July 30, 2025 | Manila, Philippines
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a strong warning to public officials, contractors, and private firms involved in corruption and poor service delivery, during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. He promised legal action against those responsible for failed flood control projects, rice price manipulation, and unreliable water services that have affected millions of Filipinos.
Speaking before a packed plenary hall in Batasang Pambansa, Marcos condemned the alleged misuse of public funds in infrastructure projects meant to prevent flooding—projects that failed spectacularly amid recent heavy monsoon rains, submerging communities across the country.
“Mahiya naman kayo (Have some shame),” Marcos said, earning applause from lawmakers and government officials. “Let’s not pretend. People know there are kickbacks and ghost projects in flood control deals.”
Audit and Legal Action Coming
Marcos revealed that several flood mitigation projects inspected in Metro Manila and the provinces were either defective or did not exist at all. He announced an impending audit of all such projects under his administration, with criminal charges to follow.
“By next month, we will file cases against all responsible government officials and their private accomplices,” he declared. “You will face justice.”
The president’s statement comes amid public outrage over billions of pesos allegedly lost to poorly executed or abandoned infrastructure initiatives.
Budget Integrity and Pork Barrel Issues
Marcos further vowed to reject any national budget not aligned with the administration’s National Expenditure Program, even if it meant operating under a reenacted budget.
“I will veto any budget that doesn’t match our plan. I’m serious about ending these wasteful and questionable projects,” he said.
Last year, the president vetoed ₱26 billion worth of flood-related projects, which critics argued were hiding pork barrel allocations under the Department of Public Works and Highways’ budget. For 2025, the department has again received one of the largest budget shares—over ₱1 trillion.
Warning to Rice Traders, Boost for Agriculture
Marcos also took aim at unscrupulous rice traders, warning them against manipulating prices or exploiting farmers.
“If you deceive the public or farmers, we will charge you with economic sabotage,” he said.
He pledged ₱113 billion in agricultural funding, including support for the administration’s “P20 per kilo rice” initiative and the nationwide rollout of hundreds of Kadiwa centers, reminiscent of programs under his father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Water Utilities Under Fire
Addressing the nation’s water supply problems, the president criticized water service providers, especially PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., for prolonged outages and subpar service in several areas.
“More than 6 million consumers still lack access to clean, reliable water,” he said. “This is unacceptable.”
He confirmed that the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) had completed its investigation into complaints and vowed to hold those accountable.
Justice for Missing Cockfighting Enthusiasts
Marcos also addressed the unresolved case of missing “sabungeros” (cockfighting enthusiasts) last seen between 2021 and 2022. A witness had earlier claimed they were murdered and their bodies dumped in Taal Lake.
“No matter how powerful or wealthy the perpetrators may be, we will ensure justice is served,” he promised.
Administration’s Report Card
Despite criticism and the ruling coalition’s poor showing in the recent midterm elections, Marcos presented a list of accomplishments over the past three years, including:
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ECONOMY: Rising business confidence, lower inflation, and increased job creation
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AGRICULTURE: Aid for 8.5 million farmers and fisherfolk; expanded irrigation and farm-to-market roads
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ENERGY: Over 2.5 million households now with electricity
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EDUCATION: Over 22,000 classrooms built, 60,000 teacher positions added, and 2 million more students enrolled
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HEALTHCARE: Expanded PhilHealth benefits, more doctors in rural areas, and zero-balance billing in government hospitals
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SOCIAL SERVICES: 4Ps program reached 5 million families, with 1.5 million families graduating from it
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TRANSPORTATION: Infrastructure upgrades including the long-delayed Dalian trains and bridges in Mindanao
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GOVERNANCE: Digital transformation, free public Wi-Fi in 19,000 sites, and lower crime rates
“We are not perfect, but we are working,” Marcos concluded. “Our task is not done—but we are moving forward.”
