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Marcos promises relief on taxes and rice prices in 2026 Sona
Analysts questioned how the government would fund the promised handouts amid concerns over a deepening debt burden and the lack of austerity or revenue-raising measures.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr used his 2026 State of the Nation Address on Monday to promise relief aimed at lowering tax burdens, electricity charges, and high rice prices, while also reiterating his push to pursue corruption cases tied to a flood-control scandal. The address followed last year’s focus on alleged irregularities in flood-control projects, including claims of ghost, substandard, and overpriced works, which investigators said involved kickbacks to politicians, public works officials, and contractors.
Marcos said cases were already filed and some arrests have been made involving contractors, senior officials at the Department of Public Works and Highways, and lawmakers. He added that, according to the Ombudsman, authorities were close to filing multiple cases against former House speaker Martin Romualdez, his first cousin and long-time political ally, who stepped down last year amid mounting pressure over the controversy.
The SCMP Economy said analysts noted the speech covered issues Filipinos expected Marcos to address, but they questioned the affordability of the relief measures given continuing financial and economic pressures and a deepening debt burden.