Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 24) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday afternoon, where he is expected to highlight the accomplishments of his administration during his first year in office.
Marcos has expressed confidence that his government has made “significant progress” for the country since he assumed the presidency on June 30 last year.
He has since made 11 trips to different countries, which were estimated to have generated P3.48 trillion in investment pledges. Of which, over ₱4.8 billion are expected to “materialize” this year, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.
Another big item that was pushed ahead of his SONA was the signing of the bill writing off loans worth over ₱57 billion of over 600,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries.
But as he marked his first year, his administration’s approval rating fell to 60% during the second quarter of 2023, a nationwide survey showed.
In his SONA, Marcos is expected to lay out the government’s agenda for the coming year and suggest priority legislation as Congress reopens.
What can we expect in the preparations and other potential outcomes on SONA day?
‘Bigger’ protests
Thousands of protesters are expected to gather along Commonwealth Avenue near the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, where the SONA will be held.
Transport group Manibela has announced that it will stage a three-day nationwide strike beginning on SONA day in a bid to draw Marcos’ attention to the sector’s woes.
At least 45,000 drivers and operators from Metro Manila are expected to join the protest against the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program.
Political alliance Bagong Alyansang Makabayan earlier said that this year’s SONA protest, dubbed as the People’s State of the Nation Address, will be “bigger compared to last year.”
“This is an open and safe space for all who want to speak out against the corruption, cronyism, and abuses of the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” Bayan Secretary General Raymond Palatino said.
Palatino said the Quezon City government has already issued a permit for the protest.
As it advocates for dialogues, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has prohibited the burning of effigies, contrary to SONA protests in previous years.
Tight security
Over 20,000 security personnel will be deployed on the day of the SONA, according to the National Capital Region Police Office. They will be deployed at Batasan and other areas in National Capital Region (NCR), while some will be manning border control points from certain regions.
Cops will also be deployed to demonstration areas, where they are expected to exercise maximum tolerance toward protesters.
A gun ban in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon will be implemented from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. of July 24.
A week before Marcos delivers his second SONA, the PNP said authorities have yet to see any security threats.
Roads closed, classes suspended
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will implement zipper lanes along Commonwealth Avenue to give way to vehicles of government officials and guests going to Batasan for the SONA.
Motorists are requested to take alternate routes to avoid the anticipated heavy traffic.
READ: MMDA bares traffic plan for SONA
At least 1,354 personnel will be deployed to manage not only vehicular and foot traffic but to also assist in emergency response and crowd control, among others.
Meanwhile, Malacañang has announced that classes in public schools in Metro Manila are suspended on Monday due to the scheduled transport strike and Severe Tropical Storm Egay, which is seen to further intensify.
Work in government offices in NCR is also suspended, but agencies whose functions involve delivery of health services, disaster response, and other vital services will continue operations.
READ: Classes, gov’t work suspended in NCR on July 24 due to storm, transport strike
Full House likely with eased COVID protocols
Over 2,000 people are expected to troop to the Batasan for Marcos’ second SONA after organizers eased COVID-19 health protocols this year. Guests only need to present their official invitations.
On Thursday, the House of Representatives has been put on lockdown in preparation for Monday’s event.
All systems are set for the SONA, according to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco. He said the equipment was thoroughly checked and that backup plans have been made to ensure a seamless program.
Among important guests expected to attend are the three living former Philippine presidents — Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Rodrigo Duterte.
‘Unfiltered’ SONA
Some lawmakers urged Marcos to present the “real situation” and focus on the daily struggles of Filipinos, who “deserve unfiltered truth” from his second SONA.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III wants the president to “leave no room for sugarcoating or glossing over the harsh realities facing the entire nation.”
Among the issues Pimentel wanted to take the spotlight during the SONA are the high cost of living, inadequate income, education woes, unemployment and underemployment, and the ballooning national debt.
Senator Francis Escudero hopes that Marcos’ SONA would “[shock Filipinos] about the great problems we face, surprise us with the bold solutions, and scare us about the price of inaction.”
“Huwag po kayong mag-alala Ginoong Pangulo [Don’t worry, Mr. President]. We, the people, can handle the truth,” Escudero said.
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada expects to hear the president’s plans for job creation, poverty reduction, economic growth, and matters concerning security threats.
Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Upper Chamber of the Congress is ready to hit the ground running as senators vow to pass 20 priority bills by Decemberthis year, including the Public-Private Partnership Act, Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, and the reinstatement of the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez recalled that his cousin’s first SONA has “set the direction” for lawmakers and this year’s presidential speech will be no different in this regard as they continue with their job of supporting his legislative ideas.
CNN Philippines’ special coverage
CNN Philippines will bring live updates and in-depth reports and analyses from government officials and political experts about this year’s SONA beginning at 6 a.m.
Our correspondents, including our chief correspondent and anchor Pia Hontiveros, will be in strategic locations to closely monitor what’s happening inside and outside the Batasang Pambansa.Tune in on CNN Philippines’ live coverage on Free TV channel 9, Cignal channel 10 and Sky Cable channel 14.
Catch real-time updates on our Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter: @cnnphilippines.
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