What Marcos didn't say in SONA 2025

While it would take more than an hour and a half to talk about every issue the country is facing, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left out several key concerns in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

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Like in his previous SONAs, Marcos focused more on issues that directly affect the public's daily lives, such as health and food security. He acknowledged that data and statistics meant little to the masses.

Heavier issues, however, may be left for his Cabinet secretaries to answer in post-SONA discussions.

Here are some of the issues that Marcos did not tackle in his latest address:

ONLINE GAMBLING

After banning Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in his 2024 SONA, many expected him to do the same for local online gambling platforms.

These platforms have proliferated nationwide, with advertisements prominently displayed along major roads. Promising large winnings, these games have led many Filipinos to lose money out of desperation.

But this year, Marcos made no surprise announcement similar to his POGO ban.

Malacañang has yet to release a definitive stance on online gambling, with economic managers expressing mixed views.

For instance, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said online gambling should at least be taxed, while Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the government is considering more regulations.

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

The president made no explicit mention of the West Philippine Sea, despite his bold proclamation in last year's SONA that the country would not yield a single inch of its territory.

Instead, he took a more diplomatic tone, repeating that the Philippines is “a friend to all, and an enemy to none.”

While he has used this line throughout his administration, its reiteration came amid heightened tensions with China over the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos still asserted that the Philippines would continue efforts to uphold peace and sovereignty.