Sona 2026: Catholic religious superiors remind Marcos: ‘Nation seeks justice’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reads the text of his State of the Nation Address on Sunday, July 26, 2026. (Photo from Presidential Communications Office / Facebook) MANILA, Philippines — The Conference of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP) called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to “govern with humility, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the common good.” Through its Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission, the CMSP, together with its mission partners, pointed out in a statement on Monday, July 27, that the “nation seeks not merely progress but justice.” READ: Sona 2026 Live Updates: President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address Article continues after this advertisement “We respectfully but firmly urge you to place the poor before privilege, to choose transparency over secrecy, to strengthen institutions rather than personalities, to defend truth against misinformation, and to uphold justice over political convenience,” it said. The CMSP also asked Marcos “to safeguard our sovereignty and our common home and to ensure accountability for every public official entrusted with the people’s resources” as it stressed that Filipinos “seek leaders who listen to the cries of the poor.” READ: Sona 2026: Marcos’ EOs show where he used presidential power most “The Filipino people do not seek perfect leaders. They seek leaders […] who govern with honesty, who welcome accountability, who reject corruption, who defend truth, and who possess the courage to place the nation above personal, political, or partisan interests,” it said. Released ahead of Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address, the conference’s statement pointed out that the state of the nation is not ultimately measured by economic growth, infrastructure works, or promises of investments. Article continues after this advertisement “It is measured by whether the poor are lifted up, whether the hungry are fed, whether workers receive just wages, whether farmers and fisherfolk can live with dignity, whether Indigenous Peoples are respected, whether our youth have hope, whether justice reaches the powerless, and whether every Filipino can live in peace, freedom and dignity,” it said. For the CMSP, “history will judge every administration not only by the roads it built or the economy it grew, but by whether it strengthened democratic institutions, upheld the rule of law, protected the vulnerable, respected the rights of Indigenous Peoples, cared for creation, restored public trust, and ensured that justice was never denied to the poor.” /apl Article continues after this advertisement Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. Visit our Sona 2026 live coverage to stay updated with the latest #SONA2026 news and stories.