Lawmakers, biz groups bare wishlist for President’s 3rd SONA
President Marcos said his third State of the Nation Address will chart the roadmap for his vision of a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) that will redound to the benefit of all Filipinos.
“I can’t wait to share the strides we’ve made and the future we are building for the Filipino people,” Mr. Marcos said over the weekend in a Facebook reel that showed him practicing his speech at the Palace.
Mr. Marcos made last-minute fine-tuning of his speech, which he said must be clear and easy to understand.
Last year’s SONA lasted one hour and 11 minutes while his first SONA on July 25, 2022 was three minutes longer.
The President will wear a Barong Tagalog that was a collaborative work of artisans from Lucban, Quezon; Taal, Batangas; and Aklan.
Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez said he is hoping President Marcos would be able to rekindle a sense of unity among Filipinos on top of building on the progress of his administration’s initiatives during today’s SONA.
“I expect the President to emphasize the importance of unity among all Filipinos, highlighting how collective efforts can lead to national progress,” Romualdez said.
He said he anticipates the President to focus on delivering essential social services, especially the ones that cover social amelioration benefits.
Romualdez said the 19th Congress is prepared to receive and act on the legislative agenda that will be outlined by Mr. Marcos during the SONA, including the policies he would incorporate in the 2025 national budget.
“These initiatives will be crucial in driving our country forward and enhancing the overall quality of life for all Filipinos,” the Speaker said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, for his part, expressed hope that Mr. Marcos would tackle important issues besetting poor Filipinos, primary of which is low wages.
Estrada said the administration should ensure that each Filipino is getting a “living wage” and not just a minimum wage.
“I hope the President will also mention the expansion of social benefits for the poor particularly the programs on education and health, among others. We should guarantee that those without financial capacity would have access to these social services,” Estrada said.
Some 23 organizations representing diverse sectors also urged the President to prioritize the passage of Senate Bill No. 2699, also known as the “Konektadong Pinoy Act” or the “Open Access in Data Transmission Act.”
The bill aims to stimulate private sector and community investment in broadband infrastructure, ultimately expanding internet access for all Filipinos.
Specifically, it seeks to simplify the licensing process for internet network and service providers, accelerate network deployment through infrastructure sharing and streamlined permit approvals, and broaden access to radio spectrum, particularly in rural areas.
The call for prioritizing this legislation came from a broad coalition that includes prominent Philippine business groups, Joint Foreign Chambers, industry associations, and civil society organizations.
Members of the so-called “Young Guns” in the House also bared their wshlist for the President’s SONA.
Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun cited the critical need for continued economic recovery and growth, with focus on job creation and support for micro, small- and medium-enterprises (MSMEs).
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong underscored the importance of infrastructure development for regional growth, particularly in enhancing connectivity and transportation networks.
AKO Bicol party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon underscored the need for climate action and disaster resilience, while La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V noted the importance of agricultural development and food security.
1-Rider party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez cited the need for good governance and anti-corruption measures, promoting transparency and accountability in government operations.
For his part, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte said he expects the President to address anew the conflict between Manila and Beijing in the West Philippine Sea as well as the case of wanted televangelist Apollo Quiboloy.
“He will probably talk again about WPS and Quiboloy, whom they haven’t even found until now. PBBM has no clear platform that addresses domestic issues at present,” Duterte said.
“(But) let’s give him a chance to talk,” he added.
