Defining PBBM’s legacy in his last three years

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) was more than just a routine address to the joint session of Congress and presentation of the nation’s current political and economic situation to the Filipino people – it was a resounding reaffirmation of purpose, a commanding assertion of leadership, unity, direction and optimism at a time when the country needs all these.

In a speech delivered mostly in Filipino, the President outlined not only what has been achieved but most importantly, articulated how he envisions a future-ready Philippines as he enters the second half of his term, with a very firm grasp of the challenges that we will be facing.

For many, what stood out most in this year’s SONA was the tone: it was straightforward, stripped of theatrics, no rhetoric and applause lines, without drama or personal anecdotes. Instead, the President gave unvarnished facts of governance, highlighting what has worked, what needs to be fixed and what lies ahead.

This no-nonsense tone was set from the very start when the President opened his speech by acknowledging that the results of the May 2025 midterm elections reflected the people’s disappointment with the government’s inadequacies and their growing impatience with inefficiency and bureaucratic inertia.

“The message of the election results is clear with me. The people are disappointed and dismayed with government, particularly with basic services. The lesson for us is simple: the government must do better and move faster,” he stated.

Many people told me they were stunned at hearing the President – any president, in fact – open his SONA by admitting the administration’s shortcomings. This was certainly unheard of, but at the same time, it was a welcome change that resonated strongly with the listeners because it clearly signaled the sincerity and serious intent of PBBM to focus on results, not rhetoric.

“If we just talk about data, the economy is doing well. Investor confidence is up, inflation is down and jobs have increased. But all of these are just window dressing, meaningless if our people are still struggling and burdened in their daily lives. That is why in the last three years of the administration, we will give our all not only to match but exceed what is needed to bring relief to our people,” the President said.

Perhaps Filipinos are beginning to realize that he is the kind of president who fully embodies the role of a chief executive – one who is sincere and authentic, determined to ensure efficient and effective public service delivery. This probably explains in part why in the most recent Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by Octa Research from July 12 to 17, the President’s trust ratings went up to 64 percent from the previous 60 percent, while his performance ratings increased from 59 percent to 62 percent.

PBBM was right to highlight the resilience of the Philippine economy amid global uncertainties and domestic pressures, with inflation steadily going down since last year. Inflation averaged 3.2 percent in 2024 and dropped to 1.8 percent in the early part of 2025, dropping even further to 1.4 percent in June.

He also encouraged the spirit of entrepreneurship among Filipinos, saying that the government will continue providing low-interest and no-collateral loans to small businesses and micro enterprises. “We will not stop until we are able to help almost 2.5 million poor families put up their own small businesses,” he asserted.

The expanded coverage of PhilHealth for various illnesses and procedures is life changing for many Filipinos, highlighting the government’s firm commitment to universal health care. The strong emphasis on food security and digital transformation, the rollout of free internet in remote areas, the progress on key expressways and the ongoing modernization of agriculture show that the government understands that real change happens on the ground.

Central to the administration’s development strategy is infrastructure as embodied in the “Build Better More” program. The President announced the upcoming construction of the 32-kilometer Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge that will reduce travel time from five hours to 45 minutes. This long-term infrastructure will connect regions, boost trade and bring real economic opportunities to the provinces covered. Equally important is the rehabilitation of aging structures like the Guadalupe Bridge, with assurances of minimal disruption through well-planned detours. These projects are tangible proof of a government that plans with both ambition and accountability.

The most applauded portion of the President’s speech – which drew cheers and a standing ovation – was when he called out those who pocketed public funds meant for flood control projects, much to the detriment of people who have been suffering from the effect of severe floods. “Shame on you,” he said, directing the DPWH to provide a list of failed and unfinished projects which will be made public.

But what was equally commendable was the tone of unity and inclusivity in his speech, urging everyone to set aside differences and move forward together because the work ahead is much too important for people to be distracted by disharmony. In the face of political polarization, PBBM’s call for cooperation over conflict is a reminder of what leadership should be: unifying, not divisive; pragmatic, not dramatic.

As President Marcos Jr. put it best: “The true measure of a president’s performance is not applause, but the positive change felt by our people.”

In the end, it is not about promises made, but progress delivered – and by that measure, the next three years will define the legacy that PBBM hopes to leave behind.

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