PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to continue the administration’s “bloodless” war on drugs, emphasizing that “extermination” was never part of the strategy.
During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22, the President declared, “The bloodless war against illegal drugs will continue to be effective. Extermination was never, and will never be, part of our approach.”
Prior to the president’s SONA on Monday, a video was released showing allegedly the President taking what appeared to be a powdery substance. This prompted Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. to order a thorough investigation to identify and hold responsible those behind the circulation of what he described as a fake video.
Marcos highlighted a significant reduction in drug-affected barangays across the country, citing a 32 percent decrease.
He stressed the importance of building trust between law enforcement and the community, stating, “Our law enforcers need the trust of the people. While we’ve seen a decrease in crime rate and improvement in crime solutions, these are not enough. Our efforts must continue.”
Turning to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) counter-insurgency operations, the President reported, “There are no active guerrilla fronts remaining, only seven weakened ones.”
He also mentioned that former rebels have now joined the ranks of the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP), a testament to the government’s amnesty program for former insurgents launched last November.
On the issue of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Marcos reiterated the country’s unwavering stance, stating, “This is not a figment of our imagination. This is ours and it will remain ours.”
He expressed gratitude to the Philippine Coast Guard and the AFP for their dedication to safeguarding the country’s territorial waters, saying, “To those who protect and fish in the WPS, accept the gratitude of our nation.”
Climate action and disaster preparedness
In a significant move, Marcos called on Congress to pass legislation enabling the Philippines to join the board of the international “Loss and Damage Fund,” a mechanism to address climate-related disasters.
He also highlighted ongoing preparations for the La Niña phenomenon, including the construction of evacuation centers and the activation of a Disaster Response Command Center.
Infrastructure and connectivity
The President announced major infrastructure updates, including the CLLEX, NLEX-SLEX Connector, and Plaridel Bypass by year-end.
He also detailed progress on the Metro Manila Subway Project, MRT-7, and North-South Commuter Railway.
Marcos reiterated his commitment to expanding internet access through the free Wi-Fi program and ongoing infrastructure development.
Healthcare and Social Services
Marcos touted increased PhilHealth benefits for critical illnesses like stroke and pneumonia, as well as the construction of “Super Health Centers” by local governments.
He emphasized continued vaccination efforts for children and school feeding programs.
Energy and agriculture
The President urged Congress to review the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), aiming to lower electricity costs through infrastructure investments.
He also announced plans to revitalize irrigation for 38,000 hectares of land and make Kadiwa stalls, which offer affordable agricultural products, and permanent fixtures nationwide.
Poverty alleviation and economic reforms
Marcos reported that 2.5 million Filipinos have been lifted out of poverty under his administration.
He also announced the immediate ban of all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), instructing PAGCOR to wind down operations by year-end.
Marcos ended his SONA around 5:27 p.m. on Monday, longer than his previous two reports to the public.
DCPO chief on SONA
“We are fully prepared for any demonstrations. We recognize that they are a part of freedom of speech and expression, and we support that. However, all freedoms have limits, and we advise participants to bring umbrellas as it might rain and to stay safe. The DCPO police will be present to ensure everyone’s safety,” Col Hansen Marantan said in an interview on Monday, the acting DCPO director.
“In an earlier interview, Acting CD of DCPO, Marantan, shared his thoughts on PBBM’s SONA: ‘It’s all been covered in the media. I believe the President has addressed where we were, where we are now, and where we are going. The SONA is a constitutional mandate for the President to report on his accomplishments, ongoing work, and future plans. We fully support him.'”
Moreover, Senator Bong Go says former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is in Davao when asked if the latter would attend the 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Bongbong Marcos set today, Monday, July 22, 2024.
Duterte has earlier told reporters that he was not invited to Marcos’ SONA.“Hindi ko nga alam kung imbitado ako. I am not even sure if I’ll be allowed to go around building dyan. Tabuyin ka ng security. Hindi man ako naimbita noon so I do not expect to be invited. Baka hindi ako karapat-dapat nandoon,” says the ex-leader in a press conference in June.
