Chinese warships continue to harass Philippine vessels in the areas near the Bajo de Masinloc whichbthey have declared as a 'nature reserve'. (Photo from Times of India)
DEPUTY Speaker Jefferson “Jay” Khonghun of Zambales on Sunday said he looks forward to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s remarks on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying such a message would boost the morale of Filipinos and reaffirm the government’s commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty.
In an interview on dzBB’s Bantay Balita sa Kongreso with Nimfa Ravelo and Isa Avendaño-Umali, Khonghun described the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as one of the country’s most important national issues, saying the President’s remarks on China’s actions against Filipino personnel would be significant to many Filipinos.
According to Khonghun, hearing the President personally speak on the issue would reassure Filipinos and strengthen public confidence.
“Syempre nakakataas ng morale lalong-lalo na kapag ang presidente mismo ang nangunguna sa pagtatanggol sa ating mga kababayan,” Khonghun said.
Beyond the West Philippine Sea, Khonghun said the State of the Nation Address (SONA) also provides an opportunity to outline the administration’s plans for strengthening the economy and creating more jobs during the remainder of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term.
“Syempre ang Pilipino, ine-expect kung papaano mapapagaan ng ating pamahalaan ‘yung buhay ng ating mamamayan, lalong-lalo na sa ekonomiya, lalong-lalo na sa kung papaano nila mabibigyan ng trabaho ang mga Pilipino,” he said.
On the part of the House of Representatives, Khonghun said the lower chamber will continue prioritizing legislation that benefits Filipinos once Congress resumes work after the SONA.
Among the measures he identified are bills aimed at strengthening agriculture, supporting the economy, and addressing other pending legislative priorities, including proposals affecting the timing of future barangay elections.
“Dire-diretso lang ang trabaho ng Kongreso, lalong-lalo na sa paggawa ng batas,” Khonghun said.
President Marcos is scheduled to deliver his fifth SONA before a joint session of Congress on Monday, where he is expected to report on his administration’s accomplishments over the past year and lay out his plans and priorities for the remainder of his term.
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