KEY leaders of the House of Representatives on Monday expressed their strong support and commendation for the bold declarations and notable achievements President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. presented in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In a joint statement, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, and Committee on Appropriations Chair Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co also expressed support and commitment to advancing the President’s agenda in Congress.
Gonzales lauded President Marcos for his resolute stance on national sovereignty and the West Philippine Sea.
“President Marcos has reaffirmed our unyielding commitment to our territorial integrity. His unequivocal statement that ‘the West Philippine Sea is not our imagination, it is ours,’ resonates deeply with the Filipino people,” Gonzales said.
He said the Chief Executive’s emphasis on using proper diplomatic channels to address territorial disputes is “a testament to his pragmatic leadership.”
“As the President rightly pointed out, the Philippines cannot yield and cannot waver. This balanced approach ensures that we uphold our sovereignty while maintaining regional peace and stability,” Gonzales pointed out.
Suarez expressed strong support for the President’s decision to the ban all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) across the country by the end of the year.
“The President’s courageous move to ban POGOs addresses the social and economic issues brought about by these operations,” Suarez pointed out.
“We commend the President for his foresight in instructing PAGCOR to oversee this process and DOLE to ensure that displaced workers are provided with alternative employment opportunities,” he added.
For his part, Dalipe emphasized the success of the Marcos administration’s anti-drug policy.
“The administration’s bloodless war against illegal drugs marks a humane and effective approach to this persistent issue,” Dalipe said.
He continued, “The reduction of drug-affected villages and the high conviction rate of drug offenders reflect the efficacy of our law enforcement agencies. The interception of billions of pesos worth of illegal drugs further demonstrates the administration’s commitment to eradicating this menace without resorting to violence.”
Meanwhile, Co praised President Marcos for his wide-ranging accomplishments, particularly in economic gains and reforms.
“The President has laid out a clear vision for our country’s growth, with significant gains in agriculture; transformative infrastructure projects; and vital economic, education and health reforms,” Co said.
He also highlighted the administration’s efforts in job creation, digital infrastructure, and maintaining peace and order.
“The administration’s initiatives have reduced unemployment, boosted connectivity, and ensured a safer environment,” Co added.
“Comprehensive measures for stable energy supply show the administration’s commitment to addressing our nation’s challenges and achieving progress,” Co added.
