FILE PHOTO: House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan is urging Filipinos to rally behind President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as tensions between the Philippines and China escalate. The 4Ps party-list representative emphasized the importance of national unity regardless of political affiliations. (Photo from his Facebook account)
TACLOBAN CITY 鈥� House Minority Floor Leader Marcelino Libanan called on Filipinos to rally behind President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as tensions between the Philippines and China escalate.
The 4Ps party-list representative emphasized the importance of national unity regardless of political affiliations.
Libanan said there is a need to stand together as a nation, especially in the face of China, which is considered the world鈥檚 second most powerful country after the United States.
鈥淚 urge all Filipinos to fully support the President,鈥� he said.
鈥淯nity under his (Marcos) leadership is paramount, particularly as we, a small nation, confront the challenges posed by a formidable country like China,鈥� Libanan added.
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While Marcos has taken a firm stance against what many perceive as bullying and harassment by China鈥檚 forces in the West Philippine Sea, Libanan said he does not want tensions to escalate into potential conflict.
Libanan likewise expressed his support for the total closure of the Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country.
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He proposed centralizing their operations in designated hubs to prevent potential illegal activities.
鈥淭he movement of Pogo workers should be restricted to these hubs to mitigate security risks. Strict supervision of operations is important,鈥� Libanan said.
Despite the revenue generated by Pogos and the employment opportunities they provide, questions persist regarding their operations.
The Senate is currently investigating Pogo activities, with suspended Bamban Mayor Alice in her municipality.