The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), calling it “very good,” and one of the best they have heard in recent history.
“It’s very impressive, very good. This time, it’s really different from previous SONAs and we feel the sincerity of the President. We fully support all the things that he said,” said PCCI President Enunina “Nina” Mangio.
Mangio said the business community appreciated that the President acknowledged the sentiment of the Filipino people, as reflected in the outcome of the recent elections, which she described as an awakening for all.
“Aside from being peaceful and credible, the last election speaks of a maturing electorate. It was an awakening not just to the government and politicians, but to everyone,” she said.
Mangio highlighted the President’s firm stance against corruption, particularly in the use of public funds.
“The President said that he is going to clean up corrupt practices and we believe his sincerity,” she said. “He uttered ‘Mahiya naman kayo’ (Shame on you!) three times to corrupt individuals and that should make a big dent on those who profit from bogus flood control projects,” she added.
She emphasized the importance of the President’s warning not to approve a national budget that includes projects misaligned with the National Expenditures Plan.
She further noted that the President’s promise of zero-balanced billing for Filipino patients in government hospitals will have a significant impact on the country’s healthcare system.
Mangio also welcomed the administration’s focus on education, infrastructure, particularly digital, rail projects and his policy to continue programs that uplift the poor.
“Now, he is trying to push all these things. We are positive of big changes and improvement in government service,” she said.
