Solons laud ‘no-nonsense’ accounting of Marcos admin’s first year SONA fashion: Yellow for First Lady Liza, Sara

POLITICIANS , government executives, and other personalities made statements with their Filipino attire on Monday as they walked the red carpet at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City before hearing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos wore a bright yellow embroidered Maria Clara dress as she sat beside Vice President and Education Secretary Sara DuterteCarpio in the VIP section.

In keeping with her Mindanaoan roots, DuterteCarpio paid tribute to the Moro tribe in a traditional Maguindanaon dress in yellow-gold designed by Cotabato City-based designer Israel Ellah Ungkakay with a matching turban.

Meanwhile, presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos welcomed her brother with an ensemble inspired by the people of the Cordilleras. She matched her outfit with temporary tattoos on her body.

“This is from Cordillera. The fabrics given to me were woven together. This represents the Filipino before we

Gasoline price up by P1.35/l, diesel by 45c

By Alena Mae S. Flores

OIL companies raised pump prices by as much as P1.35 per liter effective 6 a.m. Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market, higher than the forecast amounts last week. The oil firms raised the price of gasoline by P1.35 per liter, diesel by P0.45 per liter, and kerosene by P0.35 per liter.

The price increases were announced ing amnesty to rebel returnees, and I ask Congress to support me in this endeavor,” he said.

GASA) said.

It may weaken by Wednesday afternoon or evening as it enters the cooler waters southwest and west of Taiwan, it added.

A total of 17 areas were placed under storm signal No. 2 on Monday, with Metro Manila and its neighboring areas under signal No. 1.

Two people drowned in separate incidents in Pangasinan over the weekend as the province’s disaster management office urged residents to avoid swimming in oceans and rivers with Egay’s influence on the southwest monsoon.

Close to 5,000 passengers were also stranded in ports in Bicol Region and Northern Samar as authorities canceled sea trips over the adverse weather conditions.

Iloilo City also suspended classes in all levels as heavy rains flooded the western Visayas metropolis, the latest local government to do so with the growing threat of the tropical cyclone.

Egay is forecast to track north-northwestward in the next 12 hours before turning generally northwestward and heading closer to the landmass of Northern Luzon toward the Luzon Strait.

The typhoon is forecast to cross the Luzon Strait and make landfall or pass very close to the Babuyan Islands-Batanes area between Tuesday late evening and Wednesday morning.

Pagasa said Egay may exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday.

The center of the typhoon was estimated at 500 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 190 km/h, it was moving north-northwestward at 10 km/h.

Food and water security rived),” the President told around 2,000 guests at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

While inflation remained high at 5.4 percent in June, he said it has already eased from 8.7 percent in January and is expected to be reduced further to 2.9 percent by next year.

“What this means is that in spite of all the difficulties, we are transforming the economy. We are stabilizing the prices of all critical commodities,” he said.

“On matters of the economy, there are many things over which we have no control. But over those where we do have control, we are doing everything we can,” the President said.

War on drugs, amnesty program

A strong and stable rule of law, the President said, will “strengthen the foundation of our transformation” as he renewed his policy statement that implementation of the war on drugs during his term will be unlike the bloody campaign waged by his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte was absent from the SONA anew, unlike past Presidents Joseph Estrada and current Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who were in the VIP section hearing Mr. Marcos’ 72-minute speech (see related story on A1 -- Editors).

“The campaign against illegal drugs continues—but it has taken on a new face. It is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, to curb drug dependence amongst our affected citizenry,” he said.

Mr. Marcos, however, warned “narco-cops” to submit their resignations immediately.

“Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their resignations. In their stead, we will install individuals with unquestionable integrity, who will be effective and trustworthy in handling the task of eliminating this dreaded and corrosive social curse. We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government,” the President added.

Mr. Marcos said he will likewise issue an amnesty proclamation for rebel returnees, citing the need for unity and social cohesion.

“To complete the reintegration process, I will issue a Proclamation grant-

Pag-IBIG...

From A1 billion, driven mainly by earnings from its housing and short-term (cash) loans, and investment portfolios.

“I am happy to report that Pag-IBIG Fund’s performance this year remains strong. Our P20.61 billion net income during the first half of the year is the highest for any January to June period in our history,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), who serves as chairperson of the 11-member PagIBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

“Our performance shows how excellently we are managing the funds that our members have saved with us. With our strong fiscal standing, we remain in a strong position to finance more homes under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino or 4PH Program, in line with the directive of President Marcos Jr under the Bagong Pilipinas Campaign to help more Filipinos have better and more dignified lives,” Acuzar said.

He also added that as of June, the agency’s total assets have already reached P873.15 billion, a 6% or P45.75 billion growth from the yearend 2022 level of P827.40 billion.

Solons...

From A1 the President’s speech was “spectacular and no-nonsense.”

“As expected, the Chief Executive gave a clear, factual, and comprehensive report to the Filipino people, detailing his administration’s achievements after a year in office, giving us a lot of hope and optimism,” said Barzaga, who chairs the House committee on environment.

“The President went straight to the point, keeping his performance report simple and bereft of gimmicks -- no pomp and circumstance. It was terse but meaningful,” Barzaga added.

Barzaga said the speech showed the President is dead serious about getting things done and proving that the administration’s pro-people agenda is not mere lip service.

“I could sense his confidence when he said that the state of the nation is sound and improving and as the song goes, ‘we’ve only just begun’,” he said.

Mr. Marcos said the government will train its guns on smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products, which he said contribute to rising prices on top of inflation pressures.

“Not only farmers are affected, but consumers as well, that’s why we won’t allow such practice. The days of smugglers and hoarders are numbered,” he said.

The President also asked Congress to pass new laws to amend the Fisheries Code and the Cooperative Code to boost agricultural output.

He said the country is also preparing for the full impact of the El Niño phenomenon as he ordered government agencies to improve buffer stock and implement cloud-seeding if necessary.

He also renewed his appeal to lawmakers to pass a law creating a Department of Water Resource Management.

“Water is as important as food. We have to ensure we have enough potable water for us and the next generation –including water for irrigation,” he said.

“Considering its fundamental importance, water security deserves a special focus. Our efforts must not be scattershot, but rather, cohesive, centralized, and systematic,” the President added.

Build better infrastructure with Maharlika help

The President said a key element to post-pandemic economic rebound is the government’s massive infrastructure program that covers 104 flagship projects in the areas of physical connectivity, water resources, agriculture, health, digital connectivity, and energy.

“Physical connectivity infrastructure—such as roads, bridges, seaports, airports, and mass transport—accounts for 83 percent of this program. Our infrastructure spending will stay at 5 to 6 percent of our GDP,” he said.

In the pipeline, Mr. Marcos said, are the 1,200-kilometer Luzon Spine Expressway Network Program and the Mega-Bridge Program that includes the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges, and the Samal IslandDavao City Connector Bridge.

The President said the Maharlika Investment Fund will provide strategic financing for high-priority projects “without the added debt burden” (see related story on A4 -- Editors).

“To ensure sound financial manage -

BOTH IN YELLOW. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (right) and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio flash their grins after being mentioned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the start of his second State of the Nation Address on Monday. RTVM Photo

Speech...

From A1 bit,” the younger Marcos said. ment, a group of internationally recognized economic managers shall oversee the operations of the Fund, guided by principles of transparency and accountability. This guarantees that investment decisions will be based on financial considerations alone, absent any political influence,” Mr. Marcos said.

“As a general rule, he always says that if it goes over one hour thirty, one hour fortyfive, no one will listen anymore,” he added.

Among the President’s audience were two “golden” women seated next two each other and wearing matching shades of yellow: Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio in a traditional Maguindanaon dress and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos who wore a Lesley Mobo hand-embroidered terno.

Renewable energy is way forward

The President said his administration will aggressively promote renewable energy to meet the target of attaining a 35 percent share in the power mix by 2030 and then on to 50 percent by 2040.

“Renewable energy is the way forward,” he said.

“The Malampaya project has been a boon to our country, energizing 20 percent of Luzon. The renewal of the contract guarantees continued revenues and energy production for another 15 years. But aside from Malampaya, we will also push for more gas exploration in other parts of the country,” the President added.

Mr. Marcos, however, called the attention of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines over 68 delayed grid connections.

“We are conducting a performance review of our private concessionaire, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. We look to NGCP to complete all of its deliverables, starting with the vital Mindanao-Visayas and Cebu-Negros-Panay interconnections,” he said.

Learning recovery and ‘Filipinnovation’

As the country moves forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Marcos said learning recovery becomes even more crucial as the government recalibrates the K-10 curriculum and amid the return to hybrid or full face-to-face classes.

“Everything begins with education... Learners will be made more resilient. Our public schools and facilities are being increased and fortified,” he said. A culture of innovation must be fostered, the President said.

“This is ‘Filipinnovation.’ Science, technology and innovation will drive the quality and competitiveness of our workforce, as well as our manufacturing, export, creative, and service industries, in existing markets and in new ones waiting to be explored,” he said.

Addressing health inequities

“We are now refocusing our health priorities, applying the lessons learned from the pandemic and addressing the weaknesses that it has exposed. Healthier communities and lifestyles are our advocacy,” the President said.

He cited the pilot Food Stamp Program which seeks to supply the nutrition needs of a million most food-poor Filipinos as he assured the public the government will also do a catch-up on the routine vaccinations that were affected by the pandemic.

“To address the current shortage of healthcare professionals in our country, and to help us achieve our goal of universal healthcare, we are greatly expanding our medical and nursing education programs. We will push the envelope even further. We are helping nursing graduates hurdle their board exams so that they will obtain their licenses and join our pool of healthcare professionals,” the President said.

Data-driven fight vs. corruption

The President said the government will fully embrace digitalization to provide better service to the people, through its vital frontline services and its back-end functions.

“Digitalization will support the government’s data-driven and sciencebased planning and decision-making. It is the greatest, most powerful tool, not just to improve the ease of doing business, but also against many forms of graft and corruption,” he said.

“Consistent with this transformative policy direction, all government offices must then ensure that their vital services are digitized immediately,” Mr. Marcos added.

Priority legislative measures

Mr. Marcos also listed 16 priority legislative measures for Congress to work on, namely:

- Excise tax on single-use plastics;

- VAT on digital services;

- Rationalization of mining fiscal regime;

- Motor vehicle user’s charge/road user’s tax;

- Military and Uniformed Personnel Pension;

- Amendment of the Fisheries Code;

- Amendment of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act;

- Amendment of the Cooperative Code;

- New Government Procurement Law;

- New Government Auditing Code;

- Anti-financial accounts scamming;

- Tatak-Pinoy law;

- The Blue Economy law;

- Ease of paying taxes;

- LGU income classification; and

- Philippine Immigration Act.

SONA...

From A1 were colonized. This is the vanishing culture,” the senator – the President’s older sister -- told CNN Philippines.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros wore a dress made of piña fiber and woven by the weavers of Lumban in Laguna. She paired her attire with a purse made from Samar and shoes from Marikina.

House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas made a statement with a Filipiniana

The President assured the people that he is striving to put flesh on his campaign promises of uplifting lives and uniting the country, Barzaga said.

Reps. Salvador Pleyto Sr of Bulacan and Ralph Recto of Batangas were also positive about the President’s speech.

“It’s a compendium of the initial steps the President has done, and it’s obviously a good start,” Playto said. “There are still five more years to go but at least we now have a more concrete idea of the things to come. Simply put - it’s a job well done, Mr. President.”

Recto said: “Overall, it was a good accounting of the state of the nation” even as he said the speech was partly a lecture on the Medium Term Development Plan.

“For those expecting SONA as theater, what he delivered instead was a teach-in. He traded oratorical flair for as many facts as he can squeeze in such a short time,” Recto said.

“He was not fishing for applause, choosing fewer sound bytes so he could mention more sound programs,” he added. “It was a speech designed not to get us excited, like the ones that will make us jump to our feet, but to get us thinking for a long time on the hard work ahead.”

Gasoline...

From A1 by Caltex (Chevron Phils. Inc.), Jetti Petroleum, Petro Gazz, Cleanfuel, and Seaoil Philippines. dress adorned by artwork that represented the public’s opposition to the Maharlika Investment Fund. The artwork was made by local activist-artist Michael Joselo. “Fashion functions as a mirror to our times. And today, we live in an era where the government ignores our calls for a significant wage increase and chooses to sign a law that will gamble the people’s money instead,” said Brosas in a statement.

This is the third consecutive week that the prices of diesel and kerosene have gone up and the second consecutive week for gasoline.

Last week, the Department of Energy (DOE) warned consumers to brace for another round of oil price hikes this week.

“This is attributed to the production cuts implemented by Saudi Arabia and Russia and that oil prices edged higher in early trade after sinking in the previous session on weaker-thanexpected Chinese economic growth, as investors eyed a possible tightening of US crude supplies,” DOE director for the Oil Industry Management Bureau Rodela Romero said.

On July 18, the oil companies increased the price of gasoline by P1.90 per liter for gasoline, the price of diesel by P2.10 per liter, and kerosene by P1.80 per liter.

This resulted in a year-to-date net decrease of P0.85 per liter for diesel and P3.70 per liter for kerosene. Gasoline, on the other hand, had a net increase of P7.55 per liter.

Senator Francis Escudero’s wife, actress Heart Evangelista, did not fail to charm with a white Michael Leyva creation.

Two former Presidents likewise graced the event -- Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is also a House deputy speaker.

Despite confirming his attendance earlier, former President Rodrigo Duterte skipped the SONA.

Sen. Christopher Go, a long-time aide of Duterte, said the former president returned to the country Saturday night after a weeklong trip to China and was” very, very exhausted.”

Before entering the plenary, Mr. Marcos was also greeted by his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, who showed to him her henna tattoo to match her Igorot tribal outfit.