30/07/2026
30 JULY 2026
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES STUDENT COUNCIL COMMISSION ON STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND ACCREDITATION (PUP SC COSOA) ON PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR.’S FIFTH STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS
“Of late, our very humanity has been called into question,” he says.
Of late? Have we not questioned the essence of our humanity for years? This abstract notion of what makes us human—is it even discernible when those we put in power act with such stark inhumanity? Their leadership feels vacant, as if they are seasoned performers, possessing an undeniable talent for turning every stage they step onto into a circus.
On 27 July 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered the fifth State of the Nation Address of his term. He shone a light on seemingly progressive ambitions: launching a rocket in Cagayan, broadening support for biological research, pursuing Pax Silica, and expanding our global ties through free trade agreements. Yet, beneath this ambitious string of acts, why do the country’s most deep-seated issues continue to be hidden behind the curtains? Conspicuously missing from his speech was any mention of the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation, the recent devastation of a natural paradise, the recurring absences of key senators, and countless others that persistently threatens our stability as a nation.
Is the act of subtly brushing off the cries of his constituents not proof of inhumanity? Is the act of rising to shower him with applause—complacent with whatever crumbs are thrown—not proof of inhumanity? How can anyone wonder why, no matter what feast is served or how much sugar is spoon-fed to us, all we ever taste is the bitterness of poison?
They are asking the wrong question. The real question is: why do we keep swallowing what is fed to us? Some will dismissively counter, "Why don't you run for president if you're so smart?"—a fundamentally flawed argument. Why do we insist on undermining ourselves, lowering our heads beneath those in authority? Authority does not place anyone above accountability. Public officials are not kings, not even the president; they are public servants who must and should answer to the masses. Above all, leadership requires listening to their constituents.
The President emphasized in his statement that Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and great race. And on that, he is right. Filipinos deserve nothing less than genuine leadership and honesty—a figure who governs with pure integrity in their heart, devoid of even a shred of inhumanity. Because, as he said, "We are not greedy; we are not liars."
Although, the "not greedy" part remains questionable. It stands in contrast to what we witness today—most especially in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, and the persistent push for Pax Silica despite the irreversible damage it threatens to leave on our land. However, this raises a question for every Filipino: Should we really not be greedy? Perhaps we ought to be. We should hunger for more—for better governance, for higher standards of living, and for the dignity owed to every Filipino worker and student who wakes up every day to fight fair only to be given scraps in return.
Because, as he said, "We are Filipinos, and we do not yield." So why don't we show it?
It is in this spirit that the PUP SC COSOA calls for absolute accountability and transparency from the government. Beyond grand speeches and ambitions, we urge the Iskolars ng Bayan to fight for governance that honors the struggles of its people—a government that provides real economic relief beyond band-aid subsidy solutions, and proper human rights protections for those in agriculture, healthcare, education and marginalized sectors who continue to fight amidst the evident unfair system. Let us look past the rhetoric of this State of the Nation Address and recognize what was presented, what continues to be deliberately obscured, and what we should continue to demand. May this serve as an awakening to our true reality as a nation—and a reminder that we must never stop advocating for governance that truly serves the people.
Ano ang SONA kung hindi nito isinasalamin ang tunay na estado ng sambayanan? Hangga't may katotohanang ikinukubli at pananagutang iniiwasan, patuloy tayong manawagan. Dahil ang paniningil ng pananagutan ay pagpapatunay ng ating pagkatao. At sa laban na ito, hindi tayo kailanman susuko.
Iskolar ng Bayan, manindigan.
Paglingkuran ang sambayan.
For the Filipino people, we will continue to serve.
Ducere est servire.
