What is Bagong Pilipinas? Recto says Marcos should explain in SONA
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (BBM Media Bureau)
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24 will be President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s chance to tell Filipinos what the "Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines)" brand is all about. Thus, said House Deputy Speaker and Batangas City 6th district Rep. Ralph Recto as he joined other solons is sharing their expectations for Marcos' second SONA. "SONA is not just a throwback moment for the year gone by, but a battleplan on how we can fast-forward to what we hope to achieve," Recto said in a statement Sunday, July 23. "It is not a mere replay of the past, but a preview of the future, setting a vision so compelling that it inspires and unites the entire nation to work hard for it," noted the former Senate President Pro Tempore. Speaking of a vision for the future, the Marcos administration ordered last week the adoption of the new governance brand, Bagong Pilipinas. But as to what it's about is still up for interpretation. "It is an opportunity for the President to present the architecture of Bagong Pilipinas where it is hoped that the full potential of the Filipino is harnessed, merit is given chance, and hard work rewarded," Recto said. Bagong Pilipinas closely resembles the "Bagong Lipunan (New Society)" catchphrase of President Marcos' late father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. At any rate, the deputy speaker said that the SONA should "satisfy the people on what will be done to things that matter to - and bother - them the most". "These are food on the table, jobs for the skilled, faster commute, streets for their children, care for the sick, comfort for the aged," he said. "I am not looking forward to spellblinding oratory tomorrow. I am interested about the marching orders," Recto futher said.