Like a lot of people, I watched the State of the Nation Address hoping to hear something real. I wanted to hear how the government plans to fix what’s actually broken in our country—not just the roads and airports, but the hard stuff: the politics, the tension, the trust we’ve lost.
Instead, we got a speech that looked good on the surface. Marcos Jr. talked about progress, infrastructure, anti-corruption drives… the usual. But if you were paying close attention, it was what he didn’t say that stood out most.
Here’s what I—and a lot of others—noticed was missing.
1. The Giant Duterte-Sized Hole
Not a single mention of Vice President Sara Duterte, even though her impeachment earlier this year was one of the biggest political dramas we’ve had in a while. The Supreme Court even had to step in and say the process was unconstitutional. You’d think that would earn at least one sentence, right?
And yet—nothing.
No mention of the VP.
No mention of former President Digong Duterte. No mention of the ICC investigation into the drug war. No federalism. No nod to Duterte’s legacy.
It’s like they got wiped from the official story.
2. No Update on the “West Philippine Sea” Mess
We’ve got Chinese ships playing bully near our waters again. Our fishermen are struggling. Tensions are rising. Marcos has made strong statements in the past, but this time? Dead silence.
No mention of China. No “We hear you” to the coastal communities.
Wala. Tahimik.
3. No Word About the Tariffs Slapping Our Exports
The U.S. is about to hit us with 19% tariffs starting August, and it could mess with our prices and jobs—especially for poor households.
Did Marcos mention it?
Nope. Not even a “we’re working on it.”
4. Online Gambling and POGOs? Not a Peep
We’ve got online gambling spreading fast, and not just among foreigners. It’s becoming a big problem, with families losing money and crime following close behind. There’s legislation in the works, and people are raising alarms…
But the President? Nothing.
Not even a passing reference.
5. The ₱20/Kilo Rice Dream is Still Just That: A Dream
This was one of his biggest campaign promises. People still bring it up. But now, two years in, there’s still no update, no timeline, no explanation. Same goes for poverty reduction, jobs, wages, and healthcare.
He talks about economic “confidence,” but not the kind of confidence that puts food on the table.
6. Not Even a Shoutout to Press Freedom or Justice
With journalists still getting harassed and human rights concerns hanging in the air, a little reassurance would’ve gone a long way.
But again—nothing.
So, What Gives?
Look, I’m not a political analyst. I’m just someone who’s been watching Philippine politics long enough to recognize when someone’s being careful with their words. Maybe it was a smart move to avoid controversy. Maybe he didn’t want to give the Dutertes more attention. Maybe they’re saving the real talk for behind closed doors.
But here’s what I know:
When a leader skips over the issues people are really talking about—when the loudest part of a speech is the silence—it leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
We deserve honesty. We deserve clarity. We deserve a SONA that talks about the real state of the nation, not just the parts that look good on paper.
Endnotes – SONA 2025 Source Material
- Watch: Marcos delivers 4th State of the Nation Address (Full Speech) PTV Philippines via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX86QAaE7DE
- LIVE BLOG: Marcos delivers 4th SONA GMA News Online, July 28, 2025 https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/953942/live-blog-sona-2025/story/
- Marcos receives 2 standing ovations during SONA Philippine Daily Inquirer, July 28, 2025 https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964127/marcos-receives-2-standing-ovations-during-sona
- Marcos skips e-gaming, tariffs in SONA BusinessWorld Online, July 29, 2025 https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2025/07/29/688087/marcos-skips-e-gaming-tariffs-in-sona/
- Philippines’ Marcos Jr. rails against corruption in State of the Nation Address South China Morning Post, July 29, 2025 https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3319892/philippines-marcos-jnr-rails-against-corruption-state-nation-address
