Executive Secretary Ralph Recto defends President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the Davao Region one day after he delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA). Recto says the trip reflects the President’s governance style, which he describes as driven by public need and carried out without favoritism. In a statement issued Wednesday, Recto argues that the President does not choose locations selectively or “play favorites,” but instead goes to places where assistance is required. He links the visit to the inspection of government projects and the provision of support to local government units (LGUs). Both reports present Recto’s position that the engagements planned for the Davao trip are grounded in what residents and LGUs require rather than any political considerations. The coverage focuses on Recto’s explanation of the purpose and rationale of the President’s post-SONA schedule and his characterization of it as impartial and need-based.