep of the Batasang Pambansa complex. Large police deployments secured the venue, and multiple protest marches warned of corruption, high living costs, and demanded land reform. Marcos also reaffirmed the Philippines’ claim in the West Philippine Sea, citing the 2016 arbitral award.
Overall, the speech combined economic reform, anti‑corruption rhetoric, energy strategy, and security measures as the administration heads toward the end of Marcos’ term in 2028.
Entities
Batasang Pambansa · Department of Justice (DOJ) · Department of Justice (DOJ) · Department of Justice (Philippines) · Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) · Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) · Ferdinand Alexander Marcos · Ferdinand Marcos Jr. · Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. · Jefferson Khonghun · Martin Romualdez · Philippine House of Representatives
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] An improvised explosive device exploded near the Department of Justice entrance on July 27, 2026. tnt.abante.com.ph · newsinfo.inquirer.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Marcos declared a year‑long national energy emergency in March to ensure adequate supply of fuel, food and agricultural products amid Middle‑East conflict. srnnews.com · wtop.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] An unexploded IED was found near the Senate on Diokno Boulevard. newsinfo.inquirer.net · tnt.abante.com.ph
- [● 2 SOURCES] The SONA addressed the impact of the Middle‑East conflict on fuel and food supply and outlined programs to mitigate it. srnnews.com · wtop.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Recent investigations have linked dozens of lawmakers and officials to corruption in flood‑control projects. srnnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] President Marcos announced that reforms at the Department of Public Works and Highways have started, including hiring new graduates and tighter project monitoring.
- [● 2 SOURCES] House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos requested an additional security sweep of the Batasang Pambansa complex after the IED incidents. tnt.abante.com.ph · newsinfo.inquirer.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Congress to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to remove VAT on system losses. thephilbiznews.com
- [DISPUTED] Senator Alan Peter Cayetano boycotted the SONA, watching it from home and wearing black as a peaceful protest.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Marcos announced tax‑relief measures expanding income‑tax exemptions and reducing corporate tax for small businesses. business.inquirer.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Marcos suggested revisiting nuclear energy production as a clean‑energy option for the Philippines. www.rappler.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Marcos proposed removing VAT on system losses under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). thephilbiznews.com · business.inquirer.net