Akbayan Calls for Simpler Sona Amid Calamities
MANILA, Philippines — Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña has urged for a simpler State of the Nation Address (Sona) this year, emphasizing the need for empathy amid the recent storms and southwest monsoon that have devastated many Filipino families. The call for a more modest Sona comes as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of severe weather conditions.
Cendaña stressed the importance of holding a more austere Sona, stating that public officials should be mindful of the suffering experienced by communities affected by heavy rains since last Friday. He insisted that resources and efforts used for extravagant preparations would be better spent on providing aid to those in need.
“This is not the time for pomp. This is the time for empathy, humility, and decisive action. My appeal to my fellow lawmakers is for us to voluntarily make the Sona simpler,” Cendaña said in a mix of Filipino and English. He added, “It is the height of insensitivity if we roll out the red carpet for the Sona while our constituents and their families don’t even have roofs over their heads.”
Focus on Sona’s True Purpose and Urgent Issues
The lawmaker reminded everyone that the 1987 Constitution defines the Sona as a platform for the President to report on the administration’s accomplishments—not as an elaborate event for public officials to showcase themselves.
“Let’s go back to the purpose of the Sona under the Constitution. It is the President’s duty to report to Congress and the public. Our role is to listen and scrutinize that report — this is not a fashion gala,” he emphasized, mostly in Filipino.
Cendaña also expressed hope that the President’s address would tackle pressing concerns such as flooding. “The public has high expectations for the President’s Sona. They have many questions that require urgent answers from him,” he said in Filipino. “Among these concerns are the immediate aid to those affected, and why flooding seems to be worsening despite the billions of pesos allocated yearly for flood control projects.”
Ongoing Flooding and Disruptions
Work and classes in Metro Manila and nearby provinces have been suspended since Monday due to intense rain and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Crising and the southwest monsoon. Although Crising left the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday morning, rain continues in various areas.
As of Wednesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported seven deaths and three missing persons linked to the combined impact of Crising and the monsoon.
Government Response and President Marcos’s Displeasure
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., currently in the United States to meet with US President Donald Trump regarding tariffs on Philippine goods, expressed disappointment over reports that some government personnel prioritized Sona preparations over flood relief efforts.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated that the President was “dismayed” upon learning about ongoing Sona-related installations amid the country’s flood crisis. Bersamin ordered the immediate suspension of all Sona preparations.
“The Department of Public Works and Highways, along with all concerned agencies, must put full attention and exclusive focus on flood response and relief operations,” Bersamin said. “The President’s directive is to focus all efforts on ensuring the safety and welfare of the Filipino people, especially during times of crisis. All government agencies are expected to act accordingly.”
Speaking to reporters in Washington D.C., Marcos described the decision to proceed with Sona preparations during the typhoon as “highly inappropriate.” He added, “That is an unfortunate misjudgment on their part,” and assured that such lapses will not happen again.
Preparations Despite Weather Challenges
Last Monday, the House of Representatives said Sona preparations were 90 to 95 percent complete. According to a House spokesperson, no discussions had been held about postponing the physical event despite the adverse weather conditions.
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