Progressive groups in Davao City on Monday gave President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a failing grade saying his administration has fallen short of its promises under his slogan “Bagong Pilipinas,” as they staged the annual “SONA ng Bayan” protest at Freedom Park before the President delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The rally drew members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), Kabataan Party-list, Anakbayan Southern Mindanao Region (SMR), youth advocates, women’s organizations, and other progressive groups, who gathered to air their grievances on issues ranging from alleged corruption and governance to the country’s economic situation.
Fauzhea Guiani, chairperson of Anakbayan SMR, said the administration’s claimed economic gains have yet to be felt by ordinary Filipinos, prompting the protesters to give Marcos a “zero” rating.
“Zero. Bagsak, bagsak talaga si Marcos Jr. Dahil sa ika-apat na taon niya sa pagiging Pangulo, hindi ramdam ng mamamayang Pilipino ’yung sinasabi nilang bagong Pilipinas o ’yung mga economic developments na pinagmamalaki nila. So, kung bibigyan natin siya ng grade, bagsak talaga. Kaya makikinig tayo sa SONA ngayon ni Marcos Jr., pero wala na tayong aasahan na katotohanan sa SONA na gaganapin ngayong araw. Kaya nandito ’yung mga progresibong indibidwal para ipakita talaga ano ’yung totoo, ano ’yung totoong nangyayari, ano ’yung totoong nararanasan ng mamamayang Pilipino. So, kaya tinatawag nating ‘SONA ng Bayan’ dahil ito ang katotohanan at ang araw-araw na nararanasan ng bayan,” Guiani told reporters.
Protesters carried placards reading “Tanang Kurakot, Dapat Silutan!” (“All the corrupt must be punished”), calling for accountability over alleged corruption in government projects, including the unresolved flood control controversy.
Guiani also criticized the administration’s handling of corruption allegations, saying no senior officials had been held accountable despite the alleged flood control scandal being exposed a year ago.
“Hanggang ngayon, one year since na-expose ’yung flood control scandal, wala pa ring nakapanagot na mga malalaking opisyal, na nakulong talaga or na held accountable sa corruption issue. So, wala naman tayong aasahan, kung pare-pareho naman silang mga kurakot at mga kawatan. So, hindi na natin aasahan na may papanagutin sila. Pero sigurado tayo, na kapag uumpisahang manawagan ang mamamayang Pilipino ay kayang-kaya nating pagtagumpayan ang ating mga hiling. Pero at this point, wala na, hopeless na ang Marcos Jr. regime,” she said.
She said the annual “SONA ng Bayan” serves as an alternative platform for progressive groups to present what they describe as the real state of the nation and the daily realities faced by ordinary Filipinos.
The Davao protest coincided with similar demonstrations along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, where protesters also raised concerns over governance, alleged corruption, and environmental issues, including the proposed Pax Silica Hub in New Clark City, Tarlac.
Marcos cites reforms, accountability, and key government gains in fifth SONA
In his fifth SONA, President Marcos defended his administration’s record, highlighting accomplishments in accountability, food security, housing, energy, and disaster response while reaffirming his commitment to building a stronger “Bagong Pilipinas.”
Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Marcos said the Office of the Ombudsman is nearing the filing of multiple cases against former Speaker Martin Romualdez, stressing that the rule of law applies regardless of personal ties.
“Dumating na tayo sa punto na ayon sa Ombudsman, ay malapit na ang paghain ng patong-patong na kaso laban sa dating Speaker (Martin Romualdez). Masakit man sa atin ito, ngunit kailangan nating gawin ang tama. Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking pamilya, hindi ako Pangulo ng aking kaibigan, ako ay Pangulo ng Pilipinas,” he said.
The President also said the government had assisted more than 600,000 families affected by the recent earthquake in the Visayas and Mindanao and had released more than P3 billion in emergency aid.
“Sa nangyaring paglindol sa Visayas at Mindanao kamakailan, mahigit 600,000 pamilya ang ating nasaklolohan, lampas P3 bilyon ang ating binuhos para sa agarang tulong sa mga pamilyang lubos na naapektuhan,” he said.
Marcos said the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program has benefited more than 12 million Filipinos, while the discovery of 222 billion cubic feet of natural gas will extend the Malampaya gas field’s operations until 2034 and strengthen the country’s energy security.
He also cited the progress of the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
“Sa ating programang pabahay (Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino o 4PH Program), higit 500,000 bahay ang ating naitayo na at napondohan,” he said.
Marcos likewise touted the administration’s anti-corruption campaign, saying authorities have recovered, frozen, or preserved billions of pesos in assets linked to corruption.
“Halos P25 bilyon ang halaga ng mga nabawi, ‘frozen,’ at napreserbang mga pera at ari-arian ng mga akusado. Ang mahigit P800 milyon dito ay agad nating ibinalik sa Treasury. Lahat ng mababawi mula sa mga sangkot na tiwali ay agad ibabalik sa kaban ng bayan,” he said.
He said the administration remains committed to strengthening public services, promoting accountability, and delivering programs aimed at improving the lives of Filipino families.
