PBBM’s stand on WPS, order vs. POGO draw cheers from Bicolanos

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur --- President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s announcement banning all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) and reaffirming the government’s stand on the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) quickly drew cheers from Bicolanos.

Tinangis Punong Barangay Arturo Bismonte said he admired the President’s courage during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) when he announced that he would no longer allow the POGOs to stay in the Philippines.

“Kadakul po ako duman na nasunuan sa mga pigtaram ni President Bongbong Marcos sa kanyang SONA, asin po ang POGO dapat mahali na talaga yan sa Pilipinas ta yan po ang nagiging kawsa kan mga kriminalidad igde sa satuyang nasyon, Kaya very good pong maray ang SONA ni BBM po,” Bismonte said.

(I liked almost everything that President Bongbong Marcos said in his SONA, and these POGOs should indeed be removed from the Philippines since they are the root cause of criminality in our country. So, the SONA of BBM was very good.)

Bismonte added that another thing he liked about the president’s SONA was his firm stand on the issue of the WPS while maintaining a diplomatic approach so as not to endanger the lives of soldiers and the entire nation.

“Lalong lalo na po ang isyu kan WPS. Dapat talaga dae ta yan itugot dahil satuya yan, sa Pilipinas yan. Kundi aram ko man po ang saloobin kan satuyang Presidente, na habo man ibugtak sa kapahamakan ang saiyang mga tao, kaya aagihon nya sa diplomasya,” Bismonte said.

(Especially the issue on the WPS. We should not allow others to take it away from us because it is ours. But I do understand the sentiment of our President. He does not want to put the people in harm’s way.)

Other Bicolanos also shared the same sentiment.

Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Camarines Sur Chapter Chairman Ronald Enon said that PBBM’s announcement regarding his stand on the WPS showed his patriotic sentiment and love for the Philippines.

“During his SONA delivery, PBBM received a lot of applause but particularly received a standing ovation when he said that the West Philippine Sea is ours. For me, it was one of the best expressions of his love for our country, and I think it should be the sentiment of all Filipinos,” Enon added.

In his speech, President Marcos declared that he would continue to deepen and boost the consciousness and knowledge of Filipinos regarding our patrimony and pass it on to the next generation.

“Pagtitibayin at palalaguin natin ang kamalayan at kaalaman ng buong bansa, at titiyakin na maipapasa natin sa kabataan at ating susunod na mga salinlahi. We will make sure that this intergenerational mandate—this duty—will firmly take root in the hearts and minds of all our people,” the President said.

The President also extended his gratitude to the Armed Forces, Philippine Coast Guard, and fishermen who bravely navigated the disputed area despite the threat.

Meanwhile, Legazpi City Public Market stall-owner Hilda Navarez said she was inspired by PBBM’s announcement regarding the increase in discounts on purchases made by senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“Very inspiring talaga ang SONA ni Presidente, dahil lahat naman ng tulong nya talagang naibigay nya sa tao, lalo na doon sa [mga] senior citizen. Marami syang napasaya kasi I do-doble yong discount,” said Navarez, a resident of Barangay Bitano in Legazpi City.

She expressed appreciation for PBBM’s statement on the increase in cancer subsidy, especially for indigent patients, through the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

“Doon naman sa mga cancer patients, yong mahihirap, yong di talaga kaya [magpagamot]. Malaking tulong yon sa mga cancer patients. Sa mga PWDs, sa 4Ps. Basta lahat ng nasabi nya sa SONA, lahat maganda po,” Navarez added.

PBBM has said that cancer patients’ financial aid from the government increased from P100,000 to P1.4 million. (LSM-PIA 5)

During the Third State of the Nation Address of His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 22, 2024. Photo courtesy of PCO