SONA 2026: PBBM Declares "Hindi Ako Pangulo Ng Aking Pamilya," Demands EPIRA Amendment, Stands Firm on WPS

In a State of the Nation Address that will be remembered for years to come, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a powerful message of accountability, sovereignty, and national unity on July 27, 2026.

With the now-viral declaration "Hindi ako pangulo ng aking pamilya. Hindi ako pangulo ng aking kaibigan. Ako ay pangulo ng Pilipinas," President Marcos sent a clear message: justice will be served, even if it hurts.

₱25 BILLION RECOVERED: The Corruption Crackdown

The President opened his address by fulfilling his promise from last year's SONA—exposing the massive corruption in flood control projects.

The results?

₱25 billion recovered, frozen, and preserved from corrupt contractors and officials
Over ₱800 million already returned to the Treasury
Former Speaker among those facing multiple cases
Contractors, senior officials, and lawmakers already charged and imprisoned

"Masakit man sa akin ito, ngunit kailangan nating gawin ang tama," the President said, emphasizing that the wheel of justice is running.

EPIRA AMENDMENT: "We Demand, Not Just Request"

In one of the most anticipated moments of the SONA, President Marcos took a firm stance on the high cost of electricity.

"Therefore we the people request—NO, WE DEMAND—for the immediate amendment of EPIRA and to prohibit charging systems loss against consumers, including the value-added tax thereon."

The President explained that system losses should not be passed on to consumers, as it's not their fault why these losses occur. This bold demand could potentially lower electricity bills for millions of Filipinos.

Tax Relief for the Middle Class

Recognizing the burden on working Filipinos, the administration is pushing for:

✅ 350,000 income tax exemption (increased from the current ₱250,000)
✅ Tax amnesty for unpaid income tax, estate tax, donor's tax, and VAT
✅ Small businesses exempt from minimum corporate income tax

This move aims to provide relief to the middle class while promoting economic growth and sustainability.

Nuclear Energy is Back

In a significant policy shift, President Marcos announced that the Philippines will revisit nuclear energy production.

"We are confident in its capacity to reinforce our energy security and to bring down the cost of electricity in our country," he said, assuring that safety will be the top priority and that the benefits will be well-explained to the public.

The Philippines already uses nuclear energy in medicine, agriculture, water filtration, and plastic upcycling.

West Philippine Sea: "We Do Not Yield"

Marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, President Marcos delivered an emotional and firm defense of Philippine sovereignty.

"Let me remind our friends and our detractors: 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 we are dignified. We are Filipinos and we do not yield."

He honored the Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and fisherfolk who continue to patrol Philippine waters despite great risks, calling them the ones who "give life to the letter and spirit of the Arbitral Award."

Cagayan Spaceport: Philippines Going to Space

In an announcement that captured imaginations, President Marcos revealed that Cagayan will host the Philippines' first spaceport, with a sounding rocket launch test slated for 2027 in partnership with a South Korean aerospace company.

"Yes, we are going to launch a rocket into space," he declared, positioning the Philippines as a gateway to space in the region.

Other Key Announcements:

Transport & Infrastructure:

Extended 50% fare discount for LRT-2 and MRT-3
Toll fee suspensions and discounts up to ₱200
Free transport for priority passengers (40% total discount)
North-South Commuter Railway to run between Valenzuela and Malolos by 2027
MRT-7 to open 12 stations next year
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit first phase now open

Energy & Oil:

3-month suspension of excise tax on LPG and kerosene
₱10/liter diesel subsidy for public transport
Oil price rollbacks negotiated with companies
14 petroleum service contracts awarded—the highest in a single presidential term
222 billion cubic feet of natural gas discovered in Malampaya (enough to power 1.6 million households for 8 years)
Hydrogen power plants in development

Social Protection:

₱10 million housing loan limit for Pag-IBIG members (increased)
10% pension increase for SSS pensioners (moved up to June from September)
Increased pensions for uniformed personnel
Free medicines for PhilHealth members (75 essential drugs now included)
VAT removal on over 2,000 medicines
Zero Balance Policy helping 3 million patients who paid nothing

Education:

₱100,000 scholarship for 5 students per barangay (Presidential Scholars)
80,000 new teachers and school heads hired
10,000 school counselor associates to be deployed
140 colleges now in world university rankings (up from 12 in 2022)
AI literacy programs reaching 1.8 million individuals

Agriculture:

18 million coconut trees planted (goal: 100 million by end of administration)
₱19 billion in crop insurance claims paid
Over 400,000 land titles distributed to agrarian reform beneficiaries
Debt revocation for agrarian reform beneficiaries to be completed this year

The Bigger Picture

President Marcos framed the SONA around three key lessons from recent crises:

The importance of security and stability in energy and food, and relationships with other countries
The government's ability to act immediately with appropriate methods
The persistence and resilience of Filipinos despite challenges

With two years remaining in his administration, the President pledged: "Tatapusin natin ang mga nasimulan at tutuparin ang ating pangako sa sambayanan." (We will finish what we started and fulfill our promise to the nation.)

What's Next?

The SONA 2026 sets the stage for critical legislative battles, particularly:

The EPIRA amendment to remove system loss charges
The tax relief bill for the middle class
Nuclear energy regulations and public education
Continued West Philippine Sea diplomacy and defense

As President Marcos concluded: "There is no nobler cause than this. We do this for our children. We do this for our future. We can but do this because we love our country and we love our people."

** What do YOU think about SONA 2026? Which announcement affects you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!**

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