President Marcos received two standing ovations and 125 rounds of applause during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex on Monday, July 22, where he declared the country’s rights in the contested West Philippine Sea and banned the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22, 2024. (Noel Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN)
The first standing ovation was given by the audience when the President delved into the territorial and maritime issues in the West Philippine Sea.
Though he did not mention China, which claims parts of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the Chief Executive declared that the West Philippine Sea is “ours.”
“The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver,” Marcos said.
“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi kathang-isip lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas (The West Philippine Sea is not an imagination. It is ours. And it will remain ours until the spirit of our country the Philippines remain alive),” he stressed.
With the diplomatic corps in attendance, Marcos stressed how the Philippines continues “to strengthen our defensive posture, both through developing self-reliance and through partnerships with like-minded states.”
But the loudest applause, as well as thunderous chants of “BBM! BBM! BBM!” filled the House of Representatives’ plenary hall when Marcos announced a ban on POGO operations effective today, July 22.
“Kailangan nang itigil ang panggulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa (Its destruction of our society and abuse of our country must stop). Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” he declared.
“I hereby instruct PAGCOR to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year,” the President added to cheers and applause.
Marcos' address to the nation lasted for 82 minutes or more than an hour.
Philippine authorities have been investigating illegal POGO hubs in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga, among others.
The raids led to the rescue of torture and kidnap victims and the discovery of items allegedly being used for criminal activities.
Several Senate hearings, led by Senator Risa Hontiveros, also looked into the link between suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and the POGO hubs in Tarlac province.