Ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 27, Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon urged the administration to ensure the nation’s new economic milestone delivers tangible relief to everyday citizens.
The call comes after the World Bank officially classified the Philippines as an upper middle-income economy on July 1, 2026, as the country’s gross national income per capita reached $4,850—surpassing the $4,636 threshold.
However, lawmakers emphasize that macroeconomic stats mean little to ordinary families unless they address basic living conditions and income levels.
”Now that the country has achieved upper middle income status, it is imperative for the President to translate this new economic status into programs that will benefit ordinary Filipino families, improve their lives and increase their incomes,” said Ridon, who serves on the House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries.
With Marcos entering the penultimate phase of his presidency, Ridon emphasized that the remaining two years offer a crucial window to roll out impactful economic measures, particularly through the upcoming national budget reviews.
”The President still has two full budget cycles to implement sweeping economic measures which can directly benefit marginalized and working families. This can be among his presidency’s legacy pillars,” noted Ridon.
Congress is set to review Malacañang’s submission of the National Expenditure Program right after the SONA, with the House Committee on Appropriations scheduled to open deliberations in August to draft the proposed national budget.