Cebu execs hail SONA

CEBU, Philippines — Local officials in Cebu, led by Governor Pamela Baricuatro, welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying its priorities are aligned with the province's development agenda, while a labor group criticized the speech for falling short of proposing long-term structural reforms.

Baricuatro said she was pleased that the President emphasized strengthening disaster preparedness, noting that the issue is particularly relevant to Cebu following a series of recent calamities.

“I welcome them as they align with our priorities in Cebu and the needs on the ground, including those affecting Cebuanos. I am particularly glad that strengthening disaster response was mentioned, especially given Cebu’s experience during recent calamities,” Baricuatro said.

She also welcomed the administration's focus on food security and agriculture, as well as proposed economic relief measures, including expanded income tax exemptions and the removal of systems loss charges from electricity bills.

Baricuatro added that the President's commitment to expanding healthcare programs is consistent with her administration's priorities.

“More than anything, since healthcare is my priority, the expansion of health programs, including Universal Healthcare, Yakap, and additional Philheath coverage is a welcome development,” the governor said.

Vice Governor Glenn Soco described the President's address as "informative and comprehensive," particularly its emphasis on accountability in government.

“At the outset of his message, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to curbing corruption. I sincerely hope that this commitment will translate into decisive action by holding accountable all those responsible, regardless of rank, position, or political affiliation. Doing so would help restore the people’s trust and confidence in government and reinforce the principle that no one is above the law,” Soco said.

Soco also welcomed the administration's proposed tax relief measures for individuals and businesses.

“Measures such as tax relief, exemptions from the minimum corporate income tax, and the proposal to eliminate “systems loss” charges are significant steps toward easing the financial burden borne by the Filipinos,” Soco said.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia "Cindi" King-Chan, who attended the SONA with her husband, Lapu-Lapu Lone District Rep. Junard "Ahong" Chan, expressed support for the administration's proposals to reduce electricity costs and provide tax relief.

She backed the proposed amendment to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) that would prohibit the passing on of systems loss charges to electricity consumers.

“Dili ang ordinaryong konsumidor ang angay mopas-an sa pagkawala o kakulangan sa sistema. Ang katawhan nagbayad sa hustong serbisyo, dili sa mga inefficiencies nga wala nila’y labot,” King-Chan said.

The mayor also welcomed the proposal to increase the income tax exemption threshold to P350,000 annually.

“Dako kini og tabang sa atong mga mamumuo. Mas dako ang ilang madala pauli sa ilang pamilya, ug mas daghan ang magamit alang sa adlaw-adlaw nga panginahanglan,” she said.

King-Chan described the proposed tax exemption as "a practical and compassionate measure" that would increase workers' take-home pay and help families cope with rising living costs.

Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano likewise welcomed the President's policy directions, saying they complement the city's own development initiatives.

“We welcome the President’s SONA and appreciate the administration’s focus on initiatives that directly improve the lives of Filipinos,” Ouano said.

He said Mandaue supports efforts to lower electricity costs, expand renewable energy, provide tax relief, strengthen education and healthcare, and invest in workforce development.

Ouano also cited the city's Libreng Sakay Program, saying additional buses, including electric units, will soon be deployed.

“Here in Mandaue, we have already implemented our own Libreng Sakay Program and will soon expand it with additional buses, including electric buses, to provide safer, more accessible, and more sustainable transport for our people,” he said.

The mayor expressed hope that the commitments announced during the SONA would be translated into concrete programs, stressing that close collaboration between the national government and local government units is vital to delivering better public services.

Labor group concerns

Despite welcoming some of the administration's proposals, Partido Manggagawa-Sentro Cebu (PM-Sentro Cebu) said the President's address focused heavily on short-term assistance rather than long-term economic reforms.

In a statement, PM-Sentro Cebu spokesperson Dennis Derige said the speech highlighted subsidies, cash assistance, tax relief, and emergency interventions but lacked a comprehensive strategy for creating stable employment and transforming the economy.

“Ayuda is not a development strategy,” Derige said.

He said the President failed to tackle major labor concerns, including ending contractualization, implementing a meaningful nationwide wage increase, establishing a stronger public employment program, and adopting an industrial policy that would generate quality jobs.

Derige also noted that the President did not mention the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190, which seeks to protect workers from violence and harassment in the workplace.

While the group welcomed the proposed expansion of income tax exemptions for middle-income earners, it argued that tax reforms should also require wealthy individuals and large corporations to contribute more through progressive taxation.

PM-Sentro Cebu also welcomed the administration's plan to expand PhilHealth benefits but said the initiative should be backed by adequate government funding and stronger public health services.

The labor group further criticized the absence of any discussion on the country's water crisis, saying access to safe and affordable water should be treated as a basic human right rather than a commodity.

On energy, Derige welcomed the proposed amendments to the EPIRA, particularly the move to stop passing systems loss charges to consumers, but questioned whether the administration has the political will to pursue deeper reforms that would address the country's persistently high electricity costs.

The group also expressed concern over the government's renewed push for nuclear power, citing possible risks related to imported technology, fuel dependence, and radioactive waste management.

PM-Sentro Cebu likewise questioned the promotion of the Pax Silica initiative, saying major projects should undergo public consultation and clearly explain their environmental, developmental, and geopolitical implications.

“Development cannot be measured only by investment figures and corporate opportunities,” Derige said.

He maintained that the President's address offered immediate relief measures but fell short of presenting the structural reforms needed to address poverty, inequality, and economic insecurity.

“Filipinos deserve more than temporary ayuda. They deserve living wages, secure employment, accountable public services, and a sustainable development path,” Derige said.— Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon (FREEMAN)