MANILA, Philippines – July 28, 2025 — As President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) lit up with a trending topic: “PNoy.”
Netizens quickly pointed out similarities between Marcos’ rhetoric and that of the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, noting that parts of Marcos’ speech echoed Aquino’s signature tone, phrasing, and stance against corruption.
One moment that especially caught the attention of online users was Marcos’ pointed remark against those misusing funds for flood control programs. “Mahiya naman kayo,” Marcos said, which reminded many of Aquino’s famous line, “Saan po kayo kumukuha ng kapal ng mukha?”
Several users posted side-by-side quotes and videos comparing the two leaders’ speeches. “His deep Tagalog speech reminds me of PNoy,” one user commented. Others noted that Marcos’ focus on accountability, governance, and public service carried a tone and cadence similar to Aquino’s past SONAs.
While the President did not reference Aquino directly, the perceived resemblance was enough to spark widespread discussion online. Some viewed it as a nod to a more straightforward, principled style of governance, while others speculated it was a deliberate effort to win public favor.
As the “PNoy” keyword continued to trend throughout the day, it became clear that for many Filipinos, echoes of past leadership still resonate strongly amid present-day politics.
Social media continues to play a powerful role in shaping public perception of national addresses, with many Filipinos using digital platforms to draw comparisons, raise questions, and express support or skepticism in real time.
