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Marcos Unveils Social, Economic and Security Priorities in State Address

He won US agreement to cut tariffs to 19 percent, with Duterte-aligned senators poised to stall his reforms.

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Protesters march towards Congress ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos's annual state of the nation address
At least 31 people have died in flooding that has ravaged the Philippines in recent weeks
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Overview

  • President Marcos pledged to expand social programs including cheap rice distribution, scholarships and disaster relief in response to voter frustration and recent storms.
  • He outlined eight trillion peso flagship infrastructure projects aimed at sustaining growth and attracting investment in the last three years of his term.
  • Marcos secured a marginal US tariff reduction to 19 percent with the aim of negotiating further cuts ahead of the August 1 deadline.
  • He faces a narrowing legislative window as senators aligned with Vice President Sara Duterte prepare to oppose new tax and fiscal measures.
  • The administration will shift its military focus toward external defense in the South China Sea through deeper ties with the United States and other Western partners.