Sa pagharap ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa kanyang ikaapat na State of the Nation Address (SONA), umaasa si Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos na tatalakayin nito ang mga isyung patuloy na nagpapahirap sa taumbayan—katiwalian, pagsusugal, kahirapan, kagutuman, at kawalan ng hanapbuhay.
Binigyang-diin ng Obispo na ang katiwalian at pagsusugal ay hindi lamang isyung pampulitika kundi malalalim na moral at panlipunang suliranin na kinakailangang tugunan ng determinadong liderato.
“Corruption and gambling are deeply intertwined moral and social concerns. Corruption destroys public trust and diverts resources meant for the poor, while gambling—especially online platforms—has increasingly devastated Filipino families,” ayon kay Bishop Santos.
Binanggit ng obispo na una na ring naglabas ng pastoral letter Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), na kumukondena sa online gambling, at inilarawan ito ‘bagong anyo ng pagkaalipin,’ at tinawag na isang pampublikong krisis sa kalusugan na sumasamantala sa mga mahihina.
Inamin din ayon sa obispo, ni Pangulong Marcos na ang online gambling ay sumisira sa mga pamilya, at dapat gamitin ang teknolohiya upang patatagin—hindi saktan—ang pamilyang Pilipino.
Kaya naman mariin ang panawagan ni Bishop Santos sa Pangulo na kumilos nang may tapang at kongkretong layunin.
“I hope the President will take a firm stand and propose concrete measures to eliminate these vices, including tighter regulation and enforcement.”
Kalagayan ng Kahirapan at Gutom
Binanggit rin ng Obispo na sa kabila ng mga ulat ng paglago ng ekonomiya, patuloy ang pagtaas ng self-rated poverty sa bansa. Giit ni Bishop Santos, ang tunay na sitwasyon ng mga ordinaryong Pilipino ay hindi nasasalamin sa mga numero ng gobyerno.
“Despite economic growth, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Self-rated poverty has reached its highest level in 21 years, with 63% of Filipino families considering themselves poor. Hunger has also surged, and unemployment remains a persistent challenge.”
Bagama’t kinilala niya ang mga inisyatibang tulad ng Walang Gutom Program at mga pamumuhunang pang-imprastruktura, iginiit ng Obispo na hindi pa ito sapat.
“While some programs have been launched, they have yet to make a positive and meaningful impact in the lives of the most vulnerable. The Church believes that more decisive, inclusive, and transparent efforts are needed.”
Ano ang Dapat Marinig sa SONA?
Ayon kay Bishop Santos, hindi sapat na ihayag lamang ang mga istatistika—kundi ang mas mahalaga ay kilalanin ang tunay na kalagayan ng mamamayan.
“I would welcome a message that acknowledges the suffering of ordinary Filipinos—not just statistics, but stories. I hope he will speak of compassion, justice, and unity. A commitment to clean governance, genuine poverty alleviation, and protection of families from harmful influences like gambling would inspire new hope. Let his words be matched by action.”
Panawagan ni Bishop Santos sa pamahalaan, na isulong ang tunay na pag-unlad, kaakibat ang dangal at kagalingan ng bawat Pilipino-lalo na ang mga higit na nangagailangan.
“Govern with integrity. Listen to the cries of the poor. Protect the dignity of every Filipino. The Church stands ready to work with the government in promoting moral renewal, social justice, and the common good. Let us build a nation where no one is left behind.”
Nagbigay rin si Bishop Santos ng kanyang pagsusuri sa naging pamumuno ng Pangulo sa nakalipas na tatlong taon.
“I would rate it a 6 out of 10. There have been efforts, but they fall short of the transformative leadership our people deserve. There is still time to do more, to do better, and to act faster.”
