Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
MANILA, Philippines — The Liberal Party (LP) has lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona), but the opposition group said it would continue to monitor whether his promises would be fulfilled.
In a statement sent out by LP spokesperson and former Senator Leila de Lima late Monday night, the party said Marcos’ promises were a welcome development, especially since they have advocated for the banning of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) and a firm stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“The Liberal Party wholeheartedly accepts the announcement of President Bongbong Marcos in his Sona about banning Pogos within our territory. It has been a stand of the party since the administration of Rodrigo Duterte. Regarding this, we congratulate Senator Risa Hontiveros for her fearless and tireless work in revealing the problems brought by Pogos into the country,” it said.
“The party also aligns itself with the position of President Marcos regarding the topic of the West Philippine Sea: This is ours, and it is only correct that we insist on international laws and agreements so that we can get a peaceful resolution,” it added.
According to the LP, they “will continue to watch on the promises of change, and will continue to advocate for issues where the government’s response is lacking.”
Marcos drew standing ovations after he announced a ban on all Pogos and said that the Philippines’ ownership of the WPS is not an imagination.
READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’
READ: Marcos: West Philippine Sea not an imagination, it will always be ours
LP president and Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman acknowledged that Marcos’ Sona was well-delivered, but he said that key details on how the President will implement programs are lacking.
READ: Lagman says Marcos’ Sona well-delivered but lacks key details
On economy
LP also said that Marcos started his Sona on the right foot as he acknowledged the problems faced by Filipinos, like the rising prices of basic goods.
READ: Sona 2024: Marcos admits economic gains mean little with high prices
However, the party agreed with Lagman’s view that details on how to improve the country’s standing on different facets were not provided.
“We also acknowledge the solutions presented by President Marcos regarding the crises in the country. But we just ask that there would be a clearer explanation on where the funds for the infrastructure projects will be sourced from, especially since we come from an administration that explicitly spent public funds, and relied heavily on loans,” LP said.
“There are interventions that clearly need additional action. For example, in responding to the education crisis because it has been proven several times that our students have been left behind. Smuggling and corruption were also mentioned, but what is the solution that addresses this problem? The bloodless drug war is commendable but how about justice for extrajudicial killings victims?” the party asked.
According to the party, there must be a plan on how to improve the Philippines’ economic standing to turn the country into an attractive investment hub.
“Regarding the economy, it is not enough for us to focus only on first-aid solutions for industries. There should be a plan to ensure the growth of businesses, and to assist enterprises affected by rising prices of goods,” LP added.