Workers union says SONA failed to address jobs crisis

The Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK), a national umbrella organization of unions and associations of public service workers, criticizes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) as a self-congratulatory account that fails to confront the worsening crisis in jobs, wages, and public services.

In a statement, the group said SONA was deafeningly silent on workers’ most urgent demands: living wages, job security, and decisive action to end ongoing violations of workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

“Worse, the President even highlighted the continued hiring of job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers in DPWH and across government—entrenching, rather than addressing, precarious employment in the public sector. Instead of creating decent jobs and regularizing deserving JO and COS workers, the Marcos administration is reinforcing its position as the country’s biggest “ENDO” employer,” the group said.

JO, COS, and other precarious workers in the public sector, according to the group, do not only need social protection—"they demand regularization, fair pay, and safe working conditions.”

The President cited various measures to cushion the impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East on prices and energy, yet government workers remain without meaningful economic relief.

“Despite repeated calls from public sector unions, the government has failed to increase the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA), neglecting the urgent needs of its own workforce who sustain public services even if they are also bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Public sector workers remain on the frontlines of service delivery under conditions of understaffing, low wages, and inadequate protection. Barangay Health Workers, teachers, nurses, emergency workers, and other frontline personnel are indispensable, yet remain undervalued and undercompensated,” they maintained.

Civic leader backing

Ironically, civic leader Dr. Jose Goitia saw the President’s SONA as reflecting an administration intent on sustaining economic growth, strengthening public institutions, and defending Philippine sovereignty.

The President highlighted gains in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, and investment while pairing them with tax relief for workers and small businesses, lower electricity costs, and a renewed campaign against corruption, including action against anomalous flood control projects.

Goitia said those initiatives reflected an administration delivering results.

"Leadership isn't measured by promises. It's measured by performance. President Marcos presented concrete gains in governance, public services, and accountability. Those are the foundations of a stronger Republic," he said.

But for Goitia, the speech found it defining moment when the President turned to the West Philippine Sea, reaffirming the Philippines' rights under the 2016 Arbitral Award and pledging to defend them through peaceful and lawful means.

He said, paying tribute to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and Filipino fishermen safeguarding the country's interests in the West Philippine Sea, the President delivered the speech's most memorable line:

"We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield."

Goitia said the President's remarks reflected a foreign policy that remains firm in defending Philippine sovereignty while anchored on international law.

"The 2016 Arbitral Award is one of the Philippines' greatest victories on the world stage. No amount of foreign propaganda can erase what international law has already affirmed. President Marcos has shown that sovereignty is defended not by bluster but through principled diplomacy, capable institutions, and the resolve to stand firm for every Filipino," he stressed.