Progressive groups slam crisis ahead of Marcos’ third SONA

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By Juliane Judilla

Two days before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, progressive organizations in Western Visayas held a press conference denouncing the administration’s alleged failure to address the worsening plight of Filipinos.

Held on Thursday, July 25, the event was organized as a prelude to the State of the People’s Address, or People’s SONA, and brought together labor, youth, women, and urban poor groups to present what they called the “real state of the nation.”

Elmer Forro, secretary-general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Panay, accused the Marcos administration of “continuous lies, unfulfilled promises, and betrayal of public trust.”

“Come Monday, Marcos will again deliver a speech full of lies and grand promises — but that is not new to us anymore,” Forro said.

“We’ve already seen how this regime causes suffering, steals from the nation’s coffers, bows to foreign interests, and abandons the people in their time of need,” he added.

Forro said the People’s SONA will highlight the “true conditions of Filipinos on the ground” — poverty, hunger, and injustice.

Irma Espinosa of the Confederation for Unity, Recognition, and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE)-Panay called on Congress to pass a legislated PHP36,000 entry-level salary for government workers.

She also highlighted the struggles of Job Order and Contract of Service (JOCOS) workers, who lack job security and benefits.

“We are not only fighting for fair wages, but also for the rights of our fellow government employees to have job security and the ability to organize for their collective welfare,” Espinosa said.

Lucy Francisco of Gabriela-Panay and Guimaras, and Maura Abellon of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay)-Panay, criticized the rising costs of basic goods and healthcare.

They demanded the removal of the 12% value-added tax (VAT) on essential goods and services.

“Food prices, water, and medicine are becoming more expensive by the day,” Francisco said.

“The government’s push for privatization — like what’s happening in Iloilo Terminal Market and Central Market — is pushing basic services out of reach for ordinary people.”

“These are services that should be public, affordable, and accessible to all,” she added.

Matthew Gonzaga of the Western Visayas Youth and Students Alliance likened threats to the youth to the “demons” in the film K-Pop Demon Hunters, appearing in costume inspired by the movie.

“In the three years of Marcos Jr.’s rule, we’ve seen a lack of education funding, deteriorating facilities, and a curriculum that prepares youth not for critical thinking but for cheap labor,” Gonzaga said.

He condemned the revival of mandatory ROTC, increased police presence in schools, and alleged military surveillance of student activists — including members of progressive youth groups and the Dayata sisters, known organizers in Western Visayas.

“Instead of addressing the problems of the youth, the government responds with harassment and threats,” Gonzaga added.

“While we are starving and struggling, Marcos is busy traveling and misusing public funds — like the PHP10 million confidential funds that could have built numerous classrooms.”

Referencing the film, Gonzaga said the youth must become like the movie’s protagonists, Huntrix.

“Like the Huntrix, we the youth face the same demons — of bad governance, corruption, and greed,” he said.

“Let us unite, raise our voices, and sing the songs of truth. The future belongs to us, and we must fight for it,” he added.

As President Marcos prepares to deliver his official SONA on July 28, progressive groups say they are crafting their own version — one that reflects the lived realities of ordinary Filipinos.

The People’s SONA will be held concurrently with the official SONA, with nationwide protest mobilizations expected.