President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty as tensions with China over the South China Sea remain high. Delivering his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, 2025, Marcos emphasized that his government is pursuing “stronger alliances” with global partners to make the Philippines safer, while promising wide-ranging reforms to address domestic challenges.
Highlighting current security concerns, Marcos declared that the Philippines, under his leadership, is more confident and prepared to defend its territorial integrity. “Our confidence is higher because we have more allies, which would support us in a time of grave need,” he stated before Congress, referencing strengthened security ties with countries such as the United States, Japan, Australia, and France, among others. This move, he asserted, comes as part of a broader strategy to counter external aggression, particularly in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
Key Developments in Foreign and Defense Policy
- The president outlined ongoing expansion of military cooperation with Western nations.
- The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States remains a central pillar of the Philippines’ external defense posture.
- Marcos reiterated that the nation will stay “restrained and patient” but more vigilant in its defense preparations.
- Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro confirmed the Armed Forces will further pivot focus from counter-insurgency to external defense missions, directly addressing Chinese maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea.
These developments reflect Manila’s growing alignment with global allies to deter any possible escalation with Beijing. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Marcos at the White House to discuss not just security, but trade and broader economic ties.
Reform Agenda and Domestic Pressures
The president of the Philippines used the occasion to confront domestic frustrations, which were reflected in the recent midterm elections where only half of his senatorial slate won seats in Congress. He acknowledged that many Filipinos feel left behind despite positive economic statistics. “If we’re only talking about data, the economy is doing well—business confidence is up, inflation is down, and jobs have increased. But all of this is just window dressing, meaningless if our people are still struggling and burdened in their daily lives,” he asserted.
Key domestic reform initiatives pledged or announced include:
- Publishing a comprehensive list of all flood-control projects from the past three years to root out corruption in public works.
- Vowing charges against officials and contractors found guilty of graft, especially after recent deadly floods and landslides that displaced more than 200,000 people.
- Addressing water shortages affecting over six million people, directing agencies to make water more accessible and affordable.
- Cracking down on price manipulation in the rice market and continuing the government’s P20-per-kilo rice rollout.
- Renewed focus on energy reforms, including investigations into widespread blackouts and a target to commission 200 new power plants in three years.
- Strengthening social welfare with new benefits for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, alongside expanded free education and health programs.
Notably, Marcos issued stern warnings that national budgets not aligned with his administration’s programs would be vetoed, signaling a tougher stance on legislative cooperation. He also highlighted successes such as expanded digital government services and significant progress in rural electrification.
Call for National Unity
Recognizing rifts in Philippine politics, especially in the aftermath of the vice president’s impeachment and public disagreements with political allies, Marcos appealed for unity. “Let us set aside our differences and agree on the three things that bind us together: our being Filipino, our love for the country, and our sworn duty to the people,” he said.
What Lies Ahead
As the president of the Philippines enters the last half of his term, mounting public pressure is matched by resolute pledges to tackle corruption, invest in critical infrastructure, and protect national sovereignty. With geopolitical uncertainties and domestic challenges intertwined, the nation awaits the tangible results of these bold promises.
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