Vice President Sara Duterte Criticizes President Marcos' 2026 SONA and Unfulfilled Promises
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.emphasized education as a cornerstone of national development during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, 2026.
He reiterated that education remains central to building human capabilities, with initiatives focused on reskilling and upskilling workers to adapt to evolving economic demands.The administration also announced plans to strengthen senior high school curricula to better prepare students for higher education and the workforce.Marcos highlighted proactive governance through technology integration, shifting from reactive to predictive strategies in addressing crises.
Key announcements included expanding income tax exemptions for low-wage workers earning under P350,000 annually, opening 12 MRT-7 stations by next year to alleviate transportation challenges, and revisiting nuclear energy as a means to bolster energy security and reduce electricity costs.
Agricultural issues like avian flu and African swine fever (ASF) were also addressed, with farm insurance payouts reaching P19 billion over four years.
Marcos pledged continued support for beneficiaries and teachers, including promotions for over 80,000 educators under the Expanded Career Progression program.
The speech underscored the government’s commitment to economic resilience, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth while tackling pressing challenges like food security and energy affordability.