Last July 29, 2026, I had the opportunity to attend the Post-SONA Discussion organized by the Legislative Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AMCHAM). It was a timely conversation that went beyond the headlines of SONA 2026 and focused on what comes next.
The discussion was moderated by Chris Ilagan, Head of AMCHAM’s Legislative Committee, who guided an engaging exchange on the political, economic, and legislative implications of the President’s address.
Adding valuable perspectives were Secretary Joey Salceda, Secretary of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, and Elaine Collado, Country Director of Vriens & Partners. Their insights provided a deeper understanding of what happens after the SONA and what businesses, investors, and the public should watch in the months ahead.
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The Real Work Begins After the Speech
One of my biggest takeaways from the discussion was that a SONA should not be viewed merely as a report of accomplishments or a list of promises.
The more important question is simple:
What happens after the speech?
Elaine discussed six bills that emerged as priorities after SONA 2026. Her point highlighted an important reality. Presidential announcements only become meaningful when they lead to legislation, funding, implementation, and measurable results.
For the business community, this distinction matters. Businesses do not operate on announcements alone. They make decisions based on regulations, economic conditions, infrastructure, operating costs, and confidence in the future.
Consequently, investors and employers pay close attention to execution. A good speech can set expectations. Actual policy delivery builds trust.
Key Post-SONA Questions
Business leaders should monitor the following:
- Which priority bills advance through Congress?
- How quickly will policies be implemented?
- Will funding support announced programs?
- Can reforms improve competitiveness and investor confidence?
A Strong Political Signal: No “Sacred Cows”
Another point that stood out was the President’s decision to publicly distance himself from people close to his political circle, particularly in relation to issues surrounding former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Elaine described the move as a strong political signal. The President did not need to identify anyone directly. The message was clear.
The idea of “no sacred cows” emphasized accountability. Regardless of political affiliation, publicly distancing an administration from a powerful ally sends a powerful message.
Furthermore, the discussion suggested that this decision could influence political alliances and electoral dynamics leading up to 2028.
Another observation that caught my attention was that the next national political contest will increasingly be fought at the grassroots level. At present, the administration does not appear to have a clearly defined successor. As a result, the next two years may prove critical.
Spending Wisely During a Time of Crisis
Another important takeaway was the need for government to spend wisely.
The discussion touched on subsidies, taxation, transportation, and the allocation of public resources. Participants also noted the administration’s allocation of approximately ₱60 billion to help cushion the impact of current economic challenges.
This raises an important question:
Where should government prioritize limited resources?
With competing demands across social protection, healthcare, education, transportation, infrastructure, and energy, the challenge is not simply finding money. The challenge is ensuring every peso creates meaningful impact.
Specifically, policymakers must balance short-term relief with long-term growth. Businesses and taxpayers also have a stake in how those decisions are made.
Tax Relief: Opportunity and Responsibility
The President’s call for legislation that lowers income taxes and expands tax exemptions, particularly for SMEs, was another significant topic.
For employees and small businesses, tax relief could:
- Increase disposable income
- Improve cash flow
- Encourage business activity
- Support expansion and hiring
However, an important fiscal question remains:
If government reduces tax collections, how will it replace the lost revenue?
This part of the discussion reinforced a simple truth. Good policy requires balance. A proposal may sound attractive, but its success depends on whether it is financially sustainable, properly funded, and executable.
In addition, Elaine Collado provided valuable insights into the broader business and geopolitical environment. Her comments underscored the importance of looking beyond individual announcements and understanding the country’s long-term direction.
Energy, Transportation, and Technology Shape the Future
The latter part of the discussion focused on the administration’s broader development agenda following SONA 2026.
Several focus areas could significantly influence the Philippine economy in the years ahead:
- Transportation hubs
- Electric vehicles
- Hydrogen energy
- Nuclear energy
- Electricity sector reforms
One proposal that captured my attention involved removing the system loss charge from consumers’ electricity bills while pursuing amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
For businesses, energy costs directly affect competitiveness, investment decisions, manufacturing, and technology infrastructure.
Moreover, discussions on hydrogen and nuclear energy highlighted the need for long-term planning. The Philippines must think beyond immediate concerns and develop an energy strategy capable of supporting economic growth for the next decade.
Industry developments and policy updates can also be monitored through:
A Penultimate SONA and a Sense of Urgency
One of the most interesting observations from the discussion was the characterization of SONA 2026 as a “penultimate” speech.
There are now limited years remaining in the Marcos administration. That reality creates urgency.
Over the past several years, the administration has focused on building international relationships, attracting investment, and engaging with different sectors. The challenge now is translating those efforts into concrete outcomes before the end of the term.
This is why I found the post-SONA discussion especially valuable. It shifted the conversation from:
“What did the President say?”
to
“What can realistically be delivered?”
For me, that is the real test.
What Happens Next Matters More
The post-SONA discussion reinforced one clear lesson:
A SONA is not the finish line. It is the starting point for execution.
The real measure of SONA 2026 will not be the number of promises made, bills proposed, or investments announced.
Instead, success will depend on whether those commitments translate into:
- Better jobs
- Stronger businesses
- Lower costs
- Improved infrastructure
- Greater investor confidence
- Better quality of life for Filipinos
As someone working in the recruitment and talent solutions industry, I see this as an important reminder that economic policies ultimately affect people and careers. Government can create the right environment, but businesses create jobs. They can only continue investing and expanding when policies provide confidence, stability, and opportunity.
I am grateful to AMCHAM’s Legislative Committee, Chris Ilagan, Secretary Joey Salceda, and Elaine Collado for creating a platform where business leaders could move beyond headlines and engage in a deeper discussion about what comes next.
The SONA may be the President’s message to the nation. However, the discussion reminded me that what happens afterward is what truly matters.
