Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his annual state of the nation address amidst a backdrop of significant corruption allegations, the impeachment trial of his estranged vice president, and global economic challenges. The speech will take place Monday at the House of Representatives in suburban Quezon City.
Security measures have been heightened for the event, with over 23,000 police officers deployed and key roads near the presidential palace barricaded. Authorities reported a small homemade bomb explosion near the Department of Justice in Manila early Monday, causing no injuries, and the discovery of unexploded bomb parts near the Senate, incidents attributed to attempts to sow terror.
Marcos Jr. is expected to address the economic impact of renewed hostilities in the Middle East, following his declaration of a yearlong national energy emergency in March aimed at ensuring adequate supplies of fuel, food, and agricultural products.
Last year, Marcos Jr. denounced widespread corruption in flood-control projects, investigations into which have implicated numerous members of the House and Senate, as well as public works officials. Allegations include pocketing kickbacks, leading to public outrage fueled by the lavish lifestyles of some suspects. To date, a current and a former senator have been indicted and detained, a former House member has fled to Europe, and former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan has been indicted and is in hospital detention.
Critics have called for the prosecution of more influential figures, questioning why former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the president's cousin and ally, has not faced charges despite denying wrongdoing. President Marcos Jr. has stated that allies will be prosecuted if evidence exists, noting, "The more we look, the more we find."
Adding to the political tension, Vice President Sara Duterte, formerly an ally, is undergoing an impeachment trial on charges including corruption and threatening the president.