Marcos to tout gains in 2nd SONA; critics gear up for protests

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will address the nation on Monday afternoon on the accomplishments his administration has made over the past year, even as critics gear up for protests to counter the chief executive’s narrative.

As required by the Constitution, Marcos will deliver his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in front of a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City starting at 4 p.m.

At least 2,000 people were invited to the SONA at the Batasang Pambansa, and some of them, including former presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Joseph Estrada, had already confirmed their attendance.

Asked what the public should expect from his second SONA, Marcos told reporters on July 17 that he would explain to the people that ”we have made significant progress.”

”We can see the difference now, not only in terms of how the systems work [and] how the government works, [but also in terms of] how we are seen or judged in the international community. That’s equally important,” he said. 

Marcos promised to provide updates on the status of the pledges he made during the SONA in 2022. 

Protests, transport strike, Egay

Several groups would gather along Commonwealth Avenue to express their dissatisfaction with the government rather than listen to Marcos provide a progress report.

In an advisory, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said they would stage a “People’s SONA” march to Tandang Sora – Commonwealth to amplify their call for better pay, employment opportunities, and ensure the welfare of the poor. 

Similar protests will also be held in Iloilo City, Kalibo, Roxas City, Capiz, Cebu City, Davao City, Naga City, and Baguio.

”Monday’s SONA protests are justified, and the people should be heard, not driven away from public spaces. The people demand higher wages, more jobs, affordable food, respect for human rights, and national sovereignty, not Maharlika scams and Bagong Lipunan throwbacks,” Bayan president Renato Reyes Jr. said in a statement.

Transport group Manibela will also begin their three-day transport strike on Monday to oppose the government’s PUV modernization program. 

Malacañang suspended government work and classes in public schools in Metro Manila on Monday in light of the transport strike and the threat of Severe Tropical Storm Egay, which is expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) that will bring rains to several parts of the country. 

Thousands of policemen have been deployed to ensure that this year’s SONA will be peaceful and orderly. 

A 24-hour gun ban in the NCR, Region 3, and Region 4A is in effect until 12 a.m. of July 25 ”to prevent would-be criminals from any nefarious activities,” the NCR Police Office said.

Traffic rerouting plans were also released to guide motorists.