Jobs and Justice: Filipinos Prioritize Employment and Anti-Corruption as Marcos Prepares for Fifth SONA

As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. finalizes preparations for his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), a new survey reveals that Filipino citizens are laser-focused on two critical issues: job creation and a stronger crackdown on corruption.

The survey, conducted ahead of the highly anticipated address scheduled for later this week, underscores the pressing concerns of a nation navigating post-pandemic recovery, global economic uncertainty, and lingering questions about governance integrity. The findings, published by Philstar.com, serve as a stark reminder to the administration of the public's top priorities.

The People's Mandate: Jobs First

According to the poll, employment remains the single most important issue for a majority of Filipinos. This comes as no surprise, given the country's ongoing struggle to generate sufficient quality jobs for a young and growing workforce.

• Underemployment and Informal Labor: While official unemployment rates have improved, a significant portion of the workforce remains underemployed or stuck in the informal sector, lacking job security and benefits.
• Global Headwinds: Rising inflation and geopolitical tensions continue to pressure local businesses, making large-scale hiring a challenge.
• The "Job Mismatch" Problem: Many graduates find that their skills do not align with market demands, pointing to a need for better education-industry linkages.

The message to Malacañang is clear: Filipinos want tangible economic opportunities, not just macroeconomic indicators. They are looking for policies that stimulate small and medium enterprises (SMEs), attract foreign investment, and upskill the labor force.

The Cry for Integrity: Anti-Corruption Drive

Perhaps the most telling finding is the public's demand for a "stronger anti-corruption drive." This sentiment echoes a deep-seated frustration with perceived impunity and a lack of accountability in government.

• Trust Deficit: The survey suggests that despite the administration's rhetoric on good governance, many citizens feel that the fight against corruption lacks teeth.
• High-Profile Cases: While some officials have been investigated, the public is looking for swift convictions and systemic reforms, not just symbolic actions.
• Transparency as a Tool: Advocates argue that digitizing government transactions and strengthening the Commission on Audit (COA) are concrete steps that could rebuild trust.

This demand places President Marcos in a delicate position. While his administration has touted infrastructure and economic gains, the anti-corruption plank remains a vulnerable point for critics who argue that the "unity" narrative has shielded questionable practices.

Context: A Pivotal SONA

This year's SONA is particularly significant. It marks the halfway point of Marcos' six-year term, a traditional moment for reflection and recalibration. The President is expected to outline his legislative agenda for the remaining years, making the survey a crucial roadmap for his speechwriters.

• Legislative Priorities: The public's focus on jobs and anti-corruption suggests that Congress should prioritize the passage of the proposed Government Procurement Reform Act and measures that ease the cost of doing business.
• Budget Allocation: The 2027 national budget, which will be discussed in the coming months, must reflect these priorities. A larger allocation for infrastructure that creates jobs, coupled with funding for anti-corruption bodies, would be a direct response to the survey.

Analysis: The Gap Between Perception and Reality

The survey reveals a potential gap between how the administration views its performance and how the public perceives it. While the government points to falling unemployment rates and major infrastructure projects, the average Filipino feels the pinch of high prices and worries about corruption in their daily interactions with bureaucracy.

This disconnect is dangerous for any administration. It can lead to political apathy or, worse, unrest. The challenge for President Marcos in his SONA is not just to list accomplishments, but to convincingly address this gap by offering a clear, credible, and detailed plan for the next three years.

Looking Ahead

As President Marcos makes his final preparations, his team would be wise to heed the survey's call. A SONA that focuses heavily on job creation through targeted economic stimulus and announces a concrete, measurable anti-corruption initiative—such as a new task force with prosecutorial powers—could resonate powerfully with the electorate.

The fifth SONA is more than a constitutional requirement; it is a conversation between the leader and the led. For millions of Filipinos, the conversation must begin with jobs and justice. The President's response will define the remainder of his term and shape the political landscape leading into the 2028 elections.