SO…NA-thing Happened

Report by Joaquin Umali | Cartoon by Wacky Iñiego Dimyao | Layout by Nikka Gutierrez

Within the 4th time under his term, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA) July 28, to share his administration’s achievement and plans with all smiles, while the Filipino are forced to watch drenched in flood.

Under Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution, SONA is a constitutional obligation delivered every fourth Monday of July. SONA is expected to present to all Filipino citizens the work the government has achieved and its ongoing projects. But what did we get? the same script, repeatedly

Yet upon scrutiny, the address felt more like a highlight reel of intentions than a report of progress. While familiar promises resurfaced—rice at ₱20/kilo, flood-control reforms, and infrastructure targets—it was striking how many earlier flagship initiatives were ignored, as if they never existed. But one thing is consistent—this SONA could’ve been an email.

While it’s sarcastic, anyone could have said the same words as the president uttered—but one thing could make a difference. Showing progress. Because objectives stay empty promises when they’re drowned in explanations rather than propelled by effort.

“Kaya natin ang Php.20 sa bawat kilo ng bigas nang hindi malulugi ang anting magsasaka."

Again, with his mention of the Php20/k rice, which is only accessible at select 123 Kadiwa centers and limited by quotas—far from the universal rollout implied in his campaign rhetoric.

It is clear as day that the agricultural sector of the country could not handle such demanding obligation fueled by promises. According to USDA projections, the Philippines was expected to import a record 3.8 million metric tons of rice in 2024, easily surpassing countries like China, Indonesia, and the EU.

While it produces a significant amount of rice, ranking around 8th globally in production, domestic output remains insufficient to meet local demand—forcing reliance on imports. We may hold unto the nostalgic fact that the Philippines once used to be an agricultural powerhouse, but its long in the past, as well as the vision to bring back his father’s golden era.

“This is the New Normal. Ganito na ang buhay natin kahit ano pa ang gawin.”

Days prior his 4th SONA, President Marcos exclaimed that the Philippines being hit by multiple tropical storms and typhoons is not a stranger anymore, and people should be able to adapt in this kind of situation, highlighting the word “New Normal.”

In a report by Manila Standard, at least 31 people died nationwide, an estimate of 6.3 million individuals nationwide was affected, and an estimate of 15,220 houses were destroyed during Typhoons Crising and Dante, and Tropical Storm Emong—that preceded President Marcos Jr.’s 4th SONA

President Marcos Jr.’s rhetoric about living with the “new normal” of intensified typhoons and flooding is dangerously close to normalizing incompetence. While he talks about whole-of-nation approaches and comprehensive flood control plans that expect citizens to adapt to worsening climate threats, the actual implementation remains underwhelming.

Marcos Jr. declared that over 5,500 flood control projects nationwide had been completed by mid 2024—and specifically flagged the Cagayan River flood risk management project, designed to protect 60,000 residents across 600 hectares.

He also stated that approximately Php16.7B was cut for the 2025 national budget allocated for flood control deeming them “redundant.”

This is not a drill. Flood-control gates should not only serve as a prototype to ensure the safety of its citizens. This all could’ve been prevented or mitigated if actions were properly implemented. What's worse is, he knows that they were not effective and implemented enough, as flaunted during his speech, yet no actions were made through and through.

What the President should normalize about is competence and updated system during calamities.

When climate disasters strike, victims still point to delayed response, weak planning, and no noticeable resilience-building—a scenario that shamefully repeats itself with each storm.

Instead of embracing “new normal” as a resignation to failure, we should demand a leadership that refuses to let inaction become acceptable. True climate resilience cannot emerge from spin—it demands competence, accountability, and urgency.

True climate resilience cannot emerge from spin—it demands competence, accountability, and urgency.

“Mahiya naman kayo”

Speaking of accountability, President Marcos issued a forceful rebuke: “Mahiya naman kayo,” aimed squarely at government officials and contractors involved in failed or ghost flood control projects—projects he described as “palpak,” and “guniguni lang”

This statement drew enthusiastic applause from lawmakers and guests—ironically, many of whom may themselves have benefited from or enabled exactly the kind of corruption Marcos denounced.

“Mahiya naman kayo” is a start—but incomplete, as it should be “Mahiya naman tayo,” recognizing that governance failures reflect collective failure, and that true shame lies not only with the corrupt—but with all who tolerate them. Only then the President's call for accountability be honest, effective, and transformative.

Because of all people, you, as the President should be the one ashamed of because this corruption you’re calling out lies beneath your name, and your administration. And who knows, you could be one of those you’re trying to call out.

“Let’s stop pretending. The public knows…”

Of 165 promises made across his first three SONAs, only 42 were fulfilled, while 91 remain ongoing and 28 are stalled.

Despite presenting an hour-long speech—shortest yet, we all know there are not-quite-few things missing from his 4th SONA. One could mention the stalled Maharlika Investment Fund, which featured heavily in prior addresses that went completely unacknowledged, avoided the ongoing ICC proceedings connected to the previous administration, and the on-going impeachment of his Vice President.

Not to mention the deforestation of the Sierra Mountain Range that impacted heavy floods in the country, and other progressive bills that could’ve saved the country.

This fourth SONA offered polished rhetoric without substance—a recalibration of promises rather than a reckoning with realities. The administration’s tendency to sidestep past pledges, gloss over stalled projects, and avoid controversial topics erodes public trust. Until Marcos delivers verified milestones—not just glossy visions—his narrative risks becoming an echo chamber of what could have been.

May this SONA be a remembrance that everything might just be a dream that we still hold onto. “Too good to be true,” they say. SONA True, SONA Totoo, yet in a nutshell, SO…NA-thing Happened.