“In his final SONA, we expect the President to lay down all the gains that the country has achieved under his administration.

Among them is his successful drive against graft and corruption that has boosted investors’ confidence in the country.

This renewed confidence has resulted in the unprecedented growth of the country’s economy, which is now the second strongest in Asia next to China.

The passage of important economic bills such as the Philippine Competition Act and the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act are also worth mentioning, considering the positive impact that these laws may bring to our economy.

Worth discussing also are the reforms that we’ve put in place in our national budget systems, in education & social services, in infrastructure and in the culture of transparency & accountability of our public servants and institutions.

We also know that we cannot win the fight against poverty in six years.  Thus, we expect that the President will also lay down the much needed reforms that need to be done by the next administration.

With less than a year remaining in this administration, we are in the homestretch.

We need to work hand in hand to sustain the gains of this administration especially in our economy, the fight against graft and corruption, in the alleviation of our poor and in the realization of inclusive growth.

We have worked hard for these achievements in the past five years. We must not let these gains go down the drain.

Kumbaga sa basketball, last two minutes na. Time to go for the win!

 On the part of the Congress, we must pass crucial measures such as the Bangsamoro Basic Law, Sangguniang Kabataan Reform, amendments to the Corporation Code and Microfinance NGOs Act, among others.

These laws will help ensure that the momentum of these gains will continue beyond this administration.”