Senators hope for inclusive growth agenda in Aquino's SONA

MANILA, Philippines - Several senators are looking forward to hearing President Benigno Aquino III's agenda on inclusive growth in his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Senator Loren Legarda said the Aquino administration has made headway in building a "strong economy" and there has been "significant improvement" in areas covering the basic needs and rights of Filipinos.

"I look forward to hearing how the 7.8-percent economic growth will translate to better support for the working middle class, more opportunities for the marginalized sectors, and better services for the poor," she said.

Meanwhile, Senator Alan Cayetano said he expects the President to talk about  the administration's accomplishments in the past and plans for the future in the SONA.

"Although we have already discussed the trickle-down effect of the economy and how the people will feel the benefits of the economic growth, I believe they're working on the programs and policy directions that would not only continue the growth of the economy but have some interventions that will assure that the trickle down of the economy is felt," he said.

Aquino's SONA on Monday will also mark the beginning of the 16th Congress, which will be joined by six neophyte senators: Bam Aquino, Grace Poe, Sonny Angara, Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay, and JV Ejercito.

Records from the Office of the Legislative Bills and Index Service showed a total of 895 bills have been filed for the 16th Congress as of July 18.

Among the 16th Congress,  priority bills are the proposed additional amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), the proposed National Land Use Act, the Magna Carta of the Poor Bill, and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.