The valedictory SONA is the outgoing president's final report on the cumulative state of the nation viewed from the presidential prism. Notwithstanding any missteps, President Cory Aquino remains the unchallenged icon of democracy. In his last SONA, President Aquino reported that the campaign netted, among others, three senators who were detained and a former president who was confined under hospital arrest. Also struck down was the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), a stimulus package approved by President Aquino without legislative authorization cover. President Aquino challenged China's spurious claims over the West Philippine Sea and won a decisive arbitral award.

Source: Manila Times July 21, 2021 15:00 UTC