ICYMI: Marcos Highlights Government Accomplishments, Projects during S.O.N.A.

Marking the entry into the final two years of his administration, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. utilized his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) held to confer the government’s accomplishments and projects aimed at rectifying the country’s principal issues.

Held Monday, July 27, at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, Pres. Marcos Jr. commenced the speech by acknowledging and greeting visiting dignitaries, such as Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senate President Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian, senators, House Speaker Faustino Dy III, congressmen and representatives, members of the judiciary, Apostolic Nuncio Charles John Brown, foreign ambassadors and diplomats, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, members of the Cabinet, and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.

On Corruption Involving Flood Control Projects

Pres. Marcos Jr. recalled that one year has passed since he last stood on the central speaker’s rostrum to disclose the corruption regarding flood control projects.

“Gaya ng aking ipinangako sa inyo, nagsagawa tayo ng malawakan at malalimang imbestigasyon, na walang pagkiling kahit kanino man. Masusi nating sinuri, at sinundan kung saan tayo itinuro ng ebidensya,” he stated.

The President further noted that several contractors, high-ranking officials, and government officials have already been arrested.

Furthermore, he revealed that, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, multiple cases against former Speaker Martin Romualdez are nearing filing, and that despite the personal difficulty of the matter, pursuing accountability was necessary.

“Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking pamilya. Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking kaibigan.  Ako ay Pangulo ng Pilipinas at ang tungkulin ko ay sa inyo: ang aking mga kapwa Pilipino.”

Pres. Marcos Jr. added that the government halted the release of public funds intended for allegedly defective, fraudulent, or “ghost” projects that will only wind up in the pockets of corrupt contractors and officials.

He reported that nearly ₱25 billion worth of funds and assets linked to the accused have been recovered, “frozen,” and reserved, with more than ₱8 million already returned to the National Treasury.

As for the local governments (L.G.U.s), the fund threshold has been decreased to nearly ₱58B, for a ‘faster and wider grasp for the people’.

“Ibinuhos natin ang pondo kung saan karapat-dapat at mas kinakailangan: sa mga pangunahing serbisyong ramdam at tiyak na makakatulong sa ating mamamayan,” Pres. Marcos Jr. remarked.

On the Ongoing Middle East Crisis

Shifting to the Middle East crisis, the President stated that more than 12,000 Filipinos have been safely repatriated and more than 140,000 have been provided aid, such as food, financial assistance, medical care, and shelter.

“Pag-uwi sa Pilipinas, sila ay ating tinulungan upang makapagsimula muli sa paghahanapbuhay, sa pamamagitan ng AKSYON Fund at OWWA-Kabuhayan program.”

“Ang iba naman ay nilapit natin sa PESO, o kaya’y sinama natin sa Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa job fairs. Samantalang ang iba ay tinulungan nating makapag-hanapbuhay muli sa ibang bansa.”

Marcos added that teachers who are Overseas Filipino Workers (O.F.W.s) will be drafted into public schools, where they are highly needed.

On the matter of international relations, the government ensured an adequate oil supply for the country’s needs.

“Sa kabila ng pagsara ng Strait of Hormuz ay nagawa nating makabili at makapag-angkat mula sa ibang pagkukunang bansa, tulad ng Japan, South Korea, Oman, India, maging sa Russia, at pati na sa Tsina. Dahil sa mga ito, natiyak natin na sapat ang supply ng bansa na tatagal hanggang halos dalawang buwan.”

Pres. Marcos Jr. has also addressed Iran concerning the thousands of crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.

On Transportation

The President stressed that the transportation crisis has been the most struck by the crisis, and that many Filipinos – drivers, operators, commuters, workers, and businesses – are all drastically affected by the rise of prices of petrol products.

In response, drivers will be provided cash relief from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis (A.I.C.S.) program, along with a ₱10-per-liter diesel subsidy for jeepneys and U.V. Express.

Due to the program, over 1,800,000 drivers have been aided.

“At para lalo pang makatulong nang sabay sa tsuper at pasahero, binuhay natin ang Service Contracting Program para sa pampublikong bus at ang ating mga jeep… Sa ilalim ng sistemang ito, ang kwalipikadong operator o driver ay nakakakuha ng karagdagang kita sa bawat kilometrong tinakbo sa pagserbisyo ng mga pasahero.”

For commuters, on the other hand, Pres. Marcos Jr. stated that free rides will be implemented, which were further backed-up by several government agencies using their vehicles.

In addition, if the rides are not free, a 20% discount will be imposed on the fee, which is separate from the existing 20% discount for students, senior citizens, and P.W.D.S., amounting to a 40% discount for priority passengers.