FORMER Presidential legal counsel on Bongbong Marcos results, ‘I don’t just want to hear it, I want to see it’.
As the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Marcos Jr. approaches, many Filipinos are curious about what he will address regarding his two years in office.
While some are satisfied with just hearing what Marcos Jr. will say in his report, for former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo:
“I don’t just want to hear it. I want to see it. It’s good to say something, but if I don’t see it, it’s meaningless. Promises are good, but if I don’t see them, they’re nothing. We need to see results,” according to Atty. Salvador Panelo, Former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.
Marco Jr. has taken actions that the former official agrees with, such as the country’s stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
However, Panelo believes that Marcos Jr. has fallen short in addressing other important issues, such as the economy and poverty.
“Regarding rice? Ah, that’s really unclear….Many are hungry. I don’t understand it. Many are sleeping on the streets. We need to get those people off the streets (DSWD). We can’t just leave them. That’s why they’re begging for alms, and that’s what the people are seeing, especially those in very poor areas. That’s what the people are seeing.”
“So no matter what you say, how you present yourself, or how well you speak, if people don’t see what you’re claiming you’ve done, it’s nothing. Your rating will drop,” Panelo added.
When it comes to the issue of corruption.
“Ah, there is a change… it has worsened! [why are you laughing?] It has worsened,” he added.
That is why, the Panelo couldn’t help but compare the current situation to former President Duterte’s efforts in fighting against corruption.
“They say, in PCSO, PAGCOR, Immigration, BIR, that’s what I hear. Whereas before, [former] President Duterte would literally kick you out,” he added.
For now, many are still wondering what achievements Marcos Jr. will highlight in his SONA.
