[ANALYSIS] Marcos Faces Legislative Challenges Ahead of SONA 2026

As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approaches his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the political terrain has shifted dramatically. His legislative influence has markedly diminished, with only one of his 52 priority bills passed in the past year.

This year marks a stark contrast to previous years, where he reported multiple accomplishments during his addresses. The only legislation to make it through Congress this year was the rescheduling of the Bangsamoro elections, highlighting a slowdown in legislative productivity.

Legislative Landscape and Internal Struggles

The Senate, now under the tumultuous leadership of Alan Peter Cayetano, has seen significant disruptions, including a chaotic leadership transition marked by a coup. This instability has hindered the passage of key legislation, leaving many of Marcos' proposed measures stuck in limbo.

‘Virtually no legislative work was accomplished — no anti-dynasty bill, no freedom of information measure,’

Political Analyst, Source

Marcos’ administration has faced mounting pressures as a more aggressive Senate minority challenges his agenda. The minority bloc has expanded from just two members to eleven, indicating a significant shift in the Senate's balance of power. This change comes after disappointing midterm election results for the President's party, which saw Duterte-allied candidates gain ground.

In the House of Representatives, led by Marcos' son, Sandro, 20 out of 51 priority bills made it past the lower chamber. However, they faced substantial delays in the Senate, further complicating the legislative process.

Marcos is entering a critical phase of his presidency, needing to regain control over Congress and secure support for his administration's priority measures. With the clock ticking down to the next elections, his ability to navigate these challenges will define his legacy.