MANILA, Philippines – July 28, 2025 — In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. outlined a vision of progress built on infrastructure, education, and rural development—while delivering one of his strongest rebukes yet against corruption and misused public funds.
Speaking before lawmakers and the nation, Marcos committed to building 40,000 classrooms by the end of his term and championed large-scale infrastructure programs like the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge and the restoration of the PNR Bicol Line. But his sharpest remarks were reserved for the alleged misuse of funds in flood control projects, particularly those found to be incomplete, defective, or completely nonexistent.
Crackdown on Ghost Projects
Marcos admitted that despite the reported completion of over 5,500 flood control projects in 2024, severe flooding from Typhoon Carina and recent monsoon rains revealed many failed or fake constructions.
“Let’s not pretend. The public knows there’s corruption in these projects—kickbacks, ghost initiatives, and collusion,” he said in Filipino. “Have some shame for our fellow Filipinos whose homes were washed away.”
He ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to provide a complete list of projects from the last three years for review by Regional Project Monitoring Committees. Those found guilty—including colluding contractors—will be charged within the month, he said.
Infrastructure Milestones
Marcos provided updates on several key projects:
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Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge: 32-kilometer span to start construction before year’s end.
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SLEX Extension: Partial opening expected by 2026, reducing travel time from Batangas to Quezon.
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PNR Bicol Line: Restoration underway following typhoon damage.
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Mindanao Connectivity: 428-kilometer road network linking Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos.
He also spotlighted smaller yet vital projects like hanging bridges used daily by students in remote areas.
Investments in Education and Health
The President announced that nearly 22,000 new classrooms have already been completed and called on Congress to support full funding for the target of 40,000. He also unveiled the expansion of the YAKAP Caravan, offering free medical check-ups, cancer screenings, and medicines in public schools.
Laptops for teachers are also being distributed, with Marcos assuring that procurement was done with transparency.
Agriculture and Food Security
Reaffirming his P20-per-kilo rice campaign promise, Marcos claimed that price point is now achievable without harming farmers’ income. The government has allocated ₱113 billion for agricultural modernization, irrigation, and fertilizer subsidies.
Poverty, Jobs, and Economic Growth
Although specific data was lacking, Marcos asserted that poverty and hunger are declining. He highlighted ongoing job creation efforts through support for MSMEs, manufacturing zones, and infrastructure projects.
He pledged to target the remaining 4% unemployment rate by mobilizing DOLE, DTI, DSWD, and DOT to create new livelihood opportunities.
Peace and Security
Marcos declared the absence of active guerrilla fronts in the country, benefiting over 13 million residents in former conflict areas. He noted that ex-rebels are now collaborating with the Armed Forces and the police to maintain peace.
He also reported that more than ₱83 billion in illegal drugs has been seized, with over 150,000 arrests, including nearly 10,000 high-value suspects and hundreds of rogue officials.
Climate Resilience and Disaster Readiness
Amid an active typhoon season, Marcos pushed for the construction of dedicated evacuation centers to end the practice of using schools as shelters. He touted upgrades to disaster detection tools, including Doppler radars, landslide sensors, and mobile command centers.
He urged citizens to participate in emergency drills and maintain proper waste disposal to minimize disaster risks.
Foreign Affairs and OFW Welfare
Without directly mentioning the West Philippine Sea, Marcos reiterated his “friend to all, enemy to none” foreign policy. He thanked Middle Eastern nations, including Oman and Kuwait, for assisting in the release of over 600 jailed Filipinos and seafarers held by rebel groups.
“In the face of emerging threats to our peace and sovereignty, our vigilance and self-defense efforts are now more robust,” he said.
Budget Warning to Lawmakers
Marcos concluded with a stern warning: he will veto the proposed 2026 national budget if it deviates from the executive’s National Expenditure Program.
“I am prepared to face a reenacted budget if necessary,” he stated.
A SONA of Vision and Vigilance
The 2025 SONA painted a picture of a government striving to deliver progress while cracking down on long-standing inefficiencies and corruption. The coming months will test whether these pledges—especially those involving accountability and transparency—will translate into real and lasting reforms.
