Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III emphasized on Wednesday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) should focus on the accomplishments of his administration.
“Ito po ay pangatlong SONA na ni President Bongbong Marcos. So dapat achievements na ang marinig natin dito,” Pimentel remarked in an ambush interview.
“In the first SONA, we heard plans. In the second SONA, it was about laying the groundwork. Itong pangatlong SONA, dapat achievements na po. Lalo na doon sa mga departamentong binigyan ng malalaking halaga sa budget,” he added.
Pimentel highlighted key issues he expects to be addressed, including the prices of food, particularly rice, the progress of the housing projects, and the stance on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
“Number one, ang concern ng taumbayan siyempre agriculture. Pagkain, presyo ng mga bilihin, presyo ng mga pagkain, lalo na ng presyo ng isang kilo ng bigas. So we need to hear from the President sa laki ng halagang binubuhos sa agriculture ano na ang naging resulta,” Pimentel stated.
One of Marcos’ campaign promises was to lower the price of rice to P20 per kilogram.
Pimentel also expressed his doubts about the targets set by the Department of Housing and is eager for a report on the progress of the housing projects.
“I really had my doubts dun sa targets na in-announce ng Department of Housing. I want to hear a report. Ano na ang nangyari sa housing?” he questioned.
Earlier this month, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar admitted the challenge of meeting the target of six million housing units by 2028.
Lastly, Pimentel hopes for a surprising announcement from Marcos regarding a new policy to ban POGOs.
“Sana gulatin tayo ng Presidente with the surprise announcement of his—kasi Bagong Pilipinas siya nang Bagong Pilipinas—meron siyang bagong polisiya tungkol sa POGO. Ihinto niya na yan,” Pimentel said.
“Bagong polisiya nga sa POGO. I-ban na po natin ‘yang POGO. ‘Yan ang tunay na magbabago nang kaunti sa kalagayan at itsura ng Pilipinas sa ngayon,” he added.
Pimentel mentioned that he would deliver a contra-SONA if he “feels that it is far from the truth.”
Meanwhile, he expects Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to outline the priorities committed to the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), though he cautions against attempting to tackle all 28 priority bills.
“I agree with his earlier pronouncement na mag target na lang kami. ‘Yung mga contentious masyado, ipaubaya na natin ‘yon sa next set of legislators kasi dahil contentious ‘yung issue, i-discuss niya during the campaign para ‘yung taumbayan indirectly namimili na rin sila kung sino ‘yung pabor (sa mga bills). Kung pabor sila sa issue na yon, botohin nila ‘yung mambabatas na pabor dun sa issue na gusto nila,” Pimentel said.
Congress will commence its third regular session on Monday, July 22, with Marcos delivering his third SONA in the afternoon.