Lawmakers Urge Marcos to Prioritize Reforms in SONA

LAWMAKERS on Thursday urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to use his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) to advance key legislative priorities, including political reforms, healthcare, senior citizens’ welfare and tighter restrictions on online gambling. In separate statements, Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith T. Flores, Manila Rep. Rolando M. Valeriano and Party-list Rep. Rodolfo M. Ordanes outlined measures they want Mr. Marcos to endorse during his address before Congress. Mr. Flores urged the President to support the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, saying Congress is closer than ever to fulfilling the Constitution’s mandate against political dynasties. He also sought backing for House Bill No. 9390, which will establish a College of Medicine at Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay City to help address the shortage of physicians in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao and other underserved areas. Mr. Flores also renewed his call for the removal of gambling links from electronic wallets and digital payment applications through House Bill No. 721. “The SONA should not only report what the government has already accomplished,” he said. “It should also identify the difficult problems that require presidential leadership and political will.” Meanwhile, Mr. Valeriano urged the President to prioritize a nationwide ban on online gambling, the modernization of the country’s forensic investigation system and the enactment of the House of Representatives-approved KALINGA bill, which seeks to establish a permanent national response framework for fuel-driven inflation, energy supply disruptions and similar economic emergencies. “The metric is simple,” he said in Filipino. “Are families safer? Is justice faster and more reliable? Is the government ready to help during a crisis? These are the concerns I hope the President will address.” He also pushed for the creation of an independent forensic science authority and a national forensic bureau to boost crime laboratories, evidence collection, scientific investigations and professional training. Mr. Valeriano likewise called for stricter restrictions on online gambling by removing gambling links from e-wallets and other digital payment platforms, arguing that these services have made gambling more accessible, including to minors and financially vulnerable people. Mr. Ordanes, for his part, urged Mr. Marcos to support the proposed Universal Social Pension Act, which seeks to provide all Filipino senior citizens with a P1,000 monthly pension, as well as the pending Geriatric Health Act, which is awaiting action by the bicameral conference committee. “The best SONA message for senior citizens would be a firm commitment to complete measures that are already within reach,” he said. “We need action on universal social pension, the Geriatric Health Act and the proper implementation of healthcare programs intended to spare our seniors from excessive hospital expenses.” He also called for clearer and more uniform implementation of the government’s Zero-Balance Billing program. “Healthcare policies are meaningful only when senior citizens can actually experience their benefits,” he said. “The rules must be clear, the assistance must reach the patient, and hospitals must be held accountable for violations.” — Pexcel John Bacon