MANILA, Philippines – The Senate Minority has committed to supporting the legislative priorities of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, this includes measures related to maritime zones, the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law, and the law granting legal personality to the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, with Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, stated their readiness to cooperate in passing laws to strengthen the Philippines’ territorial integrity.
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“In conclusion, I believe the President delivered his best SONA so far. We may not be political allies, we may not see eye-to-eye in our proposed solutions to our country’s most pressing and serious problems, but that SONA delivered by the President convinced me of these things: that President Marcos loves his country and that he is trying his best,” he said.
He also reiterated their commitment to fulfilling their role as a “check and balance” in the Senate and working towards a just, equitable, progressive, and safe society.
“The Senate Minority, with the permission of my partner [Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros], is ready to cooperate with the President in the passage of the legislative measures he requested in the SONA,” Pimentel said.
Moreover, Pimentel commended President Marcos for fulfilling his constitutional duties and for his effective speech highlighting the decision to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
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Meanwhile, Pimentel also emphasized the need to address flood control. He urged the public to avoid littering and to contractors to avoid conflicts of interest by staying out of politics.
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