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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Zubiri rates PBBM's SONA 9 out of 10, eyes EPIRA amendments before Christmas

Zubiri rates PBBM's SONA 9 out of 10, eyes EPIRA amendments before Christmas

Published Jul 27, 2026 08:03 pm

At A Glance

  • Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth SONA, citing his commitment to prosecute those behind anomalous flood control projects—even if they are allies or family members—and to defend Philippine sovereignty.
  • Zubiri said the Senate will prioritize amending the EPIRA Law to remove the system loss charge from consumers' electricity bills, with the cost to be shouldered instead by distribution utilities.
  • Zubiri said Marcos' disclosure that the Office of the Ombudsman is building cases against a former House speaker sends a strong message that no one is above the law and could strengthen public confidence in the administration's anti-corruption campaign.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri on Monday, July 27, gave President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) a stellar 9 out of 10, praising its focus on anti-corruption, lower electricity costs, and the country's sovereignty.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday, July 27, 2026. In his address, Marcos outlined his administration’s accomplishments, key policy priorities, and legislative agenda for the coming year. He is joined by Senate President Win Gatchalian and House Speaker Bodjie Dy. (Mark Balmores)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday, July 27, 2026. In his address, Marcos outlined his administration’s accomplishments, key policy priorities, and legislative agenda for the coming year. He is joined by Senate President Win Gatchalian and House Speaker Bodjie Dy. (Mark Balmores)
Speaking to reporters after the SONA, Zubiri said the President's speech struck the right tone from the outset, particularly his commitment to hold accountable those involved in anomalous flood control projects.
"In fairness, the President's SONA speech was good. In the opening five minutes alone, he got it right," Zubiri said.
Asked about President Marcos' disclosure that the Office of the Ombudsman is building cases against a former House speaker, Zubiri said he believes the announcement could help improve relations between the Senate majority and minority while reinforcing the administration's anti-corruption campaign.
He said many Filipinos had questioned whether the President was protecting political allies and relatives, and the latest disclosure sends a message that accountability applies to everyone.
"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.
EPIRA amendment
Zubiri also lauded the President's call to remove the system loss charge from consumers' electricity bills, saying it would provide immediate relief to households.
He said Congress would work on amending the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) so that distribution utilities, instead of consumers, would shoulder system losses.
"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.
Zubiri said they will work to have the measure passed before Christmas.
"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.
The Senate leader also praised Marcos' remarks on protecting Philippine sovereignty, saying he gave the President a standing ovation when he declared that the country's dignity should never be compromised.
"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.
Overall, Zubiri rated the President's speech 9 out of 10, adding that the administration and Congress must now ensure that the commitments outlined in the SONA are translated into action.
"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.

Related Tags

State of the Nation Address EPIRA Martin Romualdez SONA 2026
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