Senator Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed parts of President Bongbong Marcos’s fifth State of the Nation Address but said she remained unsatisfied with the administration’s overall policy direction.
“Satisfied with some points, pero of course, overall, I was always looking for more,” Hontiveros said after the SONA on Monday.
She supported Marcos’ proposal to remove system loss charges from electricity bills but said the measure should only begin a broader overhaul of the power sector.
“It’s a step in the right direction, pero simula pa lang siya,” Hontiveros said.
“Generation, transmission, and distribution, iyong tatlong major na sangkap ng energy sector natin, lahat kailangang may repormahin. At sa bawat isa roon, kailangan ding tanggalin ang ibang charges sa customers,” she added.
Hontiveros also welcomed the proposed removal of value-added tax on electricity but said the government must address other charges that continue to raise household power costs.
She opposed Marcos’ renewed push for nuclear energy, citing the country’s lack of a domestic nuclear fuel source and concerns over the importation of radioactive materials and the disposal of nuclear waste. She instead urged the government to further develop renewable energy.
Hontiveros also said the SONA lacked a stronger plan for Philippine industries.
“In terms of industry, I would have wanted to hear more from the President about light and medium industries where we can still capture a competitive advantage,” she said.
She added that the government should strengthen sectors that can create jobs and sustain economic growth, including services, business process outsourcing and tourism.
While recognizing several proposals in Marcos’ speech, Hontiveros said the administration must provide clearer plans and concrete results that would ease the financial burden on Filipino families.
