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Business backs SONA pitches, but cautious on outcomes

BUSINESS groups largely gave President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) a passing grade on Monday, but said the real test begins after the applause, with execution, funding and policy follow-through now under the spotlight.

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said the President touched on many of the priorities long raised by the business community, including job creation, food security, affordable energy, health care, support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and improved government services.

‘We are encouraged that he addressed key priorities such as job creation, food security, affordable energy, health care, MSME support, and improving government services,’ MAP President Donald Patrick Lim said in a statement after the Sona.

‘These are the right priorities and are aligned with many of the concerns consistently raised by the business community,’ he added.

Lim, however, said businesses are now looking for clear implementation timelines, policy consistency and closer collaboration between government and the private sector.

He also noted that tourism-one of the country’s major economic drivers-was absent from the President’s address.

‘We hope this is complemented by a stronger emphasis on long-term economic reforms that improve the investment climate, strengthen MSMEs, accelerate infrastructure and digital transformation, and make the Philippines more competitive globally,’ he said.

Lim added that Congress should promptly translate the administration’s priorities into legislation while the Executive ensures programs are implemented efficiently and their benefits reach ordinary Filipinos.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman emeritus Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. echoed the generally positive assessment but questioned whether the government has the fiscal capacity to deliver on the commitments outlined in the speech.

‘From the business point of view, he answered almost everything we have been asking for-and even added more,’ Ortiz-Luis said in a televised interview after the Sona.

However, he said he did not hear any specific plans to strengthen tourism or expand export promotion and product development.

Ortiz-Luis renewed his call for greater support for MSMEs, saying the sector remains among the most underfunded in Asia despite its significant contribution to the economy.

‘I hope there is a plan to source the funding for all these programs,’ he said.

Also, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) said targeted assistance remains necessary for manufacturers and small businesses as inflationary pressures continue to weigh on operations.

‘Sustaining MSMEs means protecting jobs and keeping local supply chains intact,’ FPI chairman Elizabeth Lee said in a statement.

‘By cushioning enterprises against rising costs, we can soften the blow of weakening demand while preserving employment and production capacity. The dual impact-jobs retained and supply chains stabilized-helps maintain confidence in the domestic market and shields industry from deeper contraction,’ she added.

Lee also said the administration’s emphasis on ease of doing business, Green Lanes and strategic investment initiatives such as Pax Silica provides a clear direction for industry, although businesses will be watching how these policies are carried out.

‘Ultimately, this Sona laid down benchmarks for accountability and competitiveness. The priority now shifts to swift execution-lowering operational costs, cutting red tape, and ensuring reforms translate directly to the factory floor,’ she said.

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco) welcomed the administration’s energy agenda, saying more reliable power will strengthen the ecozone’s ability to attract investments.

Apeco President Gil Taway IV said the agency plans to support the government’s energy initiatives by opening the ecozone to investments in renewable energy generation, battery energy storage, power distribution infrastructure and other emerging clean-energy technologies.

Trade, industry agenda

In his address, President Marcos underscored supply chain resilience, trade diversification and industrial upgrading as key components of the administration’s economic strategy.

He highlighted the planned Pax Silica Industrial Hub in New Clark City, describing it as an artificial intelligence-centered manufacturing and logistics ecosystem under the United States (US)-led Pax Silica Initiative and a cornerstone of the Luzon Economic Corridor.

Government projections estimate the project could attract $40 billion to $70 billion in investments, create 130,000 to 190,000 direct jobs, and generate another 500,000 to 800,000 indirect and induced jobs across supporting industries and supply chains.

The chief executive also affirmed the country’s commitment to expanding trade through free trade agreements, citing the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) with the United Arab Emirates.

The Philippines now has 23 free trade agreements either in force or under negotiation, which include the recently concluded Cepa negotiations with Chile, alongside ongoing talks with the European Union, Canada and India, as well as the review of the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.

He also said the government’s Green Lanes initiative has facilitated more than P6 trillion worth of strategic investments over the past three years, with projects projected to create over 400,000 jobs.

Since Executive Order 18 took effect in February 2023, at least 239 strategic investment projects worth P6.32 trillion have been certified under the program, per data from the Board of Investments.

Marcos also said the government maintained adequate fuel supplies despite disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz by diversifying oil import sources, adding that the country has enough inventory to meet demand for nearly two months.

On manufacturing, Marcos reiterated the administration’s push to accelerate electric vehicle adoption through zero tariffs on electric vehicle (EV) imports until 2028 and a directive requiring government agencies to prioritize EVs in fleet replacement.

He also identified pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, technology, logistics and luxury goods among the industries the government aims to develop further.

Mayor Chan tells animal owners to be responsible

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia King-Chan reminded residents to practice responsible animal ownership after city authorities rounded up stray livestock in Barangay Bankal that had reportedly been damaging crops and posing risks to public safety.

The reminder came after the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), together with the City Clearing Team and Barangay Bankal officials, conducted a stray animal operation in sitio Mahayahay, Old Gym, on Thursday, July 23.

During the operation, authorities found 20 cattle, including 18 adults and two calves, as well as five goats, including three adults and two young goats.

According to CENRO, residents had complained that stray animals were destroying garden crops and creating hazards for motorists and pedestrians.

King-Chan urged owners to properly secure their livestock and prevent them from roaming into national roads, sidewalks, pedestrian areas, and other public spaces where they could endanger lives.

CENRO said owners of stray animals may face penalties for violating the city’s Comprehensive Environmental and Sanitation Code (City Ordinance No. 484-97), including provisions covering stray animals, animals defecating or urinating in public places, and road obstructions caused by roaming livestock.

The city government also cited Republic Act No. 10631, which promotes animal welfare and regulates the keeping of animals.

City officials warned that livestock found roaming in public areas may be confiscated if owners fail to keep them properly secured.

Building unity, support system among Tanzanians in the UK

‘Tragically, there have been incidents where, when a Tanzanian dies here in the UK, the body lies in the mortuary for months, in the cold, with no relatives to come and collect it,’ said Nuru Mwandoro, Secretary General for an association of Tanzanians living in the United Kingdom called Umoja Wetu.

The United Kingdom has been home to one of the largest numbers of Tanzanian diaspora in the world.

It’s been decades since some of these Tanzanians settled on the British Isles; a new generation born there has sprung up and the once-young have aged.

The world revolves, but one thing that remains is the need for these Tanzanians to unify as a community and there is no better time to show unity than during bereavement, something that other African and Asian communities of immigrants in the West have mastered so well.

Tanzanians in the UK have formed an association specifically to give an honourable and respectful funeral when one of their own dies.

Though this subject seems taboo in many African cultures, including Tanzania, it’s a reality of life that many people have come to realise the importance of setting conditions that will help their grieving family cope with their absence.

Formalised life insurance policies, wills and estate planning are a norm in the UK where these diasporans live, while in Tanzania, a funeral is approached as a communal event and families rely on a harambee-style of contribution, which is gradually changing.

‘We had our second anniversary on the 11th of July in Coventry and Umoja Wetu is really a Tanzanian community association. We decided to pull together to help each other because we had been having problems pulling in resources when a Tanzanian person died,’ said Nuru.

‘So we consolidated our resources and we now raise £10,000 for each funeral, paying our members within seven days. We hope to recruit more members and reduce the waiting period further; this will be especially valuable for our Muslim members, who bury their loved ones sooner,’ she mentioned.

‘Whether they’re burying the person here or they’re repatriating the body back home to Tanzania. And so far, we’ve had about 13 burials. Successfully, we’ve raised £10,000 for each one of them. With 4,903 members, the second anniversary was about celebrating life, more importantly, a celebration of their unity.’

Patrick Mwakalobo, a senior official from Tanzanian embassy in the UK, was the guest of honour; people danced, dined, speeches were delivered and milestones were honoured.

In the backdrop of the gala, there are still underlying challenges the Tanzanian community faces.

Some members are still hesitant to join; there have been organisations in the past that have failed and they do not want to see the repetition.

Nuru understands this so well, hence their continual communication with the diaspora.

She recently had an interview with social media sensation Bongo Zozo, a UK man married to a Tanzanian lady.

The interview helped reach and educate more potential members.

During the second anniversary, more than 400 new members joined and inactive members reactivated their accounts.

Between 50,000 and 100,000 persons of Tanzanian origin are estimated to live in the UK and Nuru is determined to have Umoja Wetu reach out to as many of them as possible; it’s about dignity and unity.

Some of the members have become more than just friends; they have become family.

The bond among Tanzanians has grown, something they didn’t visualise as a possibility just two years ago.

Umoja Wetu has representation across 12 regions with departments dedicated to discipline and Ethics, verification and even a youth department, catering to a growing young diaspora population.

The young people, unlike their elders, are mostly UK-born; their connection to their motherland has to be constantly reinforced through oral and written education.

It remains key to increase their knowledge of home.

Online Kiswahili classes have also increased.

‘We are also trying to organise some trips where they can all meet up together, know each other, because they’re living in different cities; it’s not easy to get to know each other. Next year, summer, we’ll have a football event where they can come in and merge’ she explained.

Tanzanian corporations have taken note and some have even joined in to sponsor some of their events, counting on their burgeoning population as potential clientele.

NMB Bank, Nala, UTT and many other companies have engaged with the association.

Nuru said most of the diaspora yearn to have services that are rendered to Tanzanians back home available to them as well.

‘People here want to have access to mobile money that fellow Tanzanians enjoy, because we have relatives back home; we also want to send money too,’ she mentioned.

She hopes Mobile network operators in Tanzania would work with them.

She tried to reach out to some of them and she hopes they will respond.

For now, Umoja Wetu is essentially for bereavement support, but they envision expanding beyond that in the future, with business ventures in Tanzania and community development in their communities.

‘First, we needed to establish ourselves, get to know each other and build trust. And a starting point,’ she chimed in.

They are looking at buying community centres and more; all those plans are in the pipeline.

‘Next meeting, we will take it to our members. We have to get their consent, because this is a community organisation,’ she added.

For now, eligible members to join are UK residents only.

One has to have permanent residence in the UK and be actively living there.

The need for proof of residence is key to joining.

This doesn’t eliminate diaspora members who occasionally travel back home for personal or business visits.

Solidarity is the bedrock that keeps this association operating seamlessly; that also means avoiding tense subjects that might cause division, such as politics and religion.

‘We have people with different political affiliations and religions; some members are from the Mainland and Zanzibar. We are all one family and we treat each other as such, so we prohibit topics that will cause tension; we aim to live as one family,’ she explained.

‘Since we started Umoja Wetu, I have personally gained more than 70 new relatives, friends who have become my relatives. They built relationships and came together as communities in times of need, when their fellow Tanzanian gets sick, injured, or require assistance.’

Nuru used to envy seeing how Nigerians, Kenyans and Ugandans work together as a tight-knit community, but now they have achieved that as Tanzanians.

APC uploads governorship candidates for 27 states ahead of INEC deadline

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has uploaded the names of its governorship candidates and their running mates for 27 of the 28 states where governorship elections will be held, signalling that the party has largely resolved disputes arising from its primaries ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline.

Party sources said only one Northeast state remains outstanding due to disagreement over the choice of a deputy governorship candidate, with a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja expected to conclude the process.

The development comes as political parties race to meet the August 8 deadline set by INEC for the submission of governorship and House of Assembly candidates.

Among the candidates whose details have been uploaded are Obafemi Hamzat (Lagos), Solomon Adeola (Ogun), Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo), Kingsley Chinda (Rivers), Eric Opah (Abia), Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi), Mustapha Gubio (Borno), Jamilu Gwamna (Gombe), Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa), Yakubu Danladi Salihu (Kwara), Baba Malam Wali (Yobe), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Ahmed Tijani Galadima (Adamawa), Umar Bago (Niger), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto) and Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi).

The party also confirmed that Sharafadeen Alli will fly the APC flag in Oyo State with Adesoji Adedeji as his running mate, while Yakubu Danladi Salihu, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, emerged as the party’s candidate in Kwara.

Ahmed Tijani Galadima, a former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, will contest the Adamawa governorship election on the APC platform, while Mohammed Abubakar, a former Bauchi governor, secured the party’s ticket in Bauchi.

The four states-Kwara, Oyo, Adamawa and Bauchi-recorded some of the most contentious governorship primaries, with aggrieved aspirants challenging the outcomes.

In Kwara, the emergence of Yakubu Danladi Salihu generated opposition from several aspirants, including Salihu Mustapha, Oyelola Ashiru and Umar Sadiq Suleiman, following the backing he received from AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Bauchi witnessed prolonged internal disagreements after Mohammed Abubakar emerged as candidate, prompting Shehu Umar Buba to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he secured the governorship ticket. Ibrahim Misau, the APC deputy chairman in the state, also left the party alongside some ward and local government officials in support of Buba.

In Adamawa, party leaders appear to have reunited behind Ahmed Tijani Galadima after the primary. Although Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri reportedly favoured another aspirant, he has since been seen publicly with Galadima, signalling reconciliation within the party.

The Oyo contest also generated controversy after Adebayo Adelabu continued to challenge the primary results despite Sharafadeen Alli receiving his certificate of return and unveiling Adesoji Adedeji as his running mate. Party sources, however, said the disputes have now been resolved.

A member of the APC vetting committee, who spoke anonymously, said the party had made significant progress in completing the upload of governorship candidates and deputies.

According to the source, only one Northeast state remains unresolved because of disagreement over the deputy governorship candidate, adding that the issue was expected to be settled at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Monday.

The source also disclosed that the APC has uploaded about 60 per cent of its House of Assembly candidates as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections. House of Assembly elections will be conducted in all 36 states alongside other polls.

Wipro Consumer Care strengthens Philippine footprint with the acquisition of S Brands

Manila, 21st July, 2026: Wipro Consumer Care International (WCCI), the FMCG division of Wipro Enterprises, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the shareholding in S Brands Consumer Care Inc. (S Brands), a leading personal care company in the Philippines.

This is Wipro Consumer Care International’s second strategic acquisition in the Philippines, following the acquisition of Splash Corporation in 2019, one of the country’s most iconic personal care companies with brands such as SkinWhite, MaxiPeel and Vitress. This acquisition further strengthens Wipro’s personal care portfolio and reinforces its leadership position across Southeast Asia.

S Brands is a well-established player in the Philippine personal care market. Its portfolio includes trusted and category leading brands such as KERATINplus, the country’s No. 1 hair treatment brand; AlcoPlus, one of the most trusted hygiene brands; DeoPlus, a fastgrowing leader in powder deodorants; Empress, an emerging hair care brand; Grips, a leading men’s grooming line; and Fiona Cologne, a leading teens’ fragrance brand. Together, these brands have built strong consumer loyalty and hold leading positions in their respective categories.

Wipro Consumer Care International has a strong presence across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, operating in more than 60 markets. Its key markets include India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and South China.

Mr. Nagender Arya, President East Asia and COO, Wipro Consumer Care

International, said: ‘This acquisition is an important milestone in our journey to become one of Asia’s leading personal care companies. As our 16th strategic acquisition, it reinforces our long-term commitment to the Philippines following the acquisition of Splash Corporation in 2019. It also reflects our continued focus on investing in high-growth emerging markets. The Philippines is the fourth-largest personal care market in Southeast Asia, with a young and growing consumer base. It offers significant opportunities across hair care, skin care, fragrance, and hygiene. We also see strong potential to take KERATINplus and other S Brands products into new international markets.’

Mr. Dick Sy Ong, Founder and President of S Brands, said: ‘S Brands is growing and we’re ready to reach more people in more markets. Wipro has the track record and global reach to help make that happen. And with their proven RandD and innovation, we can give even more to our customers. Wipro is big, yet I see their leadership team is still grounded. They have the heart and concern for what they do, and it’s in their culture to give back to communities. We believe in the same thing.’

Mr. Amit Kumar Dawn, Incoming Chief Executive of S Brands, shared: ‘This acquisition strengthens our position in the Philippines and opens up new opportunities for growth. KERATINplus is the market-leading hair treatment brand with strong consumer loyalty, an extensive distribution network, and excellent brand equity. The addition of S Brands further strengthens the Group’s overall portfolio in the Philippines, providing an even stronger platform to accelerate growth, build stronger brands, improve operational efficiencies, and create long-term value.

Coach Tim faced with challenges

THE Philippines takes on two formidable opponents-Jordan and Iran-in the fourth window of the FIBA 2027 World Cup Asia Qualifiers at home in August.

A month before taking on Jordan on August 28 and Iran on Augusty 30 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, head coach Tm Cone is faced with several options but with one goal-form a consistent Gilas Pilipinas core.

‘We must have a consistent core,’ Cone told the BusinessMirror on Monday.

‘Jordan and Iran are absolutely crucial games for us and for our countrymen and obviously, we must deepen our preparation against them,’ he added.

Cone said he’s looking at 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto and 6-foot-10 Quentin Milloria-Brown-but Sotto’s commitment isn’t solid.

‘We’re not yet sure about Kai…where he is going to be exactly at that time,’ said Cone of Sotto, who skipped national team duties to focus on his National Basketball Association dream.

Milloria-Brown’s not 100 percent, too.

‘QMB is coming from [back] injury,’ he said.

Even Justin Brownlee’s health isn’t a sure thing-he’s sidelined with a right hamstring strain, right peroneal tendinopathy and left knee swelling with cartilage defects.

So Cone’s best option at the naturalized player spot would be Benny Boatwright.

Boatwright’s naturalization has passed the Senate and his fate now lies on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

If Benny Boatwright gets the approval, we must put him in practice to familiarize himself with our system,’ Cone said.

Thus, Gilas Pilipinas needs to sweep Jordan and Iran to fan its hopes for the 32-nation World Cup Qatar is hosting next year.

‘We play at home and we have to make sure we play our best,’ Cone said.

Sona 2026: Tacloban school shooting victims honored

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday paid tribute to the victims of the Tacloban City school shooting, honoring their courage while calling for stronger efforts to protect children from violence and harmful influences.

During his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), Marcos recognized the families of Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa and Ayessa Nicole Dazo, who were killed in the June shooting at San Jose National High School.

‘To the parents of Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo: we are all so very proud of the unflinching bravery and heroic virtue that you have instilled in your children. They are an inspiration to us all,’ Marcos said.

‘Their courage and selflessness – true Filipino qualities – are the virtues that these trying times call for,’ he added.

Marcos said the deaths of the students left a profound void in their families and served as a painful lesson for the nation.

The President also underscored the need to shield children from what he described as harmful influences, citing the ‘corrosive influence of fake news, the unfettered exposure to pornography, even to minors, the constant depiction of casual violence, and the toxicity and hate culture pervasive in social media.’

Marcos stressed that protecting and guiding the youth is a shared responsibility, saying society as a whole must work together to safeguard children from forces that exploit their vulnerability.

Local execs, Army expand peacebuilding efforts in Cotabato province

Local executives in Cotabato were reassured on Monday, July 27, to continue supporting the peacebuilding programs of their provincial government and the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, particularly the restoration of normalcy in areas in their towns cleared from the presence of the New People’s Army in recent years.

Radio reports on Monday stated that Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza and 10th ID’s commander, Major Gen. Alvin Luzon, and his subordinate officers met on Friday at her office in Kidapawan City, the provincial capital of Cotabato, where they talked about the expansion of their cooperation on peacebuilding activities in the hinterlands in the province.

The headquarters of the 10th ID is in Camp Manuel Yan in Mawab town in Davao de Oro in Region 11. It has two units in Cotabato province, the 72nd and 39th Infantry Battalions.

Cotabato, one of the four provinces in Region 12, is touted as the new investment frontier in Central Mindanao.

Local executives in Cotabato, which has 17 towns and covers 40 barangays in Kidapawan City, and their provincial government helped units of the 10th ID and the 602nd Infantry Brigade under the 6th Infantry Division secure the surrender, in batches, since 2023, of 412 NPAs and 534 members of the now both defunct Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters from areas close to the Ligawasan Delta.

Municipal and barangay officials in Magpet, Arakan, Antipas and President Quirino, where the NPAs once operated, and Mayors Rolando Recinto and Evangeline Guzman, of Midsayap and Kabacan, respectively, separately told reporters on Monday that their multi-sector peace and order councils are solidly behind the peacekeeping initiatives of the 10th ID, the 6th ID, the Cotabato Provincial Police Office and the office of Taliño-Mendoza.

Luzon said the administration of Taliño-Mendoza, presiding chairperson of the multi-sector, inter-agency Regional Development Council 12, covering four cities and four provinces in Region 12, and her constituent mayors were instrumental in the reintroduction into mainstream society of all the NPAs who had surrendered to their units in recent years.

People’s Sona: No to Pax Silica, fair wages, labor rights

Thousands of protesters staged public demonstrations on Monday to amplify the nation’s grievances during the fifth State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday.

Progressive groups from the labor, health, and other sectors assembled at 7a.m in Quezon City before marching along Commonwealth Avenue for their Sona ng Sambayanan program.

Militant group, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan estimated that around 15,000 joined their protest.

Among those who joined is labor leader Leody De Guzman, firmly opposing the proposed United States (US)-led Pax Silica Project in New Clark City, Tarlac.

‘The dynastic government is just ripping us off. They brought in Pax Silica. They are seizing more than four thousand hectares from farmers in Central Luzon,’ he said in Filipino during a speech at the rally.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has highlighted the economic benefits of Pax Silica during his nation’s address, primarily in generating employment opportunities, as well as advancing the country as an Artificial Intelligence hub.

Earlier, effigies depicting US President Donald Trump as the puppeteer and Marcos Jr. as the puppet took center stage in the rally, showing the administration’s subservience to the US.

Meanwhile, labor leader Luke Espiritu criticized the P85 wage hike in the National Capital Region, further describing the increase as ‘starvation wages’.

‘And I testify to you that no worker is celebrating because of the P85 wage increase in the National Capital Region… their wages are not living wages, they are still starvation wages,’ Espiritu expressed.

The rollout of the P60 first tranche for minimum wage earners took effect last July 25, under the Department of Labor and Employment’s Wage Order No. 27.

Espiritu added that the majority of the labor workers remain contractual, insinuating that programs like Kadiwa and the P85 wage hike are mere band-aid solutions.

‘When discussing the price of goods, the solution is easy for him: increase the number of Kadiwa stores. When discussing the profit and income or livelihood of the poor and the Filipino masses, his solution is aid. The same goes for wages; P35 is not true because that does not meet the needs of the workers,’ he explained.

The President held his annual address at the Batasang Pambansa complex that lasted one hour and 26 minutes, detailing the administration’s accomplishments and prospects for his last two years of presidency.

A Sona for real life

President Marcos’ sharp rebuke, ‘Mahiya naman kayo (have some shame),’ was the climax of his State of the Nation Address (Sona) last year, bringing drama and catharsis to an otherwise ordinary speech.

Targeted at unscrupulous contractors and public officials implicated in ghost or substandard flood control projects, the President’s rallying cry signaled a push for public accountability. What followed next were headline-grabbing criminal investigations and high-profile arrests.

The result was a rarity in officialdom when moral outrage was backed by presidential muscle. For a moment, it seemed to offer genuine momentum for an administration often disparaged by critics as underachieving.

Yet as the President prepares to deliver his penultimate Sona, that sense of momentum seems far removed from the nation he addresses today.

The shock-and-awe tactic succeeded in capturing media attention but did little to alter the daily struggles of ordinary Filipinos. The anticorruption thrust has been overshadowed by relentless political noise and an equally relentless cost-of-living crisis.

Growing disillusionment

The numbers surrounding the presidency tell a story of growing disillusionment.

The latest Social Weather Stations survey revealed public trust in the President slipping to a record-low 34 percent, with 45 percent expressing little trust. Meanwhile, a Pulse Asia survey showed that controlling inflation remains the single most urgent national concern, followed by fighting graft and increasing workers’ pay.

These figures do not negate the successes of the President’s crackdown on crooks but they also show its limitations, as political theatrics and institutional infighting, including the impeachment trial of the Vice President, have become distractions from honest-to-goodness governance.

There is, too, a growing disconnect between the administration’s economic milestones and real-world conditions.

The administration can legitimately point to structural gains, such as the World Bank’s reclassification of the Philippines as an upper-middle-income country. That represents a notable development for investor confidence, but, as economists rightly note, it does not reflect the lived reality of the people.

‘A family that has spent the last four years budgeting against either the price of rice or the price of diesel has lived a different economy from the one the classification describes,’ economist Emmanuel Leyco told a pre-Sona forum last week.

No parade of statistics

For the average household, economic statistics matter less than the prices they pay at the public market, gas station, or grocery checkout. These families experience the economy every time they balance household budgets against soaring fuel prices and rising electricity bills, as the peso, hovering at historic lows against the dollar, buys less and less of what it once did.

The energy crisis has turned every billing cycle into a source of anxiety as bill shocks swallow ever larger chunks of the family income. Even the historic daily wage increase in Metro Manila offers limited relief when inflation threatens to absorb those gains almost immediately.

In his speech, the President must refrain from simply offering a parade of statistics or promising future audits. As Leyco said, ‘A nation that has been asked to tighten its belt is entitled to an address that tightens its claims.’

The administration has reached its final stretch. Mr. Marcos will use this window to influence how his presidency will be remembered but he has little room for promises that could no longer be matched by results.

Time to shape legacy

Working families need policies that ease the burden of everyday life.

The government must address energy security and power costs directly. Among the essential steps are enacting strategic petroleum reserve legislation and reviewing power pricing mechanisms that leave consumers absorbing recurring fuel cost increases.

Laws must be enforced to the letter. ‘Many of the reforms long advocated by the business community have already been enacted,’ the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines said in a letter to the President. ‘The task ahead is to translate these reforms into measurable gains in investment, productivity, innovation, and employment.’

Finally, accountability must go beyond rhetoric. Investigations into anomalous public projects must produce safeguards that make similar abuses far more difficult to replicate.

As Mr. Marcos enters the final two years of his term, he has enough time to shape his legacy but no time left to postpone difficult choices.

His fifth Sona will no doubt recount what his administration has accomplished. It should devote equal attention to what millions endure every day: rocketing expenses and wages that never seem to catch up.

Last year’s Sona challenged corrupt officials to feel shame. Today’s challenge is greater: to convince Filipinos that this administration can still improve their lives before its time runs out.