Netizens' reactions to Bongbong Marcos' SONA

If we are to base it on netizens’ social media posts and reactions, the greater majority of Filipinos heard what they wanted to hear in today’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

President Bongbong Marcos covered the key issues facing the country today—including the rising prices of rice and other commodities, climate adaptation and disaster response, the healthcare needs of the underprivileged, the war on drugs, and BBM’s stand on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and the West Philippine Sea. 

The president’s one-hour-and-27-minute speech also received a generous amount of applause and a couple of standing ovations from the attendees at the Batasang Pambansa. 

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In an interview with RTVM, Political Science and International Studies Professor Julio Teehankee said BBM covered all the bases and described his speech as a “very technocratic” report.

But while many are impressed with Marcos' speech, a great number of Filipinos maintain a pragmatic view of the president’s pronouncements.

An X (formerly Twitter) user who goes by the name Jake said BBM banning POGO and his statement on the West Philippine Sea are a “bold move to crash his critics,” who are saying he’s a weak leader. He wished though that the president’s SONA this afternoon wasn’t lip service. “Babantayan rin namin ang follow-through action,” he promised.

Another X user, Ash, echoed Jake’s opinion. “Walk the talk. Do not glamour us with your words, we need action.”

Isobel said the “recent SONA was a promising step forward, with the President proudly declaring ‘Atin ang West Philippine Sea’ and announcing the immediate ban of POGOs. Now, more than ever, we demand that these words be more than rhetoric.”

Beatrice Tulagan describes BBM’s third SONA as “a masterclass on political positioning,” particularly his statements on WPS and POGO.

We saw a few posts urging others to fact-check the president’s claims. “San po yung libreng internet?” asked Sari.

Ramdam ba ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda natin yung mga tulong na sinasabi ni BBM right now?” inquired Michelle Roldan.  

Ali Ibanez commented that the president missed the opportunity to address the crisis in the country’s basic education. “Cited data seemed to downplay the severity of the learning crisis in the country,” Ibanez tweeted.

Meanwhile, netizens can’t help but turn their attention to areas where POGO actively operates, particularly Cavite. “A clan from Cavite left the room,” tweeted pjr.

@gesperas said, “Now, I’m waiting for the Remullas’ statement or reaction on this.”

In a previous interview, Cavite governor Jonvic Remulla vehemently denied though that their family has anything to do with the POGO operations in Cavite.  

It seems that many are joining in on the discussions about the current state of our nation.

Lucyban put it bluntly, “Bawal kasi puro ‘no comment’ pag usaping Pilipinas Inday Sara.”