SONA gets praises from Cebu leaders, criticisms from groups

Comprehensive and satisfying.

CEBU, Philippines — This was how some Cebu leaders described President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday, July 22, 2024, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said he was satisfied that PBBM mentioned numerous pressing issues.

"His SONA was comprehensive, it touched a lot of very important topics from transportation, food security, the business sectors of the society...even the prices on commodities, so it was a very comprehensive report and I was very satisfied with what the president has reported to the nation," said Garcia.

Among those Garcia took note of was the modern mass transport system that Marcos mentioned under other major railway initiatives, including the MRT-7 and the North-South Commuter Railway.

According to Garcia, he is hopeful that such plans will also be cascaded down to other major cities, including Cebu City.

Apart from this, Garcia is optimistic on the establishment of another Super Family Health Center in the city as it was among those laid down by the President to expand through the partnership with the local government units (LGU).

Further, following Marcos’ order for the immediate closure of POGOs, Garcia said he has yet to determine if there is an active and operating POGO in Cebu City. However, he added that he is not discounting the possibility that there could be unlicensed ones operating within the city’s jurisdiction.

“But in terms of legal ones, di man gud kita gahatag ana og mga permits although mu-agi pud na nato kay naa may mga business permits, but that really comes from PAGCOR, but as long as mo undang na og issue og permits ang POGO then ma undang na gyud na siya,” said Garcia.

Further, according to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, the SONA was realistic and strong.

“The SONA gave us a very comprehensive view of the national government's accomplishments so far, it was very realistic of PBBM's mission and direction for our country.  It was strong and unwavering, very much like our President,” said Cortes.

Cortes said that it is also a promise of the things that the public can expect from this administration in the years to come.

“I was particularly touched by how emotionally invested PBBM was on the West Philippine Sea issue. He speaks and feels for all Filipinos,” the mayor added.

This was also seconded by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Ahong Chan who said he was pleased that Marcos tackled a lot of important issues, and assured that they are behind the President's plans.

“Among isiguro nga mamahimo kaming kabahin sa tanan nimong kalampusan aron padayon kining matagamtaman sa kinatibuk-ang katawhang Pilipinhon ug magpuyo nga malinawon ug malipayon dinhi sa atong Bagong Pilipinas. Once again, congratulations PBBM sa malampusong State of the Nation Address 2024!” said Chan in his Facebook post.

Second district Board Member Stanley Caminero told The Freeman that Marcos Jr. has fulfilled his duties as a president, while Sixth District Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco said with the action plans mentioned by the President, hopefully more economic growth can be expected, particularly for Cebu.

"This year's SONA is comprehensive and holds a lot of promise. It is noteworthy that under PBBM's administration, poverty incidence has significantly improved.  We are looking forward to seeing more sustained economic growth and tangible developments in the years to come, especially for our Island Province of Cebu."

For Mandaue City Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, she said she witnessed a powerful SONA.

“It was a feel good SONA, powerfully delivered by the President. I thank him for the sincere efforts in trying to address the issues of food security and prices of basic commodities. Dapat adunay impact sa ordinaryong Pilipino ang paglambo sa atong ekonomiya, just as I am happy to note sa dako nga increase sa benefits sa Philhealth kay daghan kaayo ang matabangan ani,” said Ouano-Dizon.

Another highlight she said is the added benefits that teachers will start receiving next year, which is a huge morale booster.

“But what stood out for me that makes me proud of this Administration is the President's resolve to defend the West Philippone Sea as ours, and ban POGOs immediately with all its attendant problems. It is about time we stand firmly for what is right,” Ouano-Dizon added.

Cause-oriented groups

Meanwhile, several groups also expressed their frustration in the Marcos administration.

Earlier in the day, BAYAN Central Visayas together with various peoples’ organization conducted a "People’s SONA" preceding Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 's 3rd SONA.

BAYAN Central Visayas together with Sugboanong Mamumuo nga Nagkahiusa alang sa Living o SANA-ALL (Cebuano Workers United for Living) conducted a mass mobilization yesterday.

Groups under BAYAN CenVis began their program at Fuente Osmeña and marched to Metro Colon and converged with other groups the "People’s SONA".

“Surely, there is change under the Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte Administration, but not for the better. The Filipino people continue to suffer under Marcos Jr. Administration as it continues to prioritize personal interests over the genuine needs and demands of the masses,” shared by BAYAN Central Visayas Chairperson Jaime Paglinawan.

Workers under SANA-ALL criticized the "sloppy and inefficient work of the Marcos administration in providing living wages for workers, job security, and humane working conditions despite these being in our fundamental laws, specifically, Article XIII, Section 3 of the 1987 constitution explicitly provides that the State shall guarantee the right of all workers to job security, humane working conditions, and a living wage.”

Another failure, according to the group, is Marcos Jr. administration's its failure to address the rising prices of basic commodities "instead of the promised 20 pesos per kilo of rice, the price of rice in the country has instead tripled."

Education, the group said, remains inaccessible as tuition fees and higher school fees uncontrollably increase. The group noted data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), saying there are 10.7 million Filipino youth who are currently out of school.

Paglinawan said that the transportation sector remains to be under attack as modernization for the interests of the big business tycoons have been prioritized over the need for public transportation. — (FREEMAN)