Mga sana sa SONA

As we write, anticipation is mounting on what President Duterte will say during his State of the Nation Address that is said to be the simplest, but most tightly secured SONA in recent years.

Some 6,600 troops have been deployed to secure the Batasang Pambansa and maintain order in areas where leftist groups are expected to mount their usual protest rallies. Classes in all levels in Quezon City were suspended, but the Metro Manila Development Authority prepared alternate routes to ease the traffic congestion in areas near the Batasan Complex and also deployed some 2,000 traffic enforcers. 

Prior to the SONA, Congress and the Senate also opened their regular sessions, but it was Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’s opening speech that generated a lot of reactions as he called on his colleagues to push for several bills — among them his plan to propose a bill to recognize both heterosexual and same-sex civil unions in the Philippines, and a separate bill that would allow for the dissolution of marriage.

In any case, people expect a lot of debate (and resistance) to the said bills considering the country is predominantly Catholic. No doubt the Catholic Church will not take the proposed bills sitting down and will mount strong opposition against their enactment and passage. A lot of women trapped in abusive marriages, however, say they will support Alvarez, arguing that the current options available to them — like annulment and legal separation — are too tedious and expensive.

Days before the SONA, business groups also gave their “wish list” — among them the improvement of ICT (information communication technology), an efficient mass transportation system to serve the riding public, a practical solution to the infernal scourge of traffic that is costing billions in unnecessary costs, the full implementation of infrastructure projects, and the eradication of corruption as well as bureaucratic red tape, among many others, to convince investors the Philippines is a good investment destination.

1st Lt. Fagyan

Filipinos rally behind troops in Marawi

The firsthand account of 29-year-old First Lieutenant Kent Fagyan during the special session of the Senate and the House of Representatives last Saturday to tackle the extension of martial law in Mindanao was a big eye opener for many Filipinos who are beginning to fully realize the kind of sacrifice and hardships — both physical and emotional — our troops go through in the fight against terrorist extremists.

Fagyan, who hails from Bontoc in Mountain Province, said the fighting in Marawi is different from what he experienced during the siege of Zamboanga in September 2013 because the Maute terrorists are equipped with drones, radio frequency scanners, high caliber firearms, and seem to have “unli” (unlimited supply of) bullets. Many of the houses have second and third floors that snipers can use to target soldiers, while basements can hold “surprises” like booby traps with IEDs (improvised explosive devices) that terrorists leave behind.

Many were touched by the young officer when he thanked the people for showing their support by sending items like clothes and water, saying they have not been eating and sleeping properly because of the continued fighting. Days after the siege of Marawi last May 23, the group of Go Negosyo founder and presidential consultant on entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion initiated the “Kapatid for Marawi” campaign to generate support for our soldiers by sending them “care packages” containing ready-to-eat food like canned goods, snacks, bottled water, juices and other food items. People also wrote encouraging letters to the soldiers, acknowledging their bravery and heroism — making even grizzled and battle-scarred enlisted personnel tear up.

Ordinary citizens also responded to Go Negosyo’s call by sending food donations and adding other items like underwear, socks and hygiene kits for the soldiers, while top business groups and companies also pitched in with cash donations and other forms of support like cellphone loads. Aside from conducting humanitarian cargo flights for those who have been affected by the situation in Marawi, Philippine Airlines displayed support for the troops by extending a maximum of 40-kilo baggage allowance for all military personnel traveling on official duty — and this is on top of the 20 percent discount for regular economy fares given to all traveling AFP personnel — regardless of whether the travel is official or personal.

In fact, there’s going to be an event in Malacañang later today where President Duterte will honor the fallen soldiers. The event, which is spearheaded by Go Negosyo, will have family members of the slain soldiers as special guests. We’re told PAL chairman “El Kapitan” Lucio Tan gave two free tickets per family attending the event, saying his heart really goes out to those who have sacrificed their lives in the battlefield. Much earlier, PAL donated P2 million to help augment the needs of soldiers who are still in the thick of the fight in Marawi.

PeopleAsia magazine honors ‘men who matter’

The country’s top glossy magazine, PeopleAsia, will be recognizing 15 exceptional men during the “Men Who Matter” awards tonight. Coming from different professions, the awardees — who are all featured in the special June-July issued of the magazine — are recognized not only for their talent, but also for being trailblazers and achievers. 

This year’s list of awardees include host/actor Luis Manzano (who graces the magazine’s cover), champion racer Marlon Stockinger, Henann Group of Resorts president Alfonso Chusuey, Booky app (a leading food app) creator Ben Wintle, New San Jose Builders chairman Jerry Acuzar, and Philstar Media Group executive vice president Lucien Dy Tioco who has been instrumental in making The Philippine STAR one of the most profitable newspapers in the country today.

***

Email: [email protected].