FIRM STANCE ON WPS, POGO BAN, BLOODLESS DRUG WAR HIGHLIGHT PBBM’S 3RD SONA

THE Philippines’ brave stance on West Philippine Sea (WPS), the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), and the bloodless fight against illegal drugs highlighted President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s 3^rd State of the Nation Address on Monday (July 22, 2024).

President Marcos received three standing ovations from the 2,000 people, including lawmakers, who attended his SONA at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

According to Marcos, the Philippines will neither yield nor waver in asserting its rights over the WPS.

“In the face of challenges to our territorial sovereignty, we will assert our rights and interests in the same fair and pacific way that we have always done,” Marcos said.

“Proper diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order remain the only acceptable means of settling disputes,” the Chief Executive added.

The President heeded calls to ban POGOs in tnhe country, an industry marred by controversies and illegal activities.

During his third SONA, Marcos acknowledged that POGOs have already “ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and even murder.

In the war against illegal drugs, the President vowed to continue the bloodless campaign against illicit drugs in the country.

He said the government’s anti-drug drive has so far resulted in the seizure of P44 billion worth of illegal drugs in more than 71,500 operations.

“Our bloodless war on dangerous drugs adheres and will continue to adhere, to the established ‘8 Es’ of an effective anti-illegal drugs strategy. Extermination was never one of them,” Marcos said.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez commended the President for his bold pronouncements on the issue of the WPS, the total ban on POGOs  and stance on illegal drugs.

The leader of the 300-plus members House of Representatives expressed strong support and admiration for Marcos Jr. for delivering a “comprehensive, powerful and uplifting” SONA, particularly praising his decisive stance on national sovereignty, significant economic reforms and commitment to public safety and social stability.

“The President’s declaration that the WPS is rightfully ours is a powerful assertion of our national sovereignty,” Speaker Romualdez said, reacting to the President’s assertion that the WPS is not just an imagination, but a reality belonging to the Philippines.

According to the Speaker, the President’s expression of gratitude to the military, Coast Guard, and fisherfolk for their relentless efforts in defending the WPS “underscores their vital role in upholding national integrity.”

He said the President’s emphasis on using diplomatic channels to resolve territorial disputes “highlights our unwavering commitment to peaceful and lawful means of protecting our interests.”

“The message that the Philippines cannot yield or waver in its stance is crucial for maintaining our national pride and asserting our rightful claims,” he added.

Romualdez commended the President’s decision to ban all POGOs and to instruct the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down POGO operations by the end of the year.

“This bold move underscores the President’s commitment to lawful economic practices,” the Speaker said.

The House chief said that the President tasking the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to find jobs for POGO workers who will be displaced by his directive “shows a compassionate approach to the transition.”

He likewise praised the President’s continued focus on a bloodless war against illegal drugs.

“The President’s stance that extermination is not a policy of this government, along with the significant reduction of drug-affected villages, the interception of billions of pesos worth of illegal drugs, and the high conviction rate of drug offenders, are commendable achievements. This approach ensures community safety while upholding human rights,”Romualdez emphasized.

The Speaker also highlighted the President’s accomplishments, particularly in achieving economic gains.

“President Marcos’ leadership has resulted in significant economic improvements, including job creation, infrastructure development, and advancements in digital infrastructure,” he said.

“His administration’s efforts in agriculture, disaster risk management, and health reforms have been instrumental in uplifting the lives of many Filipinos,” he added.

Speaker Romualdez praised the comprehensive nature of the SONA, covering all critical aspects of national development.

“The President addressed key areas such as economic and health reforms, job creation, digital infrastructure, peace and order, anti-corruption measures, and the power crisis. This holistic approach is essential for the sustainable progress of our nation,” he stressed.

Romualdez assured the full support of the bigger chamber in enacting the necessary legislation to realize the President’s vision.

“We stand ready to work with the administration to pass laws that will bring these plans to fruition. The House is committed to supporting the President’s goals of national sovereignty, economic reform, and public safety,” he said.

The Speaker called on all Filipinos to unite behind the President’s leadership.

“Together, we can achieve the prosperous and progressive Philippines we all aspire for. Let us support President Marcos’ leadership and work towards a brighter future for our nation,” he urged.