The business sector lauded President Marcos Jr.s State of the Nation Address (SONA) stating that although his promises are “easier than done”, it was a sincere effort at recognizing what needs to be fixed in the second half of this administration.
Business leaders George Barcelon, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Francis Chua, founding chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation said the president’s speech was “good overall.”
Barcelon said the President’s speech spelled out two reality checks: recognition of the results of the last election, and his intention to check on public works projects and to run after these contractors. “We commend his recognition on the results of the last election President,” Barcelon said.
On the issue of corruption, Barcelon said it was good that the President made a strong statement to run after contractors of flood control projects, but Barcelon said there also other government projects that need to be looked into.
He noted of insertions in the national budget that the President said he will not tolerate.
“His statements on education, and PhilHealth are nice to hear, especially the zero-balanced budgeting,” he said.
Barcelon, however, noted the huge funding that would be needed to support all these efforts. He pointed out to the staggering PHP17 trillion national debt. “Where are we going to get all those funding,” he said.
“I hope all these can be done because it is easier than done,” he added.
Meantime, he said that one thing the business sector would like to hear is the issue of the U.S. tariffs.
For his part, Francis Chua, founding chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ICCP), said the “President delivers a very good speech. He promised to help the poor and was very tough on corruption.”
Chua cited transportation initiatives, free education.
“Don’t doubt the president,”
“The previous Marcos was a dictator, but the son is not. He will be a very popular president.”
Ortiz-Luis, said Marcos’s SONA was “okay” citing his policies on education, agriculture, peace and order, and digital infrastructure.
“I like most the budget portion as we would like the budget to also include a budget for export development and promotion,” he said.
“The peace and order is also believable,” he said.
“Corruption is head on especially on budget and we expect he will live up to it,” he said adding, “His statement on PhilHealth sounds very good.”
Whether people take it seriously or not, but at least he said it and certainly, there would be positive results.
“The president several times mentioned accountability and I hope they are taken seriously by the bureaucracy,” he said.
Ed Lacson, chairman of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, said the 4th SONA of PBBM is “full of candor which did not sidestepped the misfocused governance in food prices and security, flood control, and others which he admitted to be the principal reason for his midterm election loss.”
The speech, he said, also balances the shortcomings with reshuffling of key positions in his government to restart and reinvigorate the economy and closer monitoring of infra projects.
“It was a wake up call for PBBM’s team to fulfill his promises before the end of his term in 2028,” he concluded.
