This is a continuation of Rappler’s promise tracker of the Marcos Jr. administration. Check this out for the Marcos Year 2 promise tracker.
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28.
Halfway through his term, what has the Marcos Jr. administration done so far?
Rappler’s community partners from the #FactsFirstPH, #AtinAngPilipinas, and #CourageON: No Lockdown on Rights coalitions identified updates on key promises made by Marcos and his administration during his third year in power.
This tracker is made in collaboration with Babaylanes, Caloocan Young Leaders Initiative, Council for People’s Development and Governance, Foundation for Media Alternative, KARAPATAN, Kalikasan Watch, Kilusan ng mga Magsasakang Pilipino, Metro Manila Pride, Press ONE, SUKI Network, and Water for the People Network. Inputs were validated by Rappler’s Research and Data team.
Based on last year’s promise tracker, by the end of Marcos’ second year, a few of his promises were underway, including some health projects, and the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. There was also some progress on key infrastructure and legislative reforms.
However, most of his pledges are either still “in progress” or delayed due to legislative or bureaucratic hurdles.
Bookmark this list to track the status of these promises and plans going into the President’s fourth year in office.
Below is a brief overview of the progress of Marcos’ promises so far:
In progress
According to data compiled by Rappler’s coalition partners and its own Research and Data team, many of Marcos’ pledges are being fulfilled.
Partners pointed out how Marcos was able to achieve his promise to uphold the country’s claims on territories and sovereignty. In his SONA last year, he declared firm support for establishing laws on maritime zones and archipelagic sea lanes.
On November 8, 2024, the President signed Republic Act 12064 and Republic Act 12065, which established the Philippine Maritime Zone and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes. In signing these laws, the President expressed hope that they would strengthen domestic legislation and enable the country to continue defending its territory.
Other key achievements include advancements in climate change mitigation and digitalization.
Notable updates include:
- Foreign direct investments (FDI) inflows rose 38.5% in 2024 to $8.94 billion; April 2025 saw a 7.1% month-on-month rise
- Inflation dropped to 1.4% in June 2025, but rice remains costly and the BBM rice program is limited in reach
- Pasig River Esplanade phases completed and ongoing, including a new riverwalk linked to Fort Santiago
- The new Matatag Curriculum allows flexible class schedules tailored to school capacity
- 135,000 OFWs received aid; DMW expanded partnerships for reintegration and rights protection
Stalled, little to no progress
Despite headline initiatives, progress on critical promises including migrant rights, environmental protection, and education reform remains slow or superficial, with several legislative and structural gaps unaddressed.
Among the crucial promises that had no significant progress are as follows:
- Unemployment rose to 4.1% in April 2025; job quality remains a concern
- No significant movement on the SOGIESC Equality Bill despite growing local support
- Mining investments push through amid continued illegal operations and environmental and community risks
- The House of Representatives passed the national water agency bill, but no Senate counterpart a year later
- 9 in 10 learners can’t understand simple text; teacher mismatch and dropout rates remain high
- Press freedom still “difficult”; red-tagging, harassment, and disappearances continue
- More families victimized by common crimes in Q3 2024 reaching 6.1%, but early 2025 data shows a 26.76% nationwide drop. Focus crimes fell, yet public concern remains.
Redirected, shifted
Meanwhile, other significant promises on transportation and housing faced sudden shifts.
While Rappler’s community partners have noted some gains in infrastructure, investment, and foreign policy, critics highlight slow progress in poverty reduction, education, and agriculture.
Of 64 priority bills, 33 were passed, and more than 20 remained stalled. As Marcos marked the midpoint of his presidency, the administration faces a narrowing window to turn unfinished promises into lasting impact. — Rappler.com