President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, addressing a range of national priorities, including expanding social security coverage through the Social Security System (SSS). The speech, lasting over an hour and 26 minutes — the longest of his tenure — covered key policy initiatives aimed at improving financial security for Filipinos (newsinfo.inquirer.net).
Among the proposals, Marcos emphasized the government’s efforts to broaden SSS coverage, encouraging citizens to secure their future through social protection programs. This initiative aligns with broader economic reforms aimed at reducing the burden on households, particularly in the face of rising living costs.
The Sona also touched on long-standing concerns such as corruption and the affordability of basic goods, issues that Filipinos had previously highlighted as urgent priorities. While the speech focused on economic stability and social welfare, it did not fully address all the concerns raised by the public ahead of the address.
Marcos also received support from lawmakers, including Northern Samar Rep. Edwin Ongchuan, who endorsed the administration’s proposal to remove system loss fees from electricity bills, a move intended to ease financial pressure on households (cebudailynews.inquirer.net).
