‎BAGUIO CITY – Residents and local officials in Baguio City and Benguet province welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s proposals on tax relief, lower electricity costs, and anti-corruption concerns affecting ordinary Filipinos, even as some expressed reservations on other issues the President mentioned in his fifth State-of-the-Nation Address.

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‎Bokod, Benguet Mayor Erik Donn Ignacio welcomed the President's recognition of the role of local government units (LGUs) and the national government's continued support for communities.

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‎Ignacio said he hopes the national government will give LGUs greater flexibility in planning and implementing programs based on local needs.

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‎"I trust and hope that the national government will continue recognizing the importance of local planning and decision-making in implementing programs and projects that best fit the needs of residents," he said.

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‎Ignacio added that while national government assistance has benefited local governments, allowing LGUs greater discretion in spending funds would enable them to address higher-priority projects in their communities.

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‎Former Abra town mayor Tony Domesag gave the President high marks for his accomplishments over the past year, particularly his commitment to holding corrupt officials accountable.

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‎"It was good, especially the anti-corruption message and the proposal to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act to lower electricity costs by removing systems loss charges and other unnecessary collections," Domesag said.

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‎He, however, disagreed with the fare discount proposal, saying commuters in Baguio continue to shoulder high transportation costs.

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‎Government employee Cicilia Tabilog said removing systems loss charges from electricity bills would help households cope with rising expenses.

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‎"If they remove the systems loss charge, the savings can be used to buy rice and other necessities. The higher tax exemption will also help because many families have maintenance medicines and other special needs," she said.

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‎Department of Agriculture employee Aida Pagtan said the President addressed issues affecting ordinary Filipinos, particularly electricity rates and taxes.

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‎However, Pagtan said she would have preferred that legal cases involving government officials proceed without the President publicly mentioning a relative.

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‎Utility worker Nathan Clemente said he was encouraged by the President's proposals to reduce electricity costs and taxes.

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‎"I hope these promises become reality and are implemented soon," he said.

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‎Driver Ronald Dioso, meanwhile, said he hopes workers earning low wages will receive salary increases and benefit from government assistance programs.

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‎Marcos delivered his penultimate SONA on Monday, outlining his administration's priorities, including tax relief, lower electricity costs, and stronger anti-corruption measures. (PNA)

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