Zubiri: SONA caught lacking on wage hike, online gambling

While acknowledging President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s effort to deliver a comprehensive overview of his administration's accomplishments and plans, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said he had hoped for a more direct focus on issues that significantly impact ordinary Filipinos.

"We acknowledge the President’s efforts to present a comprehensive State of the Nation Address, but we had hoped to hear more on issues that directly affect the daily lives of Filipinos,” Zubiri said hours after the President delivered his fourth SONA on Monday.

Zubiri expressed disappointment over the absence of discussion on the proposed P100 daily minimum wage increase and the growing concern over online gambling.

“The absence of any mention on the P100 daily minimum wage increase or the growing threat of online gambling is deeply disappointing,” he said.

“These are not peripheral matters. They go to the heart of what many Filipino families struggle with every day: decent wages and protection from the exploitative nature of online gambling,” Zubiri added.

He also responded to the President’s renewed push for transparency and anti-corruption, stressing the need for follow-through.

“It was also encouraging to hear his emphasis on transparency, but that commitment must be matched by decisive action. Dapat may kasunod na aksyon kung seryoso tayo sa paglilinis ng pamahalaan,” he said.

(It should be followed by an action if he is really since in cleansing the government.)

Zubiri emphasized the importance of investigating not just government agencies but also lawmakers allegedly involved in questionable budget insertions.

“Will the Ombudsman be empowered to investigate and file charges? Are we ready to hold even our own accountable?” he asked.

He warned that the Senate minority bloc will continue to monitor the administration closely.

"We will ensure that all the promises made in the President’s SONA are translated into real action,” Zubiri said.

He also pointed out the limited mention of sports and athletes in the President’s speech, calling for more meaningful support.

“We also remind the administration that Philippine sports and athletes, which the President touched on briefly, deserve sustained and meaningful support, not just in rhetoric, but in budget and policy,” he said.

As the 2025 legislative session progresses, Zubiri said the chamber’s minority bloc will maintain its role as a vigilant watchdog.

“We stand ready to work with the majority where we can, and to hold the line when we must. We’ll be watching closely — and acting decisively — in the months ahead,” he said.