Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SoNA), pledging to back the national government’s priorities with concrete local results.

In a statement following the address, Domagoso said Marcos’ focus on empowering local government units reinforces the principle that effective governance starts at the community level.

“The President’s trust in local government is a responsibility we must repay with results, not promises,” Domagoso said.

“That trust inspires us to work even harder to keep Manila clean and orderly, improve healthcare and education, strengthen peace and order, modernize public infrastructure, and ensure every peso is spent transparently,” he added.

Domagoso highlighted key priorities from the speech that directly impact municipalities, including increased national tax allocations, stronger administrative capabilities, better coordination between national and local agencies, and expanded local responsibility for development programs.

The mayor also backed initiatives aimed at addressing inefficiencies in the country’s electricity billing system to lower energy costs for consumers.

“Reforms that promote greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in the power sector will ultimately benefit millions of Filipinos, including the people of Manila,” Domagoso said.

He added that Manila remains committed to “less politics, more performance; less rhetoric, more action” in partnering with the national government.