Sen. Pia Cayetano expressed skepticism about the Philippines’ upper-middle-income status, stating it is hard to celebrate if most Filipinos do not feel an improvement in their lives. Her comments came during a press conference in Manila, Philippines, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday. Cayetano questioned whether the country’s economic progress, as highlighted in the Sona, was translating into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens. She emphasized that economic growth alone does not equate to improved living conditions for the majority. Her remarks reflect growing concerns among lawmakers about the gap between official economic indicators and the lived realities of Filipinos. The debate highlights ongoing discussions about how to measure national progress and ensure that economic gains are shared more broadly.