Aquino likes Marcos’ policy on WPS

By Jason B. Neola

FORMER senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV lauded the current administration’s foreign policy while urging for more domestic reforms.

During his visit to Naga City, Aquino praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s firm stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), emphasizing that the Philippines will not compromise its territorial integrity.

Aquino noted that Marcos’ approach is a marked improvement over the previous Duterte administration’s policies.

Despite his approval of the administration’s foreign policy, Aquino stressed the importance of addressing domestic issues, particularly the economic struggles faced by Filipinos.

He highlighted the rising prices of commodities and the financial difficulties of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which he has been documenting through his Grow Negosyo initiative. Aquino’s team is currently interviewing MSMEs in the city to better understand their challenges.

Aquino, in the city for a video shoot at the Naga City People’s Mall and to meet with former vice president Leni Robredo, shared his concerns about the widespread economic hardships.

He criticized the escalating costs of food and household goods and called for legislative measures to lower prices and support essential sectors like agriculture and fisheries.

Preparing for his bid in the 2025 Senate elections, Aquino aims to run as an independent candidate, leveraging the freedom to address issues without political party constraints. He said the growing political rift between the Marcos and Duterte camps is not good as it divides their attention. “They should instead focus on doing things that will better serve the needs of the Filipinos,” he said.

As chairman of the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP), Aquino said that he will continue to champion social justice, technology utilization, accessible education, and poverty alleviation.

He reiterated that public servants should prioritize constituents’ needs over personal interests, citing a number of incidents where farmers were shortchanged on government aid.

With President Marcos set to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, Aquino expressed his hope to hear concrete plans to address the economic crisis, resolve issues in the WPS, and reform the education system under new Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

Aquino remains optimistic about his return to the Senate, aiming to replicate his top-ranking performance in the 2019 elections in the Bicol Region. As he continues his campaign, he remains committed to addressing the core issues affecting the Filipino people.