Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte criticized President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying it failed to address issues that many Filipinos continue to face.
In a statement released following the President’s annual address, Duterte said the administration should focus on helping families affected by rising food prices, high electricity costs, and declining purchasing power instead of making promises that, according to him, leave major public concerns unanswered.
The lawmaker said the public continues to seek explanations regarding allegations involving billions of pesos allocated for flood control projects, the use of PhilHealth funds, and the Maharlika Fund.
Duterte also reacted to the President’s remarks expressing sadness over the reported plunder case involving his cousin, Martin Romualdez. He said compassion shown toward relatives should also be extended to millions of Filipinos facing economic hardship.
According to Duterte, demonstrating concern for the public requires ensuring accountability regardless of a person’s surname, position, or influence.
He said Filipinos are asking for truth, accountability, and justice rather than sympathy for public officials or influential personalities.
The congressman added that questions surrounding the flood control program, the PhilHealth funds, and the Maharlika Fund remain unresolved and continue to draw public attention.
He also said the country’s condition should not be measured by applause during the SONA but by the situation faced by ordinary Filipino families, including the food on their tables, the prices of basic commodities, the quality of government services, and public trust in state institutions.
Duterte maintained that until those issues are addressed, criticism of the administration’s annual report will continue.
His statement was issued after President Marcos delivered his 2026 State of the Nation Address before a joint session of Congress.
