[REVISION HISTORY]

Marcos Jr. 2026 SONA: Policy Reforms and Public Backlash

Updated 14 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-10 01:22 UTC → 2026-08-27 04:06 UTC · added ~~removed~~

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 29 July 2026, ~~detailing~~ outlining a roadmap focused on economic transformation, food and energy ~~reforms amid rising debt~~ security, and ~~poverty.~~ sovereignty. The administration proposed tax ~~relief measures,~~ relief, including raising the annual income-tax exemption to ₱350,000, ~~a one-time tax amnesty,~~ and ~~exempting micro-enterprises from minimum corporate income tax. Energy~~ emphasized energy reforms ~~included amending the EPIRA, scrapping system-loss charges,~~ such as renewable expansion and ~~revisiting nuclear energy~~ the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant to ~~lower costs. However, Caritas Philippines criticized~~ support high-tech industries like the ~~nuclear push, citing safety risks~~ US-backed Pax Silica Industrial Hub. While business chambers—including the Makati Business Club and ~~high costs, while also condemning expanded fossil-gas infrastructure. Critics~~ the American Chamber of Commerce—welcomed the focus on energy security and ~~observers have~~ investment reforms, critics raised concerns regarding the feasibility of ~~several promises, such as~~ key promises. Observers questioned the sustainability of the ₱20-per-kilo rice ~~program, transport discounts~~ program for ~~senior citizens, and~~ 12 million beneficiaries, the ~~long-term~~ funding of for social assistance ~~programs~~ like 4Ps and ~~TUPAD. These inquiries come as a March 2026 survey reported 14.5 million Filipinos living in poverty,~~ TUPAD, and ~~fuel prices have seen significant year-to-date increases. On~~ the ~~social front,~~ implementation of transport discounts for senior citizens. In response to administrative delays, the ~~DSWD reported that its LAWA and BINHI projects have supported over 184,000 farmer-fisher beneficiaries. Meanwhile, diaspora-led protests in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco highlighted grievances~~ President directed the National Commission of Senior Citizens to expedite ₱10,000 cash gifts under the Expanded Centenarians Act following complaints regarding ~~economic hardship and~~ slow payouts. Additionally, the ~~treatment~~ administration highlighted the effectiveness of ~~migrants.~~ the Local Government Support Fund, which Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo noted for its transparency. These ~~demonstrations followed reports~~ developments follow earlier tensions involving the arrest of 51 activists ~~being arrested~~ and diaspora-led protests in the ~~Philippines ahead of the address, underscoring ongoing tension between~~ United States. The President also addressed the ~~administration~~ House’s dismissal of an impeachment complaint and ~~opposition groups.~~ referenced ongoing investigations into alleged plunder involving former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

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