A BRIEFER ON

STATE OF THE
NATION 2024
A review of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr.ʼs
Third State of the Nation Address, key leadership
shifts, and legislative priorities.
 OVERVIEW
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (PBBM) delivered his third State of the Nation
Address (SONA) on July 22, 2024, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. The
speech, lasting 1 hour and 22 minutes, highlighted his administration's achievements and
outlined future plans across various sectors.

In his address, PBBM reported significant economic progress, including a decrease in

poverty rates to 15.5% from 18% in 2021, and emphasized investment-led growth with
numerous "green-lane certified" projects totaling about Php3 trillion in investments.

The President addressed key issues such as food security and agriculture, trumpeting
record-high rice production, and various support programs for farmers and fisherfolk. He also
discussed ongoing infrastructure developments, including roads and transportation
systems, while emphasizing the importance of digitalization. In education, PBBM
acknowledged existing challenges and outlined plans for improvement, including teacher
upskilling programs and bridging the digital divide in schools.

Moreover, the SONA covered health and social welfare initiatives, employment statistics, and
support for overseas Filipino workers. PBBM highlighted improvements in peace and security,
particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and
reiterated the Philippines' stance on territorial issues, especially in the West Philippine Sea.

The most significant announcement of the SONA was the immediate ban on Philippine
Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), with operations set to cease by the end of the year
due to associated illegal activities.

The President concluded his address by calling for vigilance and principled action from all
sectors of society, emphasizing the need to combat wrongdoing and prioritize the welfare
of the Philippines and its people.

Vice President Sara Duterte did not attend the SONA despite earlier indications that she
planned to be in Manila for the event. Instead, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) reported
that Duterte traveled to Bohol to condole with the locals following the death of Vice Governor
Dionisio Victor Balite. This last-minute change in her schedule raised eyebrows, given her
previous statements about attending the SONA.
HIGHLIGHTS & PLANS
PEACE AND
ECONOMY EDUCATION
ORDER

The poverty rate has decreased to The government will focus on The countryʼs overall crime rate
15.5%, lower than pre-pandemic bridging the digital gap and decreased, along with the
levels. The government educational technology reform. improvement of crime solution
implemented business-friendly "Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo" Act has efficiency. The government
policies, including capital market been passed, increasing teacher boasts successful drug seizures
reforms and "green lanes." allowances and funding career and arrests and most guerilla
progression. fronts having been dismantled,
with only seven weakened
groups remaining.

INFRASTRUCTURE FOREIGN
AFFAIRS

BUSINESS
Two major bridges, Panguil Bay The government continues its
and Guicam, and Airport-New efforts to de-escalate tensions in
Clark City Access Road are to contested areas and strengthen A substantial number of
open for faster and more defense through partnerships with investment pledges are
convenient travel. The Metro like-minded states. The President operational or in development.
Manila Subway Project announced the banning of The CREATE Act has led to over
continues to progress, with the POGOs, with operations ceasing Php1 trillion in investments and
Philippines "Railway Renaissance" by year end. over 100,000 new jobs.
underway.

FOOD &
ENERGY WATER SECURITY HEALTH &
AND AGRICULTURE SOCIAL WELFARE

A steady increase in power The nation has achieved a total of The public-private partnership
supply is expected. The over 20 million tons in rice yield, (PPP) for the University of the
government persists in the highest since 1987. There Philippines-Philippine General
addressing shortages, continues to be ongoing support Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Center
blackouts, and electricity costs. for agriculture and irrigation Project has been approved, while
The President calls for the projects. the Philippine Cancer Center has
review of the Electric Power been established. Twenty Bagong
Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). Urgent Care and Ambulatory
Service (BUCAS) Centers opened
DIGITALIZATION nationally. There has also been
increased funding for medical
EMPLOYMENT assistance programs.
The Anti-Financial Accounts
Scamming Act has been passed
The employment rate has risen to and the countryʼs digital
95.9%, while underemployment infrastructure improved with
has decreased to 9.9%, the lowest tripled common towers. There are
since 2005. Minimum wage has plans of implementing the
also increased across all regions. Philippine E-Visa.
HIGHLIGHTS & PLANS
PRIORITY BILLS

These are the priority bills mentioned by President Marcos during his SONA for Congressʼ swift approval:

CREATE to Maximize
Opportunities for 2025 General
Reinvigorating the Appropriations Act
Economy (MORE) Act

Seeks to improve current regulations by The proposed 2025 National Expenditure

enhancing the tax and administrative Program (NEP) is pegged at Php6.532
incentives available to companies and trillion, focusing on the administrationʼs
clarifying rules on implementing priorities, including food security, social
value-added tax (VAT) incentives. protection, healthcare, housing, disaster
resilience, infrastructure, digital
connectivity, and energization.

Electric Power
Industry Reform
Act (EPIRA) Review

Included among the 28 priority legislations

outlined by the Legislative-Executive
Development Advisory Council (LEDAC),
this bill aims to review the EPIRA to make it
more attuned to the present time and help
accelerate efforts towards a more
energy-secured country.

Enabling Law for

Hosting Climate
Change Loss and
Damage Fund

The country recently secured a seat on

the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund,
an international budget for countries
affected by climate change, requires an
enabling law from Congress to confer legal
personality and capacity to the Board.
RETROSPECTIVE ON THE PBBM
ADMINISTRATIONʼS LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s Despite outlining an ambitious legislative agenda,
legislative agenda, as outlined in his first two State of progress has been mixed. As of his second SONA, only
the Nation Addresses (SONA), focused on economic a few notable laws have been enacted:
recovery, agricultural development, infrastructure,
• The SIM Card Registration Act (RA 11934)
and social services.
• The Postponement of Barangay/SK Elections
Key priorities include: (RA 11935)
• Amendments to the Armed Forces of the
Economic and Fiscal Policies Philippinesʼ Fixed Term (RA 11939)
• Medium-Term Fiscal Framework • The New Agrarian Emancipation Act (RA 11953)
measures: • The Maharlika Investment Fund (RA 11954).
◦ Excise tax on single-use plastics
◦ Value-Added Tax (VAT) on Many other priority bills are still pending in
digital services Congress. The administration has made strides in
◦ Rationalization of mining fiscal agricultural support (e.g., Kadiwa Stores Program),
regime infrastructure development, and digital
◦ Motor vehicle user's charge/road governance initiatives.
user's tax
• Ease of paying taxes However, there continue to be significant challenges in
• New Government Procurement Law fully implementing these priorities and translating them
• New Government Auditing Code into tangible developments beneficial to Filipino citizens.
• Tatak-Pinoy Law
• The Blue Economy Law Economists and political analysts underscore the
• Local Government Unit (LGU) importance for Marcos to:
income classification
• Detail plans for boosting state revenues for
funding crucial social programs
Agriculture and Food Security
• Amendment of the Fisheries Code • Provide a clear economic development agenda
• Amendment of the Anti-Agricultural amid global challenges
Smuggling Act • Address food security and agricultural
• Amendment of the Cooperative modernization
Code • Tackle urban congestion and infrastructure
development issues

Infrastructure and Energy • Manage the limited fiscal space and higher
• Continuation of the budget deficit
"Build Better More" Program
Moving forward, the Marcos administration must work
closely with Congress to advance its legislative agenda
Health and Social Services while strengthening existing programs and policies to
• Expansion of education, health, and address pressing national issues such as economic
social welfare programs recovery, food security, and public health.
• Addressing malnutrition and the
learning crisis AS OF JULY 2024

Signed into law - 19

National Security and Governance Approved in one house - 5
• Military and Uniformed Personnel Pending in one or both houses - 21
Pension Reform
• Philippine Immigration Act
• Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming
Law
2023 Legislative
Priorities
In his 2023 SONA, President Marcos reiterated his commitment to work with Congress for the
passage of important bills that will sustain the country's economic recovery. Of the 17 priority
legislative measures he mentioned, only one was enacted into law that year:

Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units Act (RA 11964)

Classifies municipalities into five classes, according to their income ranges and based on the
average annual regular income for three fiscal years preceding a general income reclassification.

LEDAC priority measures enacted into law in 2023

Regional Specialty Internet

Centers Act Transactions Act/
(RA 11959) E-Commerce Law
(RA 11967)

Mandates the Department of Health to Protects consumers and merchants; and

establish specialty centers in its hospitals in harnesses e-commerce as a tool for
every region and Government-Owned and growth and development.
Controlled Corporations (GOCC) specialty
hospitals.

Public-Private
Trabaho Para sa Partnership (PPP)
Bayan Act Code of the
(RA 11962) Philippines 2023
(RA 11966)

Establishes the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Develops a stable and predictable

Inter-Agency Council (TPB-IAC) to craft a environment for collaboration between the
master plan for employment generation public and private sectors to address the
and recovery in the Philippines. gaps in the infrastructure systems.

Two of his SONA bills have been enacted in 2024

Tatak Pinoy Ease of Paying

(Proudly Filipino) Act Taxes Act 2024
(RA 11981) (RA 11976)

Strengthens the partnership between the Simplifies the filing of taxes by adding the
government and the private sector towards option of filing electronically and removes
promoting Philippine goods and services by certain fees related to the filing of taxes.
making these increasingly diversified and
globally competitive.
2023 Legislative
Priorities
Seven additional LEDAC priority measures have been approved by Marcos in 2024

New Philippine Philippine Salt

Passport Act Industry
(RA 11983) Development Act
(RA 11985)

Mandates the Department of Foreign Creates a comprehensive roadmap to

Affairs (DFA) to establish and maintain an implement programs, projects, and
online application portal and Electronic interventions for the development and
One-Stop Shop readily accessible on management of the Philippine salt, among
its official website. others.

Philippine
Ecosystem and Negros Island
Natural Capital Region Act
Accounting System (RA 12000)
(PENCAS) Act
(RA 11995)
Unifies the provinces of Negros Occidental,
Institutionalizes environmental and
including Bacolod City, Negros Oriental,
economic accounting frameworks that are
and Siquijor into one administrative region.
accepted internationally and aims to
recognize, protect, and promote the
ecological balance and resilience of the
country. Anti-Financial
Account Scamming
Act (RA 12010)

Real Property
Valuation and Penalizes financial cybercrimes and
Assessment Reform imposes harsher penalties for illegal acts
Act (RA 12001) such as online selling and investment
scams, phishing, and other fraud schemes.
Streamlines and enhances the real
property valuation and assessment system
through a uniform real property appraisal
that is compliant with international President Marcosʼ legislative agenda has
standards. seen progress since his last SONA, though
at varied pace across different priorities.

New Government While these enactments represent steps

Procurement Act toward the administrationʼs goals, several
(RA 12009) priority measures from the 2023 SONA
remain pending, highlighting ongoing
legislative challenges.
Promotes greater transparency,
competitiveness, efficiency,
professionalism, accountability, and
sustainability in government procurement.
2024 Legislative
Priorities
The Legislative Executive Development FOR PLENARY ACTION
Advisory Council (LEDAC) has agreed to
prioritize the enactment of 26 bills • CREATE MORE Act
Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) within • Reforms to Philippine Capital Markets
the 19th Congress or by June 2025. • Blue Economy Act
• Enterprise-Based Education and Training
Eighteen of these bills are included in the Framework Act
top priority list, including seven priority • Amendments to the Universal Health Care Act
measures introduced by the economic • Open Access in Data Transmission Act
team: • Waste-to-Energy Bill
• Mandatory Reserve Officersʼ Training Corps (ROTC)
IN THE ADVANCED STAGES • Unified System of Separation, Retirement and Pension
of Military and Uniformed Personnel
• E-Government Act/E-Governance Act
• Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act • Amendments to the Agrarian Reform Law
(Enrollment) • Philippine Immigration Act
• New Government Auditing Code
• Philippine Defense Industry • Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act
Development Act/Self-Reliant • Amendments to the Rice Tarrification Law
Defense Posture Act (Bicam) • Amendments to the Foreign Investorsʼ Long-Term
Lease Act
• Amendments to the EPIRA
• Philippine Maritime Zones Act
• Amendments to the Right of Way Act
(Bicam) • Excise Tax on Single-Use of Plastics
• Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime
• Academic Recovery and • Department of Water Resources
Accessible Learning Program
Act (Bicam)

• VAT on Digital Transactions Act

(Bicam)

Economy, governance, and sovereignty are top

priorities.

Based on the latest list, the government still prioritizes

the economy as seven are aimed at boosting the
countryʼs economic performance and fiscal system.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of the Archipelagic Sea Lanes

Act and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act is a
testament to the governmentʼs resolve to strengthen
the country's sovereignty over its archipelagic waters
and maritime resources.
KEY LEADERSHIP SHIFTS
VP Duterte Resigns as Education Secretary, Replaced by Sen. Angara

In a move seen as inevitable amid tensions between her family and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.ʼs, Vice
President Sara Duterte resigned last June 19, 2024 as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) and vice
chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Two weeks after VP Duterte's resignation, President Marcos appointed veteran lawmaker, Senator Juan Edgardo
"Sonny" Angara, as her replacement at the Department of Education (DepEd). Angara, known for his advocacy in
education reform, was selected amid calls from various teachers' organizations for a non-political appointee.

Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as Agriculture Secretary

After holding the Department of Agriculture portfolio for one and a half years, business tycoon Francisco Tiu Laurel
Jr. was appointed as the permanent Secretary on November 3, 2023. Marcos directed Laurel to focus on
controlling the surging prices of agricultural products and improving agriculture production and mechanization, key
factors in ensuring food security and economic stability.

Laurelʼs appointment drew mixed reactions from stakeholders, with Bantay Bigas claiming that his position was a
payment for political debt as he contributed Php30 million to Marcosʼ campaign in 2022. Meanwhile, other
agricultural groups expressed optimism that Laurelʼs experience in the food industry can help solve the sectorʼs
woes.

Hans Leo Cacdac as Interim Secretary of DMW

Hans Leo Cacdac, who had been serving as officer-in-charge of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) since
the passing of Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople, was appointed as interim Secretary in April 2024. His appointment
was bypassed as Congress adjourned, leading to a reappointment in May 2024, pending
confirmation when Congress resumes in July.

Ralph Recto as new Finance Secretary

The Chief Executive also named seasoned lawmaker Ralph Recto, former Senate President Pro Tempore, as the
new secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF), replacing Benjamin Diokno, who was appointed as a member
of the Monetary Board.

Recto prioritized raising P4.3 trillion in revenues to support social services and job creation, focusing on fiscal
sustainability and efficient spending. His policies target enhancing tax collection, controlling inflation through
non-monetary measures, and combating tax evasion and smuggling, aligning with the administration's goals of
inclusive economic growth.

Frederick Go as Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs and Jaime Santiago
as Director of the National Bureau of Investigation

Frederick Goʼs appointment is seen as strategic in attracting and managing foreign investments, with the President
stating Go will help in "realizing" secured investment deals. In a surprise move, Marcos appointed retired judge
Jaime Santiago as Director of the National Bureau of Investigation, replacing Medardo de Lemos.

Sen. Chiz Escudero as New Senate President

The Senate also had its share of controversies as Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero replaced Juan Miguel Zubiri as
Senate President on May 20, 2024, two days before the Upper Chamber's sine die adjournment. In an interview,
Escudero admitted initiating Zubiri's ouster, but denied Malacanang's hand in his decision, emphasizing it was an
internal Senate matter.
Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Secretary of the Department of Secretary of the Department of
Education (DepEd) Agriculture (DA)

• Finished his law degree at the University of • A long-time friend of President Marcos Jr.,
the Philippines College of Law, and earned he donated Php30 million to his presidential
his Master of Laws degree from Harvard run in 2022.
Law School. • Before his appointment, Laurel was the
• A three-term representative of the Lone president of Frabelle Fishing Corporation,
District of Aurora from 2004 to 2013. one of the top deep-sea fishing companies
• First elected as Senator in 2013 and won a in the Asia-Pacific region.
second and last term in 2019. • Held other positions, such as chairman of
• His father, former Senator Edgardo Angara, the Westpac Meat Processing Corporation,
was a strong advocate for education, president of Markham Resources
having passed notable laws such as the Corporation, and chairman of Bukidnon
Free High School Act and the creation of Hydro Energy Corporation.
the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED), instituting wide-ranging reforms in
the countryʼs educational system.
Hans Leo Cacdac
Secretary of the Department of
Migrant Workers (DMW)
Ralph Recto
Secretary of the Department of
• Since entering government service in 2001,
Finance (DOF)
he served in various capacities such as
Undersecretary of the DMW; Executive
• Started his political career as Batangas' 4th
Director V of the Overseas Workers
District Representative from 1992 to 2001.
Welfare Administration (OWWA); Executive
• A three-term Senator from 2001 to 2007,
Director V of the Philippine Employment
and from 2010 to 2022.
Administration (POEA); and
• Lost his re-election bid in 2007 after he
Undersecrtary of the Department of Labor
authored the Expanded Added Value
and Employment (DOLE).
Tax (EVAT) Law.
• Held positions in the National Conciliation
• Appointed National Economic and
Mediation Board-DOLE and the Bureau of
Development Authority (NEDA) Director
Labor Relations-DOLE. He was also an
General under the Arroyo administration
associate lawyer and Urban Poor Unit
from 2008 to 2009.
Coordinator of the Sentro ng Alternatibong
• Before he was appointed to the DOF in
Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN) in the private
January 2024, he was a Representative of
sector.
the 6th District of Batangas from 2022 to
2024.

Frederick Go
Jaime Santiago Special Assistant to the President for
Director of the National Bureau of Investment and Economic Affairs
Investigation
• Before his appointment, he served as
• A graduate of BS Criminology at the Presidential Adviser on Investment and
Philippine College of Criminology in 1988 Economic Affairs from January 30, 2023 to
before he took up Law at the Manuel L. January 12, 2024.
Quezon University from 1989 to 1993. • Former director, president, and CEO of
• Served at the PNP Western Police District Robinson Land.
from 1979 to 2000, and was the deputy • Former chairman and board member of RL
chief of the elite Special Weapons and Commercial REIT Incorporated (RCR)
Tactics team.
• Also served as the acting executive/
presiding judge of the Regional Trial Courts Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero
in the cities of Manila and Tagaytay. He Senate President
was also a former Metropolitan Trial Court
judge of Manila City. • Entered politics in 1998 when he was
elected Representative of the First District
of Sorsogon. He served three terms from
1998 to 2007, during which he worked as
Assistant Majority Floor Leader and House
Minority Floor Leader.
• His father, the late Salvador Escudero,
served as Food and Agriculture Minister of
the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
from 1984 to 1986.
PBBMʼs 3rd SONA in numbers
PHP3T 45,000 >130,000 >PHP2.7B
New 'green-lane' certified Hectares of new land to be Land titles given to agrarian Worth of seized smuggled
projects across multiple sectors given irrigation this year reform beneficiaries agri-fisheries products

1,200 9,300 >PHP9B >5,500

Kilometers of farm-to-market Farm machinery and Compensation to farmers affected Completed flood
roads to be completed this year facilities distributed by calamities in last 2 years control projects

>44,000 >10M 12,000 1,200

Metric tons of garbage collected Unique devices using Kilometers of road built Bridges constructed and
from 22,000 barangays in Free Wi-Fi program in and upgraded as of May 2024 repaired as of May 2024
5 months 13,000 areas

>70 76 >4,000 PHP1.4M

Completed projects in Additional trains for LRT 1 4Ps graduates who became New benefit for breast cancer
various seaports and airports for better service to licensed teachers patients
commuters

87 95.9% 420K 140%

Higher Education Institutions Employment rate in Families graduated from Increase in BARMM
(HEIs) in various world May 2024 4Ps since last year investments last year
university rankings

>PHP1T 98% >$37B PHP44B

Investments generated Job placement success rate of OFWs remittance last year Worth of seized illegal drugs
under the CREATE Act Public Employment Services
Offices (PESO)

>97,000 15.5%
Arrested drug personalities Poverty rate as of July

300K >20
Expected household beneficiaries Bagong Urgent Care and
of ‘Walang Gutomʼ 2027 Ambulatory Services (BUCAS)
program by year end centers inaugurated in
various parts of PH
 CONCLUSION
As President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. concludes his second year in office, his
administration's priority programs have become more defined. The President's focus on
economic recovery, agricultural development, and digital transformation remains evident, with
significant strides made in some areas and ongoing efforts in others.

The ban on POGOs marks a decisive shift in policy, addressing long-standing concerns about
their social and economic impact. This move, coupled with the administration's continued
push for investment-led growth and infrastructure development, signals a commitment to
reshaping the Philippines' economic landscape.

However, the government continues to grapple with pressing concerns such as inflation
control and food security. The recent appointments to key positions in Education, Agriculture,
and Finance reflect the dynamic nature of the administration's approach to governance,
though their effectiveness in addressing these critical issues remains to be seen.

Legislative progress has been mixed, with 19 priority bills signed into law and others at various
stages of the legislative process. This highlights both achievements and areas requiring
further attention, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration between the
executive and legislative branches.

Political dynamics continue to evolve, as evidenced by Vice President Sara Duterte's

resignation from key positions and the change in Senate leadership. These shifts may impact
the administration's ability to implement its agenda and will likely influence the political
landscape leading up to the 2025 midterm elections.

As the Marcos administration moves into its third year, its success will be measured by its
ability to translate policy initiatives and economic strategies into tangible improvements in the
lives of ordinary Filipinos. The coming year will be critical in determining whether the
administration can effectively address persistent challenges such as rising prices, food
security, and governance issues, while maintaining its focus on long-term development goals.

Moving forward, the effectiveness of the administration's policies and the public's perception
of their impact will shape the narrative of Marcos Jr.'s presidency. This will set the stage for
political discourse leading up to the midterm elections and beyond.
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