PNoy should use last SONA to discuss resolving major issues, Lacson says

President Benigno Aquino III should use his final State of the Nation Address to explain how he intends to resolve the major issues confronting the country in the remaining months of his term, former senator Panfilo Lacson said Sunday.

In an interview over dzBB radio, Lacson said among the issues he wants Aquino to tackle in his last and sixth SONA on July 27 are the Mamasapano tragedy, the Philippines’ maritime row with China and the progress of rehabilitating the areas hit by typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Lacson previously served as the presidential assistant for rehabilitation and recovery until he tendered his resignation last February.

“Sa tingin ko, sa huling SONA ng Pangulo, lahat ng issues na wala pang closure sa pananaw ng ating mga kababayan ay banggitin niya at sabihin niya kung ano ba ‘yung natitira sa mga plano niya para bigyan ng closure itong mga issues na ito, kasama na doon ‘yung Yolanda,” he said.

‘Yung iba pang mga issues na nakatiwangwang ay ‘yung tungkol sa Mamasapano, sa BBL [Bangsamoro Basic Law], at ‘yung sa West Philippine Sea,” he added.

As the former rehabilitation czar, Lacson recalled recommending to Aquino the creation of a permanent agency that would focus on rehabilitation and recovery after disasters strike so the national government can plan its responses accordingly and ahead of time, instead of scrambling to formulate a strategy after a calamity has occurred.

“Permanenteng bagay ang kalamidad sa bansa, pero kung magfo-form lang tayo ng task force kapag may kalamidad, hindi responsive ‘yun sa sitwasyon natin.. Ang rehabilitation at recovery ang weakest link na hindi masyadong natutugunan ng gobyerno dahil puro ad hoc bodies ang ginagawa,” he said.

Lacson earlier said it is the “perfect time” to expand the NDRRMC’s functions this year because the law creating the council, Republic Act 10121, is scheduled for review in 2015. — Xianne Arcangel/BM, GMA News