SONA3 feedback

Two most applauded SONA 2024 messages of Marcos Jr:

First, this.

“The Philippines cannot waver, cannot yield in the West Philippine Sea. Ito’y hindi kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito”y mananatiling atin hanggang habang nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas.”

This West Philiippine Sea issue was also mentioned in Marcos Jr.’s SONA 1 and SONA 2.

In the midst of escalating Chinese aggression vs our fisherfolk and military, this strong statement not to waver in protecting our West Philippine Sea resonated not only with those present for the SONA 3 but with many of our people.

The acknowledgment of the brave/courageous acts of our military and people in defending our territory also elicited applause not only from those present for SONA 3 but from those who took time to listen and watch SONA 2024.

The second most applauded: on POGO.

“Effective today, all POGOs are banned. I hereby instruct PAGCOR to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of this year.”

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, who called for the banning of the POGOs remarked:

“It is God’s answer to our prayers for what is best for the country. I thank the President for listening to the pleading of the victims of POGO-caused criminality.”

Archbishop Villegas called for continued vigilance from all.

Senator Lisa Hontiveros hailed this Marcos decision on POGO ban “a huge victory for the entire country.”

“POGOs have brought innumerable and unspeakable social ills into the country. I commend the President for his resolute pronouncement,” she said, adding that this is an “important first step” in holding accountable those who facilitated the entry of POGOs and their crimes in the country.

Our Senate hearings will continue to demand accountability. We will also continue to ensure that we strengthen policies that would prevent industries like POGOs from ever emerging again.”

Thanking all of the resource persons – victim-survivors, whistleblowers, and government agencies – who cooperated in the Senate investigation “to expose the mystery surrounding POGOs,” Hontiveros said, “we owe you this victory. And to all POGOs — legal or illegal — goodbye.”

Other feedback related to SONA3 came from various sectors. The critiques centered mostly on what were left out, not mentioned, during the 2024 SONA.

Progressive groups also faulted SONA 3 for leaving out important issues adversely affecting our people and nation such as about human rights, corruption, peace process, taxation, Rice Tariffication Law, agricultural smuggling, the status of wage, security of tenure for workers/attacks against trade unions, “fake” modernization of transportation/proposed cutting of tax on fuel, housing backlog, giving justice to distressed migrant workers, attacks against environment defenders/a just transition to renewable energy.

Some viewed SONA 3 “no extermination” statement and policy on drugs as a loud message/direct criticism of Du30’s EJKs.

The strong statements regarding the Philippines’ safeguarding of the sovereignty and territorial right were also viewed as critical as well of DU30’s open China policy.

The much-applauded ban on POGOs was also considered as a direct break of this administration from Du30 in whose term the POGOs were allowed to open and operate in various parts of the Philippines.

What was not said but was clearly seen by observers was the obvious, clear action and words of the Marcos administration vs their former political allies, the DU30 bloc.

Du30’s daughter did not attend the 2024 SONA. Absent as well were DU30 supporters Bato de la Rosa and Bong Go.

The SONA3 definitely showed the sharp and unmistakable break of the Marcos camp from the Du30s.

What possible scenarios will follow SONA3?

How will China react to the POGO ban and strong statement and stand of Marcos Jr. about the West Philippine Sea?

Is the Du30’s daughter “joke” about her being the “designated survivor” a portent of a pending power-grabbing scenario in progress?