PB member unhappy over BBM’s performance

Local

WITH President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, a member of the Cebu Provincial Board expressed disappointment over the president’s performance so far, describing it as “lacking.”

Cebu 1st District Board Member Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya said she is still looking for a clear direction from the president, especially for his remaining three years in office.

“Sa ako no? Medyo kulang, kulang pa,” she told MyTV Cebu, adding that she hopes Marcos will focus on helping sectors that are most in need.

Reluya, a former mayor of San Fernando, did not cite specific areas where she felt the president fell short. Instead, she laid out her expectations for the SONA, which include not just a list of accomplishments, but also concrete plans and priorities for the future.

“Pero lahi naman pud ang involvement sa mga tao nga ni-employ siya og mga people who can help him. Looking forward ma accomplish niya before his term ends,” she added.

Among the issues she wants addressed are the challenges facing the agriculture sector, particularly the decline in the number of fisherfolk in her town.

Though she did not provide data, Reluya attributed the decrease to the effects of industrialization and commercialization.

She also called for more targeted aid to farmers, saying subsidies should be given “to those who really need help.”

Reluya said she will not be attending this year’s SONA due to prior commitments.

Second District Board Member Stanley Caminero, meanwhile, refrained from giving a direct assessment of Marcos’s performance.

He said he prefers to evaluate the administration based on the coordination between regional agencies and the provincial government, which he noted has so far been smooth.

Caminero added that he hopes the national government will work closely with various stakeholders to effectively address the country’s illegal drug problems.

Like Reluya, he also confirmed he would not be present at Monday’s address.

Marcos is scheduled to deliver his SONA at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on July 28.

This year’s address comes in the wake of heavy rains and widespread flooding across the country, prompting House leaders to push for a more austere and solemn event.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, through a July 25 memorandum, announced the removal of red carpet installations in the north and south wing lobbies of the House of Representatives, though the red carpet in the main lobby will remain.

The traditional fashion parade among lawmakers and guests will not be part of this year’s program.

The dress code remains formal, but attendees are advised to wear simple attire. No new decorations will be procured, and the snacks to be served will consist of local fare.

A total of 85 members of the diplomatic corps have confirmed their attendance.

While initial expectations mirrored last year’s 2,000 guests, Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin confirmed that the guest list has been trimmed in light of the call for simplicity.

An invitation was also extended to former President Rodrigo Duterte, as is protocol, although his attendance remains uncertain as he continues to face trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity.

Vice President Sara Duterte is not expected to attend after formally sending her regrets, marking her second consecutive absence from the SONA.

Nonetheless, a seat will be reserved for her in the VIP gallery should she change her mind.

Before the president’s speech, The Voice Season 26 winner Sofronio Velasquez will sing the national anthem.

On standby for emergencies will be 160 medical personnel, 17 ambulances, and 115 reserved hospital rooms across Metro Manila.(MyTVCebu)