By Helen Castaño | 11:05 AM July 28, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado expressed optimism over President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (Sona), describing it as a message delivered at a time when the Philippines is facing significant domestic and global challenges.
In a statement, Aumentado said the President addressed the nation amid rising fuel prices brought about by the conflict in the Middle East, declining public trust in government, political divisions, and continuing threats to the country’s territorial sovereignty.
The governor also acknowledged what he described as the President’s courage in discussing sensitive issues, including the accountability being faced by his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and challenges within his own administration.
“I can only imagine how difficult it was for the President to report before the nation about the accountability being faced by his own cousin, the former Speaker of the House, and to openly acknowledge issues within his own administration. That took courage, and credit should be given where it is due,” Aumentado said.
Among the highlights of the President’s address, Aumentado welcomed the announced tax cuts, the removal of tariffs on electric vehicles, and the continued push for renewable and alternative energy sources.
He said these policies could provide long-term benefits for ordinary Filipinos.
However, the governor said he had hoped the President would announce more concrete programs aimed at strengthening the country’s tourism industry and increasing tourist arrivals, especially amid ongoing global uncertainties.
“Tourism remains one of the strongest drivers of local economies like Bohol,” Aumentado said.
Despite his concerns, Aumentado said he believes in the President’s sincerity and his desire to leave a meaningful legacy.
He expressed hope that by the end of Marcos’ term, the country would enjoy higher public trust and better overall conditions than it does today.
The governor also said the opening portion of the President’s Sona offered hope that Filipinos could unite behind the shared goal of good governance.
Aumentado concluded by urging the public to respect the President’s decisions, saying they should be viewed in the context of reducing political divisions.
“More than politics, what the Filipino people need today is unity, stability, and a government focused on delivering results,” he said.
