SONA FULL SPEECH: The 4th State of the Nation Address of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. | July 28, 2025

0:00 [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Thank you. Thank you very much. Allow me to greet the former president President Gloria Makapagal Aroyo, Senate President Jesus Cudero, and the honorable members of the Senate, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romaldes and the honorable members of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and the honorable Justices of the Supreme Court. His Excellency the most reverend Charles

0:46 John Brown and the esteemed members of the diplomatic court executive secretary Lucas Bersamin and the members of the cabinet first lady Luisa Renata Marcos and the members of the Marcos family. Other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. First of all, allow me to congratulate the newly elected and reelected 12 senators and 314 District and Party list Representatives of Congress. Fellow countrymen, good afternoon to all of you. The recent elections in May were historic. So I extend my heartfelt tribute to our countrymen, especially the young

1:32 mutants. For all of us here, our differences are one and we agree on the three things that bind us together. in our Filipino identity, our patriotism and our sworn duty to the people. The message of the election results is clear to me . People are frustrated and disillusioned with the government, especially in basic services. The lesson for us is simple. We still need to do better. We need to hurry up even more. If we talk only about data, our economy is doing well and

2:19 business confidence has increased. Inflation has decreased, employment has increased. But all this is just decoration. It makes no sense if our countrymen are still struggling and burdened by their lives. So in the last three years of the administration, we will pour our all into not only matching but even exceeding the comfort of our countrymen. [Applause] I won't ramble on any longer. A decent living is truly the most effective safeguard against poverty and hunger.

3:06 The number of jobs being created in our country is increasing today. The Dole DSWD, along with the DOT and related agencies, will strive to find ways and opportunities for the remaining four percent of our workforce who are currently unemployed. We will continue to provide capital to more entrepreneurs to start small businesses or microenterprises at low interest rates and without collateral. As well as capital and protection for intellectual property. And for those we support out of poverty, we continue to provide

3:52 free training and investment so they can build their own businesses. We will not stop until we can help nearly a million poor families start their own small businesses. We will grow industries, automobile manufacturers, factories, electronics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, Filipino textiles, halal, construction, and power plants. But I still appeal to our businessmen. You will invest in our agriculture. My single resounding message to the international business community is this. The Philippines is ready. invest

4:40 in the Filipino our cavalcade of dependable and hardwing Filipinos innately skilled adaptable and possessed with the heart for service are here ready to work and to succeed with you to those asking where is the Php2 rice, this is my response we have proven that we can now afford Php20 per kilo of rice without our farmers losing out. [Applause] We recently successfully launched it in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao such as San Juan, Pangasinan, Cavite Occidental Mindoro, Cebu,

5:26 Bacolod, Guimaras, Sikhor, Davao del Sur and because of the billions we will allocate to strengthen DA programs, we will now launch it nationwide through hundreds of Kadiwa stores and centers in various local government areas. I warn traders who attempt to manipulate the price of palay or rice or cheat farmers. We will go after you because what we are doing is what we consider economic sabotage.

6:11 [Applause] As the main solution to high pork prices, we are strengthening our local production. We are giving away piglets and hens. We are also building biosecured facilities to significantly reduce the price of meat, have begun vaccinating against ASF and will expand this to vaccinate everyone. We increased rice production. Corn, pineapple, banana, mango, coffee, cacao, lime, sugar cane, onion, garlic and other agricultural products. Since this administration began,

6:58 more than 100 million farmers and fisherfolk have received assistance. We will further intensify government programs so that more people can be helped. Thousands of kilometers of farm to market roads have already been built and thousands more kilometers are being inaugurated. Thousands of hectares of land have already been irrigated throughout the country and thousands more hectares will be irrigated. We have also opened and distributed thousands of machinery and facilities for farmers and fishermen. We will be building many rice processing systems, facilities,

7:45 and fiberglass boats that will be distributed to fishermen. Everyone supports them from preparing to plant, harvesting, traveling to selling. Millions of Filipinos rely on the coconut tree as their main livelihood. Starting this year, we will plant at least 15 million hybrid and high- quality niog seeds in various parts of the Philippines. And we will continue this until we have planted 100 million coconut trees throughout the Philippines. [Applause]

8:35 And to fully stimulate the coconut industry, we will ask Congress to amend the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act to make it more suitable to the needs of our farmers. This is just part of what we are doing to comprehensively strengthen various other industries. This includes the salt industry, processing, and yogurt export. With the help of DOST, we are utilizing the good things that come from science such as those discovered and created by our scientists and inventors as well as modern

9:20 methods such as new seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and strategies such as intercropping and offseason techniques. Courses, programs, and scholarships in the field of agriculture also await our youth so that they can make this their livelihood one day and continue the honorable livelihood of their parents. And for our next generation of farmers, the land they farm will surely be theirs forever . The DAR is currently expediting the

10:06 distribution of cloas and e-titles, as well as cocroms as proof that Agrarian Reform beneficiaries are debt-free . [Music] [Applause] Although our power plants are increasing across the country, especially new technologies and clean energy such as solar, windmills, and natural gas. Although we are well-known around the world for our appreciation of renewable energy, there are still energy problems that every Filipino feels deeply. Like the three

10:52 million households that still don't have electricity. There are always brownouts and high electricity prices. That's why we are accelerating the provision of connections and further strengthening the capabilities of our electricity producers. When this administration came into office, more than 5 million homes still did not have electricity. Within three years, we have connected two and a half million households with electricity . In the next three years, we will complete almost all of the plants. It has the capacity to light four million

11:37 homes or more than 2,000 factories or almost 7,000 offices and businesses. The DOE and NEA are still working on the target number of households that will be connected to electricity this year until 2028, especially in Quezon, Camarines Norte, Palawan, Masbate, Samar, Negros Occidental, and Zamboanga del Sur. And by the end of 2028, more than one million households will also have electricity through solar power home systems.

12:24 To help our countrymen save even more and sell any excess electricity they have, the Department of Energy will now advance the Net Metering program and the ERC will also expedite its approval process as we fix our country's complex energy system to lower prices. We are extending the lifeline rate. Aside from 4P members, the list now also includes families with low incomes and consumption that does not exceed

13:09 the lifeline rate. I will not miss what happened recently in Sikihor due to the widespread brownout. They were even forced to declare a state of calamity in the province. It affected the locals, their tourism, their businesses, hospitals, and various services. In our investigation, what did we discover? Expired permits, broken generators that have obviously been neglected. This is why there is a series of slow actions and a lack of a proper system for purchasing crude oil and parts. I have ordered the DOE, NEA, and ERC to restore normal

13:55 power service in SEAOR before the end of the year. We will ensure that facilities are immediately established for a long-term solution to their electricity problem. This should never happen again. This negligence and other similar cases across the country will be investigated. They should regulate the management of electricity companies and order refunds if necessary. [Applause] [Music] Like food, our lives depend on water. We have many

14:41 large projects underway for a good supply and clean water throughout the country. We also have modern systems to filter water and make it clean to drink, especially for the people. Even so , we receive many complaints that water doesn't even reach their taps. Due to the scope of the complaint, over six million consumers nationwide are currently affected. I've seen the report. That is why the government is taking effective measures against the poor service provided by water

15:28 districts and their joint venture partners. [Applause] We will ensure that the water service for millions of our countrymen is fixed and the price is made more affordable. Above all, we will ensure that those who neglect and fail in this important public service are held accountable. [Applause] The reality that has been exposed about our youth today is clear to us. the lack of knowledge and

16:14 skills, especially in mathematics, science, reading, and proper comprehension; those who drop out and those who do not graduate from junior or senior high school; the half million children who are already growing up; if we are the ones who are investing heavily in infrastructure, we will invest even more for our citizens; this is our main police force; until the end of the administration, we are diligently repairing and improving our education system with all the

16:59 values of the administration; it is still at the top. This year, we have begun the academic recovery and accessible learning or aral program and we are also strengthening and strengthening the early childhood care and development that comes with it. This is derived from two important laws that you passed here in Congress. Many students experience bullying or are depressed. We also monitor the mental health of our youth.

17:48 We will gradually add school counselors who will serve as their reference and guide. We have allocated one billion to build more than 3 Barangay Child Development Centers and Bulilit Centers across the country. And the highest priority is those in need who are in remote areas and that's just a start. We will gradually address the severe shortage of daycare centers that has been pending since 1990. [Applause] We have accelerated the vaccination of children at the DOH. Let's complete

18:35 the vaccination so that as soon as possible, all our children are fully vaccinated. [Applause] Under the newly launched Yakap Caravan, the condition and health of not only students but also teachers will be monitored. They will be given free medical check-ups, free love tests such as council screening, and free medicine. In the past three years, almost 22,000 classrooms have been opened . We will go even further because

19:21 our students are truly pitiful . We shouldn't be wasting their time in class because of the lack of classroom space. In partnership with the private sector, we will strive to add 40,000 more classrooms. Before this administration ends, we will allocate sufficient funds for this. For the sake of our students, I ask for the full support of our Congress. [Applause] The tutoring and remedial program for

20:09 students this past year and this summer break was successful. We will expand on this further. And many thanks to the teachers and especially to the older sisters and brothers who volunteered to help the little ones so that they could do better in school. to Dole and to DSWD. Please continue these types of internships and preemployment programs for our college students. This is a great help to them while they are studying. This is a great help to the country. Now laptops are arriving for every teacher in public

20:55 schools. We believe there is no anomaly in the purchase of these laptops. High tech and digital materials, smart TVs, free Wii and free load on the Bayanihan sim card are ready. Because of this, our students are also ready to keep up with modern ways of learning in the modern world. The most important thing in the education system is our beloved teachers. Please expect that

21:43 your ability or performance will not be used as a measure. It's not just the number of students you pass, but the number of students you help improve and increase their ambition in life. We never stop looking for ways to make your daily routine easier. We have added 6,000 teaching items and have even provided jobs for our licensed teachers.

22:28 We have eliminated almost 100 documents you had to complete that had nothing to do with your teaching. We will also digitize the remaining paperwork you need to take care of so you can do it online, straight from your new laptops. And this school year, you will receive compensation for your teaching overload and for your overtime. We don't want technology to be effective anymore, so we are gradually introducing

23:16 Testa's tivet to senior high. This means that even a senior high school student can choose whether bookkeeping, agribusiness, electrical, or graphic design is their chosen field. [Applause] After graduating, you can immediately start looking for a job if you want because it's like studying at TESDA and getting an NC2 or NC2 or NC3. As for college, there is a large fund ready to finance free public college education.

24:02 As well as subsidies and financial assistance for even more needy students. Every year, more than 2 million students are able to study in free college in the country. Since the beginning of this administration, we have added 26 and 6,000 students have benefited from it. Next year, we will still allocate almost a billion for free education in public colleges and techbooks. The number of people awarded scholarships

24:49 from TESDA has also increased. Only in 2024 more were added to the techbook scholarships. For those on the not 4p list, over the next three years we will give high priority to your children who will be attending college. We can clearly see the results of these programs. The number of our youth entering vocational schools or TESDA is very high today. The Philippines is now second in Asia in the number of young people entering college and technical schools. More people are graduating. So parents, take advantage of

25:36 these opportunities because we hope that soon every family will have a child who graduates from college or TESDA. [Applause] If only we were talking about quality. Our universities and colleges in this country are not lagging behind. From 22 in 2022, now and that they are recognized worldwide. Six of these are public schools. And as a special recognition,

26:22 we will award presidential merit scholarships to high school graduates who earn high honors. [Applause] We are relentlessly implementing programs to combat poverty and address the health and nutrition of the people. Our Four Peace program is still ongoing. We also seek to amend the Four Peace law to ensure that there is indeed enough time to address their suffering. They can be promoted among the poor. Since this administration began, more than 5 million

27:07 households have benefited from the 4P conditional cash grant. The news is even better. that in three years, almost one and a half million families have improved their lives and are now able to graduate from the Four Peace program. We are all aware of our countrymen who live on the streets. They are the ones who need government assistance the most in our LGUs, all of you should try to get them all in. in fourpiece and other DSWD programs so that we can support them and

27:52 begin their journey towards the development of their lives. [Applause] [Music] In the second year of our hunger-free program, six thousand neediest households will be provided with assistance in their nutrition. And in 2027, we will feel the reach of our feeding program at every household. DSWD and DepED continued their feeding program for daycare centers in public schools and were able to provide nutritious food and milk to more than three and a half million

28:40 students nationwide [Applause] [Music] [Applause] because we know that as long as there is food, there is food in the mind. If we extend these programs next year with the help of an additional one billion pesos in funding, DSWD will further increase the number of children who will be provided with nutritious food. [Applause] [Music] On the other hand, we are seeing an excessive increase in weight among our countrymen aged 20 and above. So let's try to be more active in

29:26 our daily lives. Let's promote the implementation of games, competitions, fan runs, funwalks, even aerobics, pasumba. For the LGUs, open and make our parks and plazas airy where our citizens can practice. Whether young or old. [Applause] [Music] Let's implement car free Sundays like what is being done in several cities here in Metro Manila, in Baguio, in Cebu, even in Ilo-Ilo and Davao. In support of this, starting today, the Philippine Sports Commission will open its track and field

30:12 ovals in Pasig, Manila, and Baguio to the public so you can jog for free. We will pour all our support into sports and athletes across the country. For example, the national games and the Pinoy Games to be held in General Santos City this October. We will develop a new national program for sports development. We'll start this right at school. We will bring back sports clubs and we will hold games and intramurals in all public schools. Our Philippine Sports

30:59 Commission is here and so is the scoring to ensure the continued promotion and support of our sports programs for athletes across the country. [Music] Because of these, our youth are awakening to sports early, improving and gaining confidence. They are following in the footsteps of our champions and world- class athletes like Senator Manny Pacquiao, Heidely Diaz, Caluyo Ara Villeegas, Nest Petescio, EJa, Alex Iala. Our paralympians Gerald Mangliwan, Sendy Asusano, Angel

31:45 May A Ernie Gawilan. Our new champion, PNP Chief Ernict Toran, is also with us. [Applause] [Music] Chief Pent was shocked. And of course, our champion in the Asian Winter Games, the Philippine Men's Curling Team. You would think there would be

32:31 no winter here in the Philippines. We still proved that we can be champions in the winter games. Let's get to know the athletes who have brought honor to the Philippines. They not only brought joy to the entire people. They have further strengthened our love for our country and further enhanced the dignity of every Filipino. [Music] Here in our country, getting sick is expensive, medicine is expensive. There is a shortage of hospitals. There are no doctors, especially in remote areas of the towns. So since the administration began, this has been our focus,

33:19 along with education and poverty alleviation. Within three years, we have increased the number of public hospitals and specialty centers. There are now 53 Bukas centers in 32 provinces in the country. There are free checkups, x-rays, love tests, and more. This is for immediate outpatient services that do not require confinement to the hospital. Expect us to open many more tomorrow. [Applause] And I am pleased to report that for the first time, every town in the Philippines now

34:04 has a doctor. There are no future caregivers, there are people's health care providers in your area. We are all members of Phil Health. We have also increased and improved the benefits, especially for diseases that are prevalent in our country. If you or your family member has heart disease, don't worry. Your treatment for a heart attack, open heart surgery, heart valve repair or replacement is now covered by Phil Health. [Music] And we have a cancer assistant fund.

34:50 Supplement for the treatment of our cancer patients. There is also funding for a vaccine against the human papilloma virus, which causes many types of cancer. As for other types of cancer that are not covered by PhilHealth, we also have allocated P1 billion and P2 million to purchase necessary medicines for our patients. For those on dialysis, your three-times- a-week dialysis sessions are now free for the entire year. [Music] Even

35:37 necessary medicines are now free. If a treadmill lunch plant is needed, we have increased the limit to 2 million and PH,000 from the previous,000. [Music] And this year, Phil Health also covers services and medications after kidney transplant surgery. [Applause] If you really need a transplant, don't be afraid of the cost because Phil Health has already covered it. [Applause] And if your child gets severe dengue

36:22 , we've raised the number to four, which is 4,000, according to Hill. Cataract removal has also raised the limit to 187,000 nao since the outbreak. [Applause] [Music] Even the various outpatient services are now included with Phil Health. If you need to bring something in an emergency, don't hesitate to rush to the hospital. That is also covered by Phil Health. If your child's eyesight becomes blurry and

37:08 needs to be measured, as well as their treatment for malnutrition, this is also covered by Phil Health. [Music] And for PWDs, Phil Health now covers your therapy and rehabilitation as well as essential support equipment for you. We are also speeding up the PhilHealth payment process for hospitals and clinics to ensure that their services to patients are smooth and uninterrupted. [Applause] Patients can still count on the medical assistance program if they don't have enough

37:55 money to pay for hospital bills. Since this administration came into office, it has delivered assistance to more than one million Filipinos. Above all, we will further simplify the medical assistance process because it will now be included in our EGV app. My fellow countrymen, please be patient, please be patient , we are doing everything we can to help you recover and grow stronger. But we know the realities in public hospitals. Everyone buys their own medical supplies. Everyone is seeking medical assistance for bills they can't afford to pay. So, with all the

38:42 pillars I mentioned, let's now support the part that Phil Health will take on . The various funds that the government provides for medical assistance such as MAI, PCSO, and Pagcore, and the additional funds that we will provide to DOH hospitals, everything has been arranged at the hospital level. There is no need to go anywhere else or approach anyone else. Yes, please . [Music] We have continued with zero balance billing. It's free. [Music] This means that the basic

39:28 accommodation service in our DOH hospitals will not cost the patient anything because your bill has already been paid. I repeat, the patient does not need to pay anything at the DOH hospital because your bill has already been paid. [Music] Expect the administration's extensive infrastructure program to continue . Massive projects are spread across the archipelago. Roads, bridges, trains, airports. port, irrigation and cheap housing. How many of these will be

40:13 completed under this administration? Others, others will be completed and will feel the relief they bring after my term ends. We are laying the foundation for the future. We are not building only for today. We are also building for tomorrow. [Applause] [Music] While we are implementing trends like the North South Community Railway and our subways, we are also continuing to improve the MRT and then LRT services. The previous 20% discount on LRT and MRT for PWDs, seniors, and students has

40:59 been increased to a 50% discount. [Applause] [Music] We now have 1 plus 3 families. This is every week so that the family can save a little more on their outings and their church attendance. We have started to improve and put the so-called road trains that were purchased in 2014 and have not been used yet into service on the MRT. [Applause] Almost 50 additional carriages were added in 10 years. A waste of money, a waste of

41:45 an entire decade. But now that we've fixed the three new ones, they're now usable. Expect some of the 45 to be available to us before the end of this year and the rest to follow suit with the next few people. I will ask the rest of you. Do you still remember what we call the love bus? This is the popular public bus in Metro Manila that started in the 1970s. Now we're not just going to bring it back, we're going to make it free. [Applause]

42:33 Just the beginning. The ones in Davao and Cebu are still in pilot testing. This will be followed by other areas in the Visayas and Mindanao. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Before the year ends, the Bataan, Cavite Interleague Bridge will begin. This bridge is 32 km long and crosses Manila Bay. [Applause] If the trip from Maribeles to Naik now takes five hours, one day it will be only 45 minutes . [Music] [Applause]

43:22 We are gradually strengthening and repairing the PNR Bicoline bridges that were damaged by Typhoon Kristine, including the Binahan Bridge. Soon the length of this line will be increased and will reach Ragay, Camarines Sur to Tagkawayan, Quezon. [Applause] This will be a great help to our motorists who are passing through heavy traffic from Quezon to Bicol. In 2026, the portion of the SLEX extension from Sta. Tomas, Batangas to Chaong, Quezon. When the entire project is finished, [Applause] When this entire project is finished, the previously four-hour trip will be reduced to

44:09 just one hour. [Music] So I am directing the DOTR and DPW to closely monitor the projects along Quezon and Bicol and ensure that they are of the right quality, durable, and completed on time. The Dalil Seiat Bridge, the first of three important bridges currently under construction in Tawi-Tawi, has been opened. Next year, the bridge over the delicious red land will also be completed. Above all, if we have the Luzon Spine Expressway Network program, we also have the Mindanao

44:56 Transport Connectivity Improvement Project. [Applause] In this project, we will repair the main roads connecting Cagayan de Oro to Davao General Santos, which are 4 and 28 km long. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Rehabilitation, the rehabilitation of the Guadalupe Bridge is also extremely necessary. I'm still in the Senate and this is already being discussed. I will not allow this to cross over into the

45:41 next administration. Public safety, the public is at stake. The Guadalupe Bridge will not be closed. We will first build a detour bridge on both sides as a temporary route. Once this detour bridge is completed and opened, only then will work begin on the main bridge. [Music] And despite these giant bridges , let's not forget the hanging bridges in various places in our country. These are essential in the daily lives of the public, especially teachers and our students. How many incidents of

46:27 bridge collapses like this have I heard about? For example, what happened in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur and other places. It's unfortunate for our countrymen who are unknowingly victimized and hurt, especially young students and their teachers. To DLG, DPW and OPAPROP. Go to all of them and check the condition carefully. With the help of heritage and other programs, let's fix and repair them all immediately. In projects, we will not tolerate or condone administrative corruption. The design and construction flaws.

47:12 The low quality and fragility of the materials, the delay in the project, and the neglect in proper painting and assembly, for example, the Maria Bridge in Isabela, which was started in 2014 and cost the people one billion for 10 years, was only opened a few days later. It is very expensive. The time it took. The speed is broken. San Juan Nico Bridge, on the other hand, has been standing for 50 years and is still standing today. He is that strong. But proper maintenance and repair have been neglected

47:57 over the decades. The public is constantly put at risk. This shouldn't be the case with Build Better. Not the welfare. The welfare and safety of the people are of utmost importance. And the projects must be designed correctly. It must be of high quality, completed on time, and well maintained and maintained . The internet is very important in our journey towards a new Philippines. It can facilitate and change the lives of our citizens. This is not just for the wealthy or just for

48:45 children. This is something everyone needs. Phases 1, 2, and then 3 of our National Fiber Backbone Project, which will strengthen and speed up our internet, have been completed. At the same time, we continue to expand free wifi nationwide. In June 2022, we only had about 4,000 free wifi sites. Today, there are almost 1,000 free wifi sites across the country. [Applause] [Music] Now, this year too, we have started distributing over one million

49:32 sim cards with free data for our schools, especially those in remote areas. And because we have improved and accelerated it, there will be more new towers and cell sites in the cities. But they are still lacking. Almost all public schools do not have internet. That is why DIC and the Dep are ensuring that before the end of this year, all public schools will have internet connections. [Music] Since its launch in 2023, the

50:21 egove app has been functional, used, and benefited by our people. The number of services that are certainly practical for every Filipino continues to increase. Now, more than 4 government services including LGUs are on the EGO app. Using the app, we can now perform and organize various government services and processes that we previously had to queue up for . the renewal of driver's licenses for Phil Health, for Pag-ibig, for JSIS, the documents that our OFWs need for immigration and customs, for declaration, at the airport, even for creating biodata to finding a

51:08 job, our government IDs along with the National ID and many others will not be long in coming, there will also be NBI clearance, beep cards for the MRT and then the LRT. and 18 from the BIR. So download the EGOV app now. With integrated services in a mobile app. The government is truly closer and in your hands. [Applause] [Music] To the LTO. I know you've finished the pursuit of making motorcycle license plates that have been around since

51:56 2014. From now on, do everything you can to prevent license plate fraud from happening again because you need to compensate the public. Also make sure that the registration and license plate of the new vehicle appear within the three days you promised. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Peace is an important foundation of the new Philippines. So we are leveling it out as we progress. We continue to strengthen our police and armed forces. The armaments, vehicles, warships, and

52:43 weapons of our police and armed forces will continue to be increased in line with the goal of modernization and comprehensive defense of our archipelago. Thousands of those who previously rebelled against the government have changed their lives and are now returning to their homes. We support them with their families. In partnership with the private sector, we also bring rain to their communities and build roads, irrigation, and dignified livelihoods. Aside from the livelihood program, we have built health stations, classrooms, water systems, and streetlights that are now

53:28 benefiting more than 1 million Filipinos who are now safe from violence. [Applause] And finally, there are no remaining gang groups in the country. The government will ensure that none are formed again. [Applause] The AFP, PNP, and former rebels will now work together to maintain order and peace in BARM. That is why our society today is more peaceful, more caring about human rights regardless of age,

54:14 gender, condition, or group. But even though the crime rate in the country is said to be decreasing, nothing else will alleviate the fear and anxiety, especially among our victims of criminality themselves. That's why our police force is on guard and patrolling so that the people can feel it. They respond to the task within just five minutes. [Music] The entire government is working together to solve the cases of missing persons due to the ruthless actions of

55:03 the syndicates behind the dark world of the cockpits. We will pursue and hold accountable the masterminds and those involved in Vananman Official. Even if they are strong, heavy, or rich, they will not be above the law. [Applause] Above all, we will make the perpetrators feel the weight of the punishment for their heinous crimes. In raids conducted on warehouses and laboratories and raids, nearly 83 billion worth of

55:49 drugs have been confiscated. Recently, we have intercepted large shipments worth billions in Zambales, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Tundo, Muntinlupa, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Cebu, Batangas, Rizal and Cavite. Last month, I personally witnessed the destruction of almost one and a half tons of shabu and other and various other types of illegal drugs. Of all these operations, of all these operations, over 100 and 53,000 were performed. More than 6 of

56:38 them are high value targets. The worst is over 6 and among them is the government's frying pan . More than 100 are elected officials. More are police. In just three years, the total loss of the previous administration has almost been matched. [Applause] [Music] Despite all this, it seems the pushers are making a comeback. That's why our operations against drug dealers continue, whether they are big time or small time. Today, we can say that the

57:25 entire world now holds the Philippines in high regard because we deal with different countries in a proper, fair, and calm manner . We also comply with our agreements and the laws and regulations of the global community. We are grateful to our brave OFWs because they have demonstrated the inherent goodness and heart of Filipinos in all corners of the world. In the face of new threats to our peace and sovereignty, we are now more prepared, vigilant, and defensive of ourselves. Nevertheless, we are still exercising restraint and remaining patient,

58:12 especially in looking after our entire archipelago and protecting our interests. But now our confidence is even higher because we now have more allies who will be our shoulder to shoulder in times of great need. as now our foreign policy the same theppines is friend to all theppines is enemy to non that will be our focus as we theppines host the asan summit in 2026 [Applause] [Music] for our Filipinos, whether far or

58:59 near, we are as deeply concerned about our compatriots abroad, especially those in danger and going through severe trials, it is no joke and the work of our crew is truly dangerous. The tragedy they suffered at the hands of the Houthi rebels is an example. After more than four days, our compatriots who were held captive by the Houthi rebels have been released thanks to our cooperation with the Sultanate of Oman. Likewise, because of our diligent engagement over the past three years, more than six hundred of

59:45 our compatriots who were convicted of various violations of the law in other countries, especially in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and others, have been granted amnesty. And so for their crucial and most beneficent sovereign intervention, I personally convey the entire nation's sincere gratitude to the sullenate of Oman, the United Arabims, the state of Qatar, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the state of Kuwait and to all the leaders of various countries that have granted clemency and have shown kindness to our beligard compatriots. Thank you very much . Thank you very very much.

1:00:33 We are also diligently preparing for and monitoring the threat of disasters and calamities, especially in the new normal and changing climate that is bringing stormy weather. This July, four storms have passed through us. Sabi ng Pag-asa says that more are threatening to enter the country until December. Of our 24 active volcanoes in the country, four are currently erupting, especially the western one in Negros. We must not stop our preparations because the threat continues to loom. Proper behaviors should become natural and automatic

1:01:20 whenever a disaster occurs. Because disasters follow one another . Especially during a typhoon, it is important to instill the principle of continuous improvement, where we learn by always improving and from every experience. We can remedy where we fell short and where we need to improve . Along with essential infrastructure, we will add more modern evacuation centers to what we have already built. Our schools should no longer be used as evacuation centers . We are now using modern technologies, especially for early and effective prediction. Doppler

1:02:07 radars, Broadbismic Stations, landslide sensor systems of Pag-asa and also Filbook in various places in the country. In effective relief efforts, the DOT's mobile command and control vehicles that we have distributed to eleven LGUs across the country are helping. to our countrymen. None of our preparations will be successful without your help. We also ask for your cooperation, discipline, vigilance, and solidarity as responsible citizens. Cooperation in large-scale exercises, compliance with warnings and instructions.

1:02:53 Such as immediate evacuation and avoidance of danger zones. Discipline especially in proper garbage disposal. Surveillance at all times. Surveillance every hour, every day. Especially when severe weather is threatening, it is important to know the nearest evacuation center. Listening to real news and following government guidelines. Above all, let's unite in solidarity and cooperation, especially with our fellow citizens who have been affected by disasters. Even though it's hard, we have to do it. We must make

1:03:39 sacrifices to ensure that we keep our people away from harm because every Filipino life is important . [Applause] [Music] I recently inspected the southwest winds and the effects of typhoons Krising, Dante, and Emong. I can see that many flood control projects are sloppy and collapse, and others are just wishful thinking. Let's stop pretending. The entire audience knows that

1:04:24 projects are rocketing. Kickbacks, initiative rates, SOP for the boys. So to those who conspire to take the nation's funds and steal the future of our people, be ashamed of your Filipino heritage. [Applause] You should be ashamed of our houses that were washed away or submerged in the floods. You should be ashamed, especially of our children who will

1:05:12 inherit the debts you incurred just by opening the money. [Applause] It won't happen again so that this won't happen again. First, the DPW will immediately submit to me a list of all flood control projects from every region that were started or completed in the last 3 years. [Music]

1:05:59 Second, the regional project monitoring committee shall examine that list of projects and give a report on those that have been failures, those that were not finished and those that are alleged to be ghost projects. [Music] And third, we will publish this list. [Music] This list is one of our public ones. So public witnesses to these projects are free to review the list and share what they know to help our

1:06:46 investigation. [Applause] [Music] At the same time there will be an audit and performance review regarding these projects to check to make sure and to know how your money was spent. [Music] In the coming months, all those who emerge guilty from the investigation will be charged. Including the accomplices who are contractors across the country. [Music] The people need to know the

1:07:32 whole truth. Someone must be held accountable for the severe damage and corruption that has occurred. [Music] For the 2026 national budget I will return any proposed general appropriations bill that is not fully aligned with a national expenditure program. [Music] [Applause] And further, I am willing to do this

1:08:19 even if we end up with a reenacted budget. I will not approve any budget that is not in line with the government's plan for the Filipino people. [Applause] [Music] Fellow countrymen, as we reach the halfway point of the administration's term, we move forward into the next three years. I carry in my heart the lessons I learned from you. This gives me a new and increased appetite for work, enthusiasm for service, and dedication to the Filipino people. Let

1:09:08 us not let our focus wander and walk the path of development because it is already within our reach . This is what we should work together on. This is what we should be aiming for. And we can reach it and fulfill it. This is a fulfillment of our hero's language. Only he who from whatever position he occupies, whether high or low strives for the greatest good possible for his fellow man possesses true patriotism. We know in our hearts what is right, what is wrong, what is

1:09:55 more important and what will be better for ourselves, our family, and our country. In the face of the severe challenges that our world is facing today, the government stands behind you. And let us not be afraid, let us not be discouraged, let us not lose hope because Filipinos are by nature brave, capable, hardworking, resilient, and good. [Music] Countrymen. This is us. We are the new Filipinos.

1:10:42 Good morning and good evening to all of you. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] On the part of the Senate, the joint session is hereby adjourned on the part of the house,

1:11:27 session [Music] [Applause]