Image: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first SONA in 2022/Office of the Press Secretary via Wikimedia Commons
As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepares to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), has called for decisive actions to address critical national issues, including economic stability, law enforcement, climate change, and the education crisis.
Caritas Philippines emphasized the importance of President Marcos Jr. fulfilling his promise to reduce the price of rice to ₱20 per kilo, a commitment that has yet to be realized. “Ensuring affordable rice for all Filipinos is crucial for alleviating poverty and enhancing food security,” said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines. “We urge the President to present clear steps on how this goal will be achieved and how agricultural reforms will support our farmers.”
Bishop Bagaforo also stressed the need for robust action against corruption and criminal activities. “To establish true leadership, President Marcos Jr. must command law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute those involved in graft and corruption, including high-profile cases like Pharmally and POGO operations,” he stated. Additionally, Bagaforo called for action against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who has been implicated in various controversies. “Proving his commitment to justice means ensuring that no one is above the law,” he added. Caritas Philippines also called for the President to allow the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate extrajudicial killings (EJK) in the country. “Addressing these issues head-on will restore public trust in the government,” Bagaforo added.
The organization highlighted the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and promoting sustainable development. “The Philippines is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, and it is imperative that the President prioritizes climate emergency measures,” said Bagaforo. “We need robust policies that promote renewable energy programs and halt environmental destruction caused by activities like open-pit mining. We call on President Marcos Jr. to present a comprehensive plan to tackle these issues in his SONA.”
As a new school year opens, Caritas Philippines also urged President Marcos Jr. to address the ongoing education crisis. “The quality of education in the Philippines has been a growing concern, especially in the wake of the pandemic,” said Bagaforo. “We need immediate and effective measures to improve educational infrastructure, teacher training, and student support to ensure that our children receive the quality education they deserve.”
Caritas Philippines remains committed to fostering principled cooperation with the government while holding it accountable to the Filipino people. “We pray that President Marcos Jr.’s administration will be guided by justice, inspired by the will of the people, and fueled by true patriotism in these challenging times,” concluded Bagaforo.