WPS, food prices, expected to take center stage in PBBM 3rd SONA

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is expected to lay out his plans for the next 365 days as he issues his report to the nation via the State of the Nation Address, his third.

Analysts and lawmakers are eagerly anticipating the third SONA of the president, as he is expected to tackle issues in particular to the West Philippine Sea and rising food prices.

Analyst Ederson Tapia was quoted by media outlets as saying that he expects Marcos Jr. to provide updates on the West Philippine Sea.

This is a sensitive issue that is closely being monitored by both political observers and ordinary citizens.

“Pangunahing na diyan ‘yong isyu ng regional security saka ‘yong nangyayari sa West Philippine Sea. I think the people would be interested to find out, mayroon ba tayong mga bagong direction? Are there any specific plans na gagawin natin doon sa area na ‘yon ‘no?” Tapia was quoted as saying.

Likewise, both the Philippines and China continue to have a longstanding history of territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Among them include the West Philippine Sea. 

But tensions escalated after the violent clash at Second Thomas Shoal in June, further straining the relations between the two nations.

For Sen. Cynthia Villar, she said that she is expecting that Marcos will discuss inflation, emphasizing on the rising prices of agricultural products.

“Siguro ita-tackle niya ‘yong inflation, pagmahal ng bilihin and one of them would be bigas at saka other agricultural products,” Villar, chair of the Senate agriculture committee, was also quoted in a radio interview as saying.

“[Baka] idi-discuss niya rin ‘yong West Philippine Sea kasi affected din ang mga fishermen doon,” she added.

For his part, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed hope that Marcos’ speech would touch on inflation, wages and calls to ban Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGOs).

“The industry has been plagued by criminal activities, and the social costs far outweigh the revenues. It is time for a clear policy on POGOs, whether it involves an immediate ban or a phased transition to other industries for affected workers,” he said.

House also aired their expectations.

“Aminado naman ang Congress, ang gobyerno na we have problems sa inflation, ‘yung mga pagtaas sa presyo ng bilihin, naiwan ang sweldo ng tao, hindi umangat. May issue sa West Philippine Sea. Ang inaabangan ng mga kababayan natin, ano ang mga sasabihin ng Pangulo? What are the solutions?” said House Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Erwin Tulfo of the ACT-CIS party-list.