Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. expressed confidence that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will address urgent national concerns in his upcoming second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24.
During a press conference at the Department of National Defense (DND) headquarters in Quezon City's Camp Aguinaldo, Senator Revilla stated that he trusts the President will focus on critical issues that require immediate attention.
"Tiwala ako na tututukan ng ating presidente sa darating niyang SONA ang mga issue na nangangailangan ng agarang atensyon katulad ng presyo ng mga bilihin, pagtaas ng sahod ng mga manggagawa, pagpaparami pa ng disenteng trabaho, paglutas sa problema ng kahirapan, at pagpapaigi ng edukasyon," said the senator.
The Senator also praised the President's efforts in stimulating the economy, as noted in the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) report, which projected a 6.0% GDP growth for the country, higher than the 4.8% projection for developing economies in Asia and the Pacific.
Regarding employment, Senator Revilla expressed hope that the President will discuss policies to increase the number of quality and decent jobs available to workers and raise their wages.
"Inaasahan rin natin na tatalakayin ng presidente ang kanyang mga hakbangin upang maparami pa ang mga kalidad at disenteng trabaho na pwedeng pasukan ng ating mga manggagawa, pati na ang pagtataas ng kanilang mga sahod. Inaasahan at importante sa atin ito dahil sa Senado ay naghain rin tayo ng panukala para bigyan ng dagdag sahod na P150 ang lahat ng ating mga manggagawa," the lawmaker pointed out.
He also expects the President to outline a roadmap for improving the education sector, particularly in enhancing allowances for teachers. He mentioned his collaboration with Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte in proposing the permanent implementation of a P10,000 teaching allowance for educators.
