"It's one of the most comprehensive SONAs that I have heard."
Thus, said Surigao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Johnny Pimentel when asked about his thoughts on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, July 25.
"It's one of the most comprehensive SONAs that I have heard. Talagang nilatag ni Presidente Marcos yung mga gagawin niya (President Marcos really laid out his plans) and all sectors were covered," Pimentel said.
"It's one of the most comprehensive in terms of vision, in terms of plans for the improvement, development of our country. So...rest assured that as a congressman, I will definitely support the legislative agenda of the President," underscored the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) stalwart.
Pimentel went on to cite specific parts of Marcos's speech that elated him.
"I'm also happy that he emphasized that there will be no more lockdowns. Kasi yan talaga ang nakapilay ng ating ekonomiya (Because that really crippled our economy). We have seen for the past two years na talagang there were some businesses na nag-close. So magandang balita yun (that's good news), in fact it was a standing ovation," he said.
"I'm also happy to hear yung sinabi niya na (with what he said that) he would implement yung face-to-face classes," added Pimentel.
"Mahirap talaga kung hindi face-to-face, hindi talaga pumapasok sa ika nga, sa mga bata yung mga dapat nilang pag-aralan (It's hard for children to learn if it's there's no face-to-face classes). It's very hard...yung (these) online classes. Mahirap po iyon, maraming narereklamo (A lot of people are complaining that it's difficult)," he said.
"I'm really happy to hear all his plans and programs. It was very, very comprehensive, ika nga, sinali niya lahat ng sector. Yung OFWs, tourism, everything (he covered all sectors. Overseas Filipino workers, tourism, everything)," concluded the Mindanao lawmaker.