President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for a critical reevaluation of nuclear energy production and unveiled an expansive national transportation infrastructure program, signaling an ambitious dual agenda to secure the Philippines’ long-term energy independence and alleviate commuter burdens. In his State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa, Marcos candidly attributed the country's energy emergency and high domestic fuel prices to global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. “Perhaps it is time for us to revisit nuclear energy production,” he stated, a declaration that underpinned his administration's strategic pivot towards diversified and robust energy sources.
This comprehensive vision directly confronts some of the most persistent challenges facing Filipino households and the national economy. With electricity costs remaining among the highest in Southeast Asia and millions grappling with inadequate, often expensive, public transportation, the President’s proposals aim to fundamentally reshape the daily lives of citizens and the nation’s economic trajectory. The pursuit of nuclear power, alongside a multi-billion-dollar commitment to modernizing and expanding transport networks, represents a high-stakes bet on large-scale foundational changes designed to foster stability and growth.
Marcos expressed strong confidence in nuclear power’s potential to not only bolster the nation’s energy autonomy but also to substantially reduce the crippling electricity costs that weigh heavily on consumers. He sought to address inherent public apprehension by vowing rigorous safety measures and a concerted effort to clearly explain the benefits of nuclear power, emphasizing that nuclear technology already plays a role in diverse sectors from medicine and agriculture to water filtration and plastic upcycling. The administration’s strategic timeline, outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan, targets the commissioning of the country’s first nuclear plant as early as 2027, projecting 1,200 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2032, and an ambitious escalation to 4,800 megawatts by 2050. This timeline indicates a serious intent to transition from theoretical discussions to tangible implementation.
Beyond nuclear, the President highlighted a broader energy diversification strategy. This includes the resumption of drilling operations at the Malampaya gas field, following the extension of its service contract until 2039, which has confirmed an untapped reserve of 222 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Marcos termed this discovery a "national treasure," capable of powering 1.6 million households for eight years. Further broadening the energy mix, 14 new petroleum service contracts have been awarded, with four specifically earmarked for hydrogen production. Hydrogen power plants are already in pre-development across several regions, with a particular focus on serving off-grid communities.
In parallel, Marcos urged Congress to fast-track legislation aimed at expanding rooftop solar adoption, further integrating renewable and indigenous sources into the national grid. In a move designed to directly benefit consumers, he called for an immediate amendment to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to prohibit the contentious practice of charging "systems loss" to consumers, a demand that drew one of the longest standing ovations of his address. This array of initiatives underscores a multifaceted approach to achieving energy security and affordability.
Complementing his energy agenda, President Marcos unveiled an expansive and accelerated program for transportation infrastructure, specifically designed to alleviate severe commuter woes and foster broader economic growth. He noted that rising fuel prices have compelled more Filipinos to rely on public transport, necessitating heavy government investment in trains, busways, transport hubs, integrated terminals, airports, and seaports. A centerpiece of this plan is the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7), with 12 stations slated for partial operation by next year. This long-awaited rail line promises to significantly enhance connectivity between northern Metro Manila and Bulacan, aiming to serve nearly a million commuters daily, ultimately extending from North Avenue to Sacred Heart, Quezon City, and eventually to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
Further extending the country’s railway network, Marcos announced that the North-South Commuter Railway is expected to see trains running between Valenzuela and Malolos next year, with the ambitious goal of completing the line up to Clark in Pampanga before his term concludes in 2028. Beyond railways, the President touted progress in bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, noting that the first phase of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit is already operational, and a similar project in Ilocos Norte is set for inauguration next year.
A significant component of the transportation modernization is an aggressive push for electric vehicles (EVs). The government has set a target for half of all vehicles in the Philippines to be electric by 2040, a bold commitment to sustainable mobility. To accelerate this transition, tariffs on EVs have been removed until 2028, a measure intended to reduce market prices and encourage wider adoption. Furthermore, government agencies have been mandated to prioritize EVs in their fleet replacement plans. Innovative solutions, such as electric ferry boats for the Pasig River Ferry Service, were also highlighted, showcasing a comprehensive approach to integrating electric mobility across various transport modes. Marcos also underscored the successful rehabilitation of critical bridges along the Maharlika Highway in Eastern Visayas, including the iconic San Juanico Bridge, Liloan Bridge, and Calbiga Bridge. These vital links, now restored, are crucial for enhancing connectivity, facilitating trade, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods and people across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The call to reconsider nuclear energy carries significant historical weight in the Philippines. The country possesses a dormant nuclear power plant, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, a relic from the elder Marcos’s administration. Completed in 1984 at a cost of $1.9 billion, the plant was controversially mothballed by President Corazon Aquino in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster and persistent safety concerns, notably its location in an earthquake-prone region, coupled with widespread allegations of corruption surrounding its construction. Marcos Jr.’s administration faces the complex task of overcoming this deeply entrenched public skepticism and historical baggage as it champions nuclear power as a clean, cost-effective alternative.
This current push for nuclear power also aligns with a broader energy diversification strategy that gained traction during the previous Duterte government, which had already begun exploring options to revive the Bataan plant or build new facilities. The ongoing global energy crunch, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, has lent new urgency to these discussions, providing a pragmatic impetus for the government to re-evaluate all potential sources of energy independence and price stability.
President Marcos’s fifth State of the Nation Address painted a picture of a nation striving for profound foundational changes aimed at energy independence and modern infrastructure. The twin pillars of nuclear energy and expansive transport networks present a complex interplay of challenges and opportunities that will test the administration's resolve and capacity for execution. The coming years will reveal the true efficacy of these ambitious plans and their ultimate impact on the lives of millions of Filipinos across the archipelago.