MANILA: Senator Grace Poe expects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to focus on addressing pressing issues affecting Filipinos in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. In a news release, Poe particularly cited the Kadiwa stores or similar initiatives of the administration that should be accessible to more communities. "True to their real intent, these stores should offer quality but lower-priced goods like rice, and should help farmers find markets for their produce," Poe added. She likewise stressed the importance of creating quality jobs and decent wages, expediting mass transportation projects, and resolving power interruptions. "We will watch out for pronouncements about quality jobs. Millions remain without income or stable livelihood. Every SONA should usher in hope for employment opportunities and for decent wages for our workers," Poe said. "Despite the disparity in power and the challenges, we must not surrender, never give up," she added. The senator also highlighted the need for a clear policy on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators to curb associated crimes and corruption and underscored the significance of asserting Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, aligning actions with the historic legal victory and strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard's capabilities. Source: Philippines News Agency