2023 State of the Nation Address (Philippines)

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]

Second State of the Nation Address
of President Bongbong Marcos

Date	July 24, 2023 (2023-07-24)
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
Languages	English, Filipino
Previous	2022 State of the Nation Address
Next	2024 State of the Nation Address
Website	econgress.gov.ph/sona2023/ stateofthenation.gov.ph/sona/2023//

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]

Marcos supporters.

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Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Rodrigo Duterte confirmed attendance to the SONA,^[4] however Duterte later rescinded.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:

• "Total electrification" of the country by the end of term and a focus on renewable energy.^[9]
• Full support of the Bangsamoro peace process stating that there would be no more extension and that the 2025 regional elections shall be held as scheduled.^[10]
• Amnesty for Moro rebels and called on the help of the Congress for such move.^[11]
• To accept resignation of police personnel involved in the illegal drug trade.^[11]

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]

Gallery

• Recorded video

External links

• Media related to 2023 State of the Nation Address (Philippines) at Wikimedia Commons

References

1. Sarao, Zacarian (15 July 2024). "RTVM to direct Marcos' 3rd Sona – Palace". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
2. Baroña, Franco Jose (July 9, 2023). "Over 20,000 policemen to secure President's SONA". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
3. Carreon, Jire (July 7, 2023). "Police conduct crowd control drill for SONA 2023". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
4. Panti, Llanesca T. (July 19, 2023). "Ex-Pres. Duterte confirmed attendance to SONA 2023 —House SecGen". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
5. Pinlac, Beatrice (July 24, 2023). "Rodrigo Duterte to skip Marcos' 2nd Sona, says Go". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
6. Purnell, Kristofer (July 21, 2023). "Classical singer Lara Maigue to perform national anthem at SONA 2023". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
7. "SONA 2023: Key takeaways from Marcos' second report to the nation". CNN Philippines. July 25, 2023. Archived from the original on July 24, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
8. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Second State of the Nation Address, July 24, 2023 (Speech). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. July 24, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
9. Mangaluz, Jean (24 July 2023). "Marcos vows to push for 100% electrification by end of term". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
10. "Marcos pledges full support to BARMM transition, strengthening". Manila Bulletin. 13 August 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
11. Corrales, Nestor (25 July 2023). "Amnesty for rebels, 'resignations' for drug cops – Marcos". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
12. Sarao, Zacarian (24 July 2023). "LOOK: Protesters gather for 'People's Sona'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 25 July 2023.