FIRING LINE: When the SONA meets reality

By Robert B. Roque, Jr.

Let me concede what many critics refuse to admit about President Bongbong Marcos’ fifth SONA: it may well have been his strongest yet. It opened by confronting the “elephant in Congress” — the figure he pointedly called “the former Speaker,” now facing charges before the Ombudsman.

Marcos declared he is not the president of family, friends, or allies, but of the entire Filipino nation — a line clearly directed at his cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez. For that, he deserves credit.

But does this signal real accountability, or merely refined rhetoric? The same leadership vowed last year that those behind the flood-control scam would be jailed. A year has passed. Has a single congressman been sent to prison?

The President also promised relief for the middle class — broader exemptions, lower tax rates, and selective amnesties. It is exactly what hardworking Filipinos want to hear. Yet the morning after the SONA, motorists were greeted by gasoline prices jumping over ₱5 per liter nationwide.

Relief promised for tomorrow offers little comfort to a driver paying more today. How quickly can Congress act? Can the BIR implement reforms before the next price hike wipes out any gains?

The proposed amendment to the EPIRA drew one of the loudest ovations — ironically from the very lawmakers who passed it. Now, they speak of scrapping systems loss charges to lower electricity bills.

But how fast will this move beyond applause? As amendments take shape, difficult questions emerge: Who will absorb the losses currently passed on by electric cooperatives? What happens to those already on the brink of collapse? Will distribution utilities simply recover costs elsewhere?

For nearly 25 years, Filipinos have been promised cheaper power. After the applause fades, Malacañang now faces the burden of proof.

I tried to resist the pull of cynicism throughout Monday’s SONA. But reality on the ground — and lingering doubts about this administration’s capacity to deliver — prove harder to ignore.

Still, credit must be given where it is due. The President’s strongest ground remains the West Philippine Sea — an issue on which he has been consistent.

If China missed it, let me paraphrase that portion for Mr. Xi Jinping: “Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and great race. We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars. We are respectful and dignified. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield.”

On this, Filipinos are united. Whatever Beijing’s interpretation of conduct around Second Thomas Shoal or within our EEZ, that portion of the SONA stands unblemished. The rest has two years to prove it deserves to stand beside it.

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