Senator Franciis ‘’Chiz’’ Escudero said he expects President Ferdinand ‘’Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr. to unveil his list of “Made in Malacañang” policies and proposals to turn around wide-ranging economic problems confronting the Filipino people when he delivers his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

“The SONA should go beyond the aspirational, to use one of the President’s favorite terms, to the immediately actionable because the people need relief now, not later. Therefore, the SONA must not only inspire hope, but must show directions,” Escudero said.

The veteran lawmaker reminded those in-charge in Malacañang of crafting the speech of Marcos Jr. that the SONA is not merely an oratorical piece but a list of what must be done.

President Marcos is the son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

“I am personally looking forward to hearing the ‘Made in Malacanang’ policies or proposals that will solve the many massive problems of the country,’’ he added.

President Marcos himself, during his inaugural speech on June 30, had told the public that concrete measures to address the country’s many challenges, from economic recovery to poverty alleviation, would be presented during his first SONA when the 19th Congress opens on July 25.

Escudero said the Filipino people are expecting the President to share his plans to address various socio-economic issues such as the spiraling prices of food and fuel, low pay and unemployment, fighting poverty, and economic recovery.

“A people tired of rhetoric would rather have a SONA that is delivered without flair for as long as it is full of clear details on how their lives will be made better. They are excited about programs, not prose,” he said.

“Battered by high prices of food and fuel, low pay and lack of jobs, what the people will be looking for in the SONA is the government’s response to their resilience,’’ he added.

At the same time, Escudero said he is looking forward to receiving the proposed P5.2-trillion national budget for 2023 at the soonest possible time to determine if the SONA promises are indeed funded.

“Plans remain dreams – or drawings – unless they are budgeted. The budget will test if what is intended will indeed be implemented,” he stressed.