President Marcos to Unveil Financial Growth Strategy in SONA 2023

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - As the Philippines gears up for its annual political highpoint, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his second State of the Nation Address (SONA 2023) on Monday, July 24. Senators, key representatives, and the Filipino public eagerly await a thorough and realistic report outlining the present administration's successes, challenges, stance on pertinent social issues, and the progression of various initiatives under the leadership of President Marcos.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada expressed keen interest in the President's vision and future plans, particularly concerning job creation, poverty alleviation, strategies for propelling economic growth and handling security threats, notably China's aggressive posture within the West Philippine Sea. This reflects the emphasis on the keywords such as “SONA 2023”, “President”, “Philippines”, “President Marcos”, “Economic Growth”, and “Employment”.

As the chair of the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment and the Committee on National Defense, Senator Estrada expressed his hope for the inclusion of some of his prioritized measures in the SONA 2023. These key legislative proposals include the E-Government Act (SB 455), aimed at bolstering digital governance, the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Act (SB 2016) to enhance maritime defense, and the Apprenticeship Training Act (SB 1083), designed to boost vocational education and job creation in the country.

One of the high-priority legislative measures is the proposed National Defense Act, which seeks to amend the National Defense Act of 1935. The proposed changes aim to create a more dynamic military structure within the Armed Forces of the Philippines to effectively respond to the country's current and future non-conventional security threats, thereby preserving the nation's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Echoing these sentiments, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero emphasized his expectations for the SONA 2023. He expressed his desire to hear updates from President Marcos on what the current administration has accomplished and what still needs to be done. Senator Escudero expressed that the SONA should serve not just as a platform to report the achievements, but also to awaken and sometimes even shock the public into realizing the bitter truths that the nation faces.

In Senator Escudero's view, President Marcos deserves to celebrate his victories, but he should also prepare the people for the challenging work that lies ahead. He emphasized that the country's struggles should be brought to light to initiate healing and progress, preventing the SONA from becoming a mere recital of successes.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda shared these views, expressing her hope to hear the President's plans on employment, sustainable pandemic recovery, and environmental issues during the SONA 2023. A year into President Marcos' presidency, Senator Legarda expects to see a detailed plan not only for the health sector but also for other vital areas such as food and energy security, job creation, and particularly support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Given that the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries worldwide, Senator Legarda emphasized the need for a sturdy environmental sustainability plan. In her view, initiatives like the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act and the proposed Blue Economy Act could significantly contribute to the country's environmental sustainability.

As the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress commences, Senator Legarda expressed her commitment and honor in serving the Filipino people. She and her colleagues look forward to crafting more legislative measures to uplift the lives of their fellow countrymen and contribute to the nation's progress.

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