By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
UNDOUBTEDLY, President Bongbong Marcos ignited what can be termed as “SONA mania” following his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 22.
His positions on three contentious issues — the war on drugs, the West Philippines Sea (WPS), and the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) — were commendable, garnering a series of roaring applause and three standing ovations from the Congress audience during his 85-minute national address.
On social media, netizens praised President Marcos’ impactful statements:
* war on drugs – “Our bloodless war on dangerous drugs adheres, and will continue to adhere, to the established ‘8 Es’ of an effective anti-illegal drugs strategy,” and that “extermination was never one of them.”
* WPS – “Ang West Philippines Sea ay hindi kathang-isip lamang, ito ay sa atin.”
* POGO – “Effective today (July 22), all POGOs are banned! Thus, I hereby instruct PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) to wind down and cease the operation of POGOs by the end of the year.”
These statements significantly bolstered the President’s popularity among Filipino citizens and netizens alike. Even Negros Occidental’s Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, presidential adviser on personal matters, expressed amazement, stating, “These two major issues (WPS and POGO) have both international and national implications, and it’s great to see progress being made on them.”
Overall, the SONA’s content was expertly crafted and delivered with a firm conviction by the President, clearly addressing and taking a strong stance on these sensitive national security matters.
Jalaur Highlighted, NIR Overlooked
Conversely, some political figures in Negros were puzzled by the President’s omission of the Negros Island Region (NIR), especially after the much-anticipated transition following the signing of Republic Act No. 12000, or the NIR Act, on June 13. Meanwhile, the P19-billion Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage 2 (JRMP II) was acknowledged, leaving many to wonder about the oversight.
Negros Occidental 6th District’s Cong. Cheding Alvarez-Lansang made efforts to maintain momentum on the NIR by committing to look into the immediate composition of the technical working group (TWG) up to the fund allotment for NIR in next year’s national budget.
Iloilo City Lone District’s Cong. Jam-jam Baronda highlighted that featuring the mega dam project in the SONA spotlight is a thrilling development for Ilonggos, promising benefits in water, power, food security, and tourism.
Although many Negros representatives remained reticent about the lack of mention of NIR, Frank Carbon, CEO of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), expressed satisfaction with the overall content of Marcos’ SONA. He rationalized, “Even though he didn’t mention NIR in his SONA, we’re still okay. We fully understand that by signing the NIR Act, the President has done his part. Now, let’s do ours.”
Rice Prices and Social Concerns
Baronda also applauded the President’s mention of the rice price issue in his SONA, noting, “Imposing a ceiling on the prices of rice and other commodities, along with rolling out more Kadiwa Centers, are indeed commendable.”
Ferrer supported Baronda’s sentiments, remarking, “The President’s focus on the rising cost of rice, a matter that greatly impacts many Filipinos, shows his commitment to tackling essential issues.”
However, Levy Gelle, a staffer at Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN), criticized the SONA for dedicating 99% to projects and only 1% to social concerns. Contrarily, Baronda refuted Gelle’s critique, highlighting the increased PhilHealth coverage for stroke, pneumonia, and some types of cancer, as well as the removal of approximately 2.5 million Filipinos from the poverty list, as clear indications that government programs are significantly benefiting marginalized sectors.
Awaiting Actions
This year’s SONA maintains a clear direction and a firmer stance on controversial issues, demonstrating a marked eagerness to address urgent concerns. However, the true test remains in the realization of these promises.
Like his earlier pledge regarding a P20 per kilo rice price, the President must now demonstrate resolve on the pressing WPS and POGO issues. His words at the SONA are just a prelude to future actions, which will ultimately be judged by their outcomes.
Let’s wait. Let’s see. Let’s judge later! /PN
