Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri gave President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) a high rating of 9 out of 10 on Monday, praising the Chief Executive’s focus on anti-corruption efforts, lowering electricity costs, and upholding national sovereignty.
Speaking to journalists following the address, Zubiri noted that the President set an effective tone right from the start by promising accountability for individuals involved in corrupt flood control projects.
”In fairness, the President’s SONA speech was good. In the opening five minutes alone, he got it right,” Zubiri said.
When asked about Marcos’ announcement regarding Ombudsman cases being prepared against a former House Speaker, Zubiri remarked that the step reinforces the administration’s anti-corruption stance while helping cool political tensions between Senate factions.
He added that the public wants reassurance that justice applies equally to everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
”People want to see that the fight against corruption is fair—not only against the opposition but also against those in the administration. If you’ve committed a wrongdoing, justice will catch up with you,” Zubiri said.
”That’s a good message to the people—that no one will be spared on the issue of flood control,” he said.
Zubiri also strongly supported the President’s plan to eliminate system loss charges from consumer power bills, pledging that the Senate will move swiftly to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) so distribution utilities absorb those costs instead.
”So the system loss will be charged to the distribution utilities. It will no longer be charged to the end users—the people. That’s a big thing,” he said.
”As majority floor leader, I guarantee you we will get the best and brightest on top of it. Our Committee on Energy chairman will sponsor it, and we will pass it as soon as possible,” he said, expressing hope that the measure passes before Christmas.
The Senate leader further applauded the President’s strong stance on protecting national dignity and territory.
”I stood when he mentioned the system loss. I also stood when he said the dignity of our country should never be sacrificed,” Zubiri said.
Concluding his assessment, Zubiri emphasized that the key challenge now lies in converting the President’s legislative promises into tangible outcomes for the public.
”We just have to follow through. Many of our countrymen are still struggling. Hopefully, if we follow through on these commitments, next year’s SONA will be a happier one for everyone,” he said.