Challenges that ‘tested our resolve’

As the Philippines faces major headwinds on both the domestic and global fronts, will it not yield to these lingering—and emerging—challenges while keeping excessive political noise in check?

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), President Marcos highlighted achievements over the past four years of his administration in addressing corruption, crime, inflation, unemployment, and poverty, including hunger, as well as other items in his eight-point socioeconomic agenda.

The President assured us that bold actions are being pursued to ensure food security, promote economic growth, defend national sovereignty, increase resilience to natural disasters, mitigate the effects of the Middle East crisis on fuel and power prices, and uphold the welfare of more than 2.5 million overseas Filipino workers in Gulf nations.

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It’s understandable that many of us might forget what was said in his lengthy Sona (85 minutes!), just as this forgetful nation has often overlooked what previous presidents said in their Sonas. What usually sticks are memorable quotes that define the principles and priorities of a Malacañang occupant and serve as wellsprings for internet memes. Mr. Marcos may have uttered one, to wit: “Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and great race. We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars. We are respectful, and we are dignified. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield.”

That line will stick, while the rest will be forgotten.

He did not name names, but the President was clearly alluding to a derogatory artificial intelligence video posted by the state-run news website China Daily depicting Filipinos as monkeys. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling recognizing the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone over the West Philippine Sea, Mr. Marcos called the ruling a “defining benchmark.”

Other challenges. However, the nation faces even bigger challenges, which served as the overarching theme of the last Sona, and this candidness on the part of the President was evident when he refused to sugarcoat the state of the nation. As a sequel to his 2025 Sona, his latest Sona immediately addressed the flood control scandal and took stock of what he has done to address the global shock that has been causing headaches—and economic pain—to everyone: elevated oil prices amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

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“The lessons of the past months are clear to us: First, the importance of the security and stability of the country when it comes to energy and food; of our relations with other countries; and of each citizen wherever they are. Second, the ability of the government to act promptly in an appropriate and good manner; And third: the perseverance and vigilance of Filipinos despite the passing challenges,” Mr. Marcos said, adding: “Fellow citizens, as we look back, I can face you and say that we did everything necessary to address the effects of the crisis.”

To reduce energy costs and cushion the blow of soaring oil prices, the government suspended excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene (imposed from April 17 to July 8, 2026); purchased 1.39 million barrels of diesel, about 300,000 barrels of gasoline, and 21,000 metric tons of LPG (as of May 30, 2026); and suspended the wholesale electricity spot market (from March 26 to April 30, 2026); streamlined the net-metering application process (from 20 to 10 working days); reduced transport and logistic cost; implemented staggered fuel price adjustments; rolled out cash assistance for qualified public utility drivers and farmers, and fuel and fare discounts, and implemented a nationwide service contracting program; eliminated transaction fees for bank transfers and online wallets; and delayed or staggered the payment of loans and power bills, among others.

‘Tested our resolve.’ For those seeking to delve into government figures and specific programs, the “President’s Report to the People: 2022-2026” may be useful. (see https://tinyurl.com/mr89fvpc)

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The President’s Report noted that the economy grew steadily in 2025 (4.4 percent), though it fell short of the government’s target and was the lowest postpandemic growth. Obviously, much more remains to be done to increase Filipino competitiveness, but increasing government spending without any risk of corruption remains the bedrock of good governance.

“Last year, the country faced challenges that tested our resolve,” he admitted, but stressed that “Our decisiveness and swift action kept us moving forward to overcome those difficult moments.” External shocks risked stagflation, he said, prompting sustained economic activity through “people working, goods flowing, and businesses open.”

As the administration reaches its final stretch, Mr. Marcos vows to continue “the work that remains and the responsibilities that come with it … sustaining growth and keeping Filipino families safe and secure … faithfully and until the very end.”

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