Business groups applaud SONA but note omissions

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed key issues during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), particularly the matter of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), but also failed to mention other critical concerns, business groups said on Monday.

Marcos' announcement of a ban on operations of POGOs — firms that offer online gambling services to markets outside the country — "was the most applauded part of the SONA," Makati Business Club (MBC) Executive Director Roberto Batungbacal said.