By JEN BAYLON

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson did not attend the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. at the Batasang Pambansa Complex yesterday.

Lacson said he only watched SONA on television because he was unable to travel due to traffic congestion in Manila.

He said he preferred to hear the speech on TV, and focus on the points emphasized by Marcos.

Lacson said he received the invitation to attend the SONA, along with other governors across the country.

It can be recalled that Lacson did not attend Marcos’ previous SONAs.

Meanwhile, the governor expressed his support for Marcos’ direction on the education sector, particularly the appointment of Senator Sonny Angara as the new education secretary.

He also followed the discussion on the disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

Lacson also emphasized the importance of giving a timetable for the legal operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in the country, and the ban on illegal operators.

Furthermore, the governor showed support for Marcos’ vision for the newly-established Negros Island Region./JB, WDJ