What do you expect to hear from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming Third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22? What is the true state of the country?
The 1987 Constitution mandates that the President delivers the State of the Nation Address (SONA)annually, every fourth Monday of July at the Plenary Session Hall of the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Batasan Hills, Quezon City.
The SONA is a report to the nation which summarizes the accomplishments and plans for the program of government and the present economic, political, and social condition.
There will be an assessment of President Marcos’ performance in addressing specific issues of governance – from high prices of rice and basic commodities, West Philippine Sea controversy, improving the quality of education , providing decent wages and addressing climate change mitigation measures.
According to Pulse Asia, from 80% in June 2023, a month before his second SONA 2023, the President’s approval rating tumbled a few months after, to 65% in September, over his administration’s perceived inability to stabilize prices, inflation has remained the top “urgent national concern.” The President’s approval and trust ratings have not bounced back as his approval and trust ratings in the survey conducted from June 17 to 24 were two points lower at 53% and five points lower at 52% than the scores he received in a poll in March. Compared with Vice President Sara Duterte’s approval rating, which rose two points to 69% from March and trust rating of 71%.
The Pulse Asia survey, conducted from June 17 to June 24, found that 72 percent of Filipinos consider increases in the prices of basic commodities should be immediately addressed. Increasing workers’ pay came in second at 44 percent, while about a third cited reducing poverty (32 percent) and creating more jobs (30 percent) as their major concerns. Meanwhile, 32 percent of Filipinos believe that the promise to boost tourism has been fulfilled. Around a quarter of adults believe that the promises to strengthen the country’s infrastructure (26 percent) and defend national sovereignty (24 percent) have been fulfilled. According to the survey results, the Marcos administration scored majority approval ratings only on protecting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) (70 percent) and responding to the needs of areas affected by the calamities (64 percent).Disapproval for the incumbent administration’s handling of four issues: controlling inflation (76 percent disapproval score), reducing poverty (51 percent disapproval score), increasing workers’ pay, and fighting graft and corruption in government (both at 39 percent disapproval score).
Activists from several groups, including transport unions such as MANIBELA and Indigenous and human rights groups including BAYAN and KATRIBU, and other like minded groups, plan to demonstrate to denounce the perceived failures of the Marcos Jr. Administration. Authorities will bolster security around protest sites, and localized transport and business disruptions will likely occur during gatherings, especially if demonstrators block roads near rally locations.
Local government officials like Governor Manuel “ Chaco”Sagarrbaria, will attend the SONA. ABANGAN!
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