We’re all ears, Mr. President

The State of the Nation Address (Sona) is always a much-anticipated event, at whatever point in a presidency. Filipinos are always eager to hear what their leader has to say, whether it is a recitation of accomplishments or a description of the direction they intend to take in the succeeding days and years.

This year is no different. The third such speech by President Marcos comes at a crucial point in our nation’s recent history, as we face numerous threats in different forms, and on various fronts.

In the past two years, there have been notable improvements in the economy. Our leaders share our view that investment-led growth is key to sustainable economic development, and thus have taken active steps to attract investments and cultivate a policy environment conducive to economic growth.

Specifically, there have been significant efforts to streamline regulations, upgrade infrastructure, and enhance business-friendly policies. These initiatives seek to minimize bureaucratic obstacles, improve investor confidence, and promote long-term economic growth. The administration has also shown a clear openness to foreign investors and a robust commitment to partnering closely with the private sector. This dedication is reflected in substantial legislative and policy initiatives, including the Public-Private Partnership Code and the creation of green lanes for strategic investments.

The economy has remained stable, achieving a growth of 5.7 percent in the first quarter this year. Since it took office, the Marcos administration has achieved an average growth rate of 6.1 percent, and the economy is seen to grow by 6.0-7.0 percent this year, 6.5-7.5 percent in 2025, and 6.5-8.0 percent from 2026 to 2028 outpacing other emerging economies.

In June, too, inflation was recorded at 3.7 percent from 3.9 percent in May 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Despite these gains, many threats remain.

Filipinos are worried about whether they would be able to continue affording basic goods. Pulse Asia found last month that controlling inflation remained the most urgent concern of Filipinos at 72 percent, an increase of two percentage points from the previous quarter. This is followed by increasing the pay of workers (44 percent), reducing the poverty of many Filipinos (32 percent), creating more jobs (30 percent), and fighting graft and corruption in government (22 percent).

Business and consumer sentiment have also dampened, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, due to concerns about softer demand, international conflicts, extreme weather conditions, and inflationary pressures.

We believe, however, that the Filipino people need to hear their leader speak unequivocally and resolutely about what is happening in the West Philippine Sea, as well as the misinformation and disinformation being orchestrated by China to twist the narrative of what it is really doing in an area established by international law as belonging to the Philippines.

In a survey conducted by Pulse Asia last month, it was found that 76 percent of Filipinos believe that the administration must continue asserting the country’s maritime rights and protecting our territory in the West Philippine Sea.

Given the increasing role that technology plays in our individual and national lives, cybersecurity has also emerged as a priority especially since state-sponsored threats such as disinformation campaigns and espionage among others pose significant risks. While the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 has been released, its implementation and continued applicability amid fast-changing times remain a concern.

Still, despite the regularity and intensity of Chinese gray zone operations, the Philippines continues to exercise restraint and has expanded its efforts to include the whole of society. We are also using a multilateral approach in engaging with like-minded partners, refraining from being caught in the strategic competition between major powers.

We are, after all, committed to an open and inclusive rules-based international order, governed by the principles of equity and justice.

The people will be tuning in to what Mr. Marcos will be saying in his Sona, but we will also notice the things he will be silent about. In the multitude of domestic and international concerns that we currently face, it is important that the issues deemed most important by the people are the same as those deemed important by their leaders.

We hope that the President hears us. We assure him that, in turn, we will be listening.

Dindo Manhit is founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group.