Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will draft his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be delivered at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on July 28, Malaca±ang announced on Tuesday. The President himself is involved in the preparation, studying what he will disclose and report during the SONA, as confirmed by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos is set to deliver his address at the House of Representatives' session hall before a joint session of Congress. The SONA is expected to cover the administration's progress midway through its term and reaffirm policy directions, including those related to the economy, infrastructure, agriculture, digitalization, and national security.

Malaca±ang previously stated that Marcos aims to present a clear and comprehensive report to the Filipino people. In his third SONA last year, Marcos highlighted the Philippines' economic standing and concluded with his commitment to protect the West Philippine Sea and a directive to ban all Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

When asked if Marcos would make a similar pronouncement regarding a ban on online gaming sites, Castro mentioned that the proposal is still under consideration. Decisions of this nature are being carefully studied to assess their potential impact on the economy and the public.

Castro further explained that banning legal and licensed online gaming sites could lead to an increase in illegal gaming operations, which could have a more significant impact. The President is also exploring proposals to regulate and tax online gaming platforms to protect public welfare and address gambling addiction.