2023 State of the Nation Address (Philippines) explained

Second State of the Nation Address
of President Bongbong Marcos
Duration:1 hour and 11 minutes
Venue:Session Hall, Batasang Pambansa Complex
Location:Quezon City, Philippines
Filmed By:Radio Television Malacañang[1]
Participants:Bongbong Marcos
Migz Zubiri
Martin Romualdez
Blank Label:Languages
Blank Data:English, Filipino
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The 2023 State of the Nation Address was the second State of the Nation Address delivered by President Bongbong Marcos on July 24, 2023, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.[2]

Preparations

On July 7, 2023, members of the Quezon City Police District conducted civil disturbance drills at Camp Karingal, Quezon City for the upcoming Second State of the Nation Address of President Bongbong Marcos.[3] According to the Philippine National Police, the PNP would deploy around 22,000 security personnel around the Batasang Pambansa complex, and other critical areas around Metro Manila.[2]

Seating and guests

Former presidents Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Rodrigo Duterte confirmed attendance to the SONA,[4] however Duterte later rescinded. According to his aide, Senator Bong Go, he was tired after his personal trip to Beijing, China and instead went back home to Davao City.[5] Vice President Sara Duterte attended the event in person.

Address content and delivery

Before President Bongbong Marcos started his speech, the singing of Lupang Hinirang by Lara Maigue was held.[6] It was followed by the ecumenical prayer led by representatives of various religious groups. Marcos started his speech at 4:06pm and ended at 5:17pm, both times PHT, lasting for 1 hour and 11 minutes.[7] He was joined by Senate President Migz Zubiri and his first cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Marcos enumerated the gains during his administration in the past year.[8]

Among the pledges Marcos promised include:

Protests

The People's SONA, a protest held by progressive groups, was held along Commonwealth Avenue. These groups include Bayan, Karapatan, Anakbayan. They called for raising of wages and livelihood initiatives instead of pursuing the Maharlika Fund.[12]

Notes and References

  1. News: Sarao . Zacarian . RTVM to direct Marcos’ 3rd Sona – Palace . 16 July 2024 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 15 July 2024 . en.
  2. News: Baroña . Franco Jose . Over 20,000 policemen to secure President's SONA . July 9, 2023 . . July 9, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230709082006/https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/09/news/national/over-20000-policemen-to-secure-presidents-sona/1899715 . July 9, 2023.
  3. News: Carreon . Jire . Police conduct crowd control drill for SONA 2023 . July 9, 2023 . . July 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230709082535/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/multimedia/photo/07/07/23/prepping-for-sona-2023 . July 9, 2023.
  4. News: Ex-Pres. Duterte confirmed attendance to SONA 2023 —House SecGen. Llanesca T.. Panti. July 19, 2023. July 24, 2023. GMA Integrated News.
  5. News: Rodrigo Duterte to skip Marcos’ 2nd Sona, says Go. Beatrice. Pinlac. July 24, 2023. July 24, 2023. INQUIRER.net.
  6. News: Classical singer Lara Maigue to perform national anthem at SONA 2023. Kristofer. Purnell. Philstar.com. July 21, 2023. July 25, 2023.
  7. News: SONA 2023: Key takeaways from Marcos' second report to the nation. https://web.archive.org/web/20230724200712/http://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/7/25/marcos-second-sona-takeaways.html. dead. July 24, 2023. July 25, 2023. July 25, 2023. CNN Philippines.
  8. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Second State of the Nation Address, July 24, 2023. July 24, 2023. July 25, 2023. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines.
  9. News: Mangaluz . Jean . Marcos vows to push for 100% electrification by end of term . 25 July 2023 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 24 July 2023 . en.
  10. News: Marcos pledges full support to BARMM transition, strengthening . 25 July 2023 . Manila Bulletin . 13 August 2023 . en.
  11. News: Corrales . Nestor . Amnesty for rebels, ‘resignations’ for drug cops – Marcos . 25 July 2023 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 25 July 2023 . en.
  12. News: Sarao . Zacarian . LOOK: Protesters gather for ‘People’s Sona’ . 25 July 2023 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 24 July 2023 . en.