Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Agatha Gregorio

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. garnered applause during various parts of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) when all sorts of topics from electricity to flood control were tackled.</p><p>Look back at Marcos’ fifth SONA with five quotes that seemed to define the chief executive’s vision and priorities for the country.</p><div><strong>1. “Hindi ako pangulo ng aking pamilya. Hindi ako pangulo ng aking kaibigan. Ako ay pangulo ng Pilipinas. At ang tungkulin ko ay sa inyo, ang aking mga kapwa Pilipino.”</strong></div><p>Before saying this, the president mentioned former House speaker Martin Romualdez, his cousin, adding he will soon face multiple cases.</p><p>Marcos said that while this may be a painful matter, there is a need to do what is right.</p><p>According to the president, nearly P25 billion in assets linked to flood control corruption was frozen and preserved.</p><div><strong>2. “At kung pagbawas ng presyo ang usapan, sa aking palagay, panahon na para tanggalin na natin ang systems loss na pinapasa sa consumer.”</strong></div><p>Systems loss charge refers to a fee for power lost due to pilferage and technical factors.</p><p>And according to Marcos, this burden is passed over to consumers with the layer of value-added tax even if they are not at fault for the systems loss.</p><p>Massive applause was also heard when Marcos said it may be time to revisit nuclear energy production.</p><p>The chief executive additionally tackled the controversial US-led Pax Silica initiative, which he said would bring quality jobs to people.</p><div><strong>3. “Kaya ko kayong harapin at sabihing ginawa natin ang lahat para malunasan ang mga epekto ng krisis.”</strong></div><p>Marcos added, the government acted swiftly to help Filipinos amid the spike in fuel prices.</p><p>And given the crisis, the president said they will pursue tax relief measures, which includes expanding income tax exemptions.</p><p>Marcos said those earning not more than P350,000 annually would not need to pay income tax.</p><div><strong>4. “We must all assume a community responsibility for our young people’s protection. Ang mga nasawi na ating mga mag-aaral kamakailan dala ng karahasan at kapabayaan ay nag-iwan ng malaking puwang sa kanilang pamilya, at mapait na aral din para sa ating lahat.”</strong></div><p>After the recent incidents of school violence, Marcos honored some of the victims of a school shooting in Tacloban City for their “unflinching bravery and heroic virtue.”</p><p>Aside from this, Marcos said artificial intelligence (AI) is “here to stay,” and so its potential must be harnessed in enhancing sectors like the educational system</p><div><strong>5. “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.”</strong></div><p>The president said this after renewed maritime tensions between the Philippines and China.</p><p>Marcos also said the arbitral award concerning the West Philippine Sea is “final and binding,” and this is not a claim they will abandon.</p><div><a class="fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/27/-we-are-not-racists-not-liars-marcos-says-ph-won-t-abandon-arbitral-award-1754">&#x27;We are not racist, not liars&#x27;: Marcos says PH &#x27;won&#x27;t abandon&#x27; arbitral award</a></div>

<p>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. garnered applause during various parts of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) when all sorts of topics from electricity to flood control were tackled.</p>

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. garnered applause during various parts of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) when all sorts of topics from electricity to flood control were tackled.

SONA 2026: Marcos 5th SONA in 5 quotes

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SONA 2026: Marcos 5th SONA in 5 quotes

Agatha Gregorio,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 28, 2026 12:48 AM PHT

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SONA

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flood control

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