Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, a fierce defender of patriotism and clean governance, expressed full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday calling it firm, honest, and long overdue.

 

“For once, we have a President who’s not pretending everything is okay. He’s facing the mess and  cleaning it up,” Goitia said in a post-SONA interview.

 

He was referring to the President’s candid remarks on corruption in government infrastructure projects, particularly in flood control. Marcos admitted cartels are operating within the system and promised they would be dismantled.

 

“That was a powerful moment,”  Goitia said. “Flood control has become a dirty business for far too long. The money meant to protect lives is being pocketed. The fact that the President called that out in front of the nation shows he’s serious about cleaning up.”

 

Goitia, a long-time public servant and advocate for institutional reform, said the President’s speech reflected a clear sense of direction. No drama. No empty slogans. Just work.

 

“He laid out what’s been done and what still needs fixing. He didn’t sugarcoat anything. He just told the truth,” Goitia explained.

 

He praised the administration’s progress in infrastructure, especially the continued rollout of Build Better More, and how people are now feeling the results.

 

“You can criticize all you want, but the airports, the trains, the roads, the terminals—those are real. They’re not drawings or press releases. That’s progress you can see,” he added.

 

On foreign policy and national defense, Goitia stood by Marcos’ approach of working with allies while asserting the country’s sovereignty.

 

“This isn’t about being submissive. It’s about being strategic. We don’t have the luxury of time to stay neutral and reactive. Marcos is standing his ground, and that matters,” he said.

 

What also stood out to Goitia was the President’s focus on long-term reforms in agriculture, education, and digital services. While others are busy preparing for the next election, Marcos is thinking about the kind of Philippines the next generation will inherit.

 

“He’s not performing to get cheers. He’s laying foundations for the future,” Goitia noted.

 

In a time filled with noise and political showmanship, Goitia believes President Marcos is doing something rare—leading with calm, focus, and a sense of responsibility.

 

“This wasn’t just a speech. It was a wake-up call. And it sent a clear message. The President is not here to entertain. He’s here to deliver.”

 

Dr. Goitia is the Chairman Emeritus of four civic-oriented groups: the Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement. (Marisa Son)