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Business backs SONA pitches, but cautious on outcomes

BUSINESS groups largely gave President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) a passing grade on Monday, but said the real test begins after the applause, with execution, funding and policy follow-through now under the spotlight.

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said the President touched on many of the priorities long raised by the business community, including job creation, food security, affordable energy, health care, support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and improved government services.

‘We are encouraged that he addressed key priorities such as job creation, food security, affordable energy, health care, MSME support, and improving government services,’ MAP President Donald Patrick Lim said in a statement after the Sona.

‘These are the right priorities and are aligned with many of the concerns consistently raised by the business community,’ he added.

Lim, however, said businesses are now looking for clear implementation timelines, policy consistency and closer collaboration between government and the private sector.

He also noted that tourism-one of the country’s major economic drivers-was absent from the President’s address.

‘We hope this is complemented by a stronger emphasis on long-term economic reforms that improve the investment climate, strengthen MSMEs, accelerate infrastructure and digital transformation, and make the Philippines more competitive globally,’ he said.

Lim added that Congress should promptly translate the administration’s priorities into legislation while the Executive ensures programs are implemented efficiently and their benefits reach ordinary Filipinos.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman emeritus Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. echoed the generally positive assessment but questioned whether the government has the fiscal capacity to deliver on the commitments outlined in the speech.

‘From the business point of view, he answered almost everything we have been asking for-and even added more,’ Ortiz-Luis said in a televised interview after the Sona.

However, he said he did not hear any specific plans to strengthen tourism or expand export promotion and product development.

Ortiz-Luis renewed his call for greater support for MSMEs, saying the sector remains among the most underfunded in Asia despite its significant contribution to the economy.

‘I hope there is a plan to source the funding for all these programs,’ he said.

Also, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) said targeted assistance remains necessary for manufacturers and small businesses as inflationary pressures continue to weigh on operations.

‘Sustaining MSMEs means protecting jobs and keeping local supply chains intact,’ FPI chairman Elizabeth Lee said in a statement.

‘By cushioning enterprises against rising costs, we can soften the blow of weakening demand while preserving employment and production capacity. The dual impact-jobs retained and supply chains stabilized-helps maintain confidence in the domestic market and shields industry from deeper contraction,’ she added.

Lee also said the administration’s emphasis on ease of doing business, Green Lanes and strategic investment initiatives such as Pax Silica provides a clear direction for industry, although businesses will be watching how these policies are carried out.

‘Ultimately, this Sona laid down benchmarks for accountability and competitiveness. The priority now shifts to swift execution-lowering operational costs, cutting red tape, and ensuring reforms translate directly to the factory floor,’ she said.

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco) welcomed the administration’s energy agenda, saying more reliable power will strengthen the ecozone’s ability to attract investments.

Apeco President Gil Taway IV said the agency plans to support the government’s energy initiatives by opening the ecozone to investments in renewable energy generation, battery energy storage, power distribution infrastructure and other emerging clean-energy technologies.

Trade, industry agenda

In his address, President Marcos underscored supply chain resilience, trade diversification and industrial upgrading as key components of the administration’s economic strategy.

He highlighted the planned Pax Silica Industrial Hub in New Clark City, describing it as an artificial intelligence-centered manufacturing and logistics ecosystem under the United States (US)-led Pax Silica Initiative and a cornerstone of the Luzon Economic Corridor.

Government projections estimate the project could attract $40 billion to $70 billion in investments, create 130,000 to 190,000 direct jobs, and generate another 500,000 to 800,000 indirect and induced jobs across supporting industries and supply chains.

The chief executive also affirmed the country’s commitment to expanding trade through free trade agreements, citing the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) with the United Arab Emirates.

The Philippines now has 23 free trade agreements either in force or under negotiation, which include the recently concluded Cepa negotiations with Chile, alongside ongoing talks with the European Union, Canada and India, as well as the review of the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.

He also said the government’s Green Lanes initiative has facilitated more than P6 trillion worth of strategic investments over the past three years, with projects projected to create over 400,000 jobs.

Since Executive Order 18 took effect in February 2023, at least 239 strategic investment projects worth P6.32 trillion have been certified under the program, per data from the Board of Investments.

Marcos also said the government maintained adequate fuel supplies despite disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz by diversifying oil import sources, adding that the country has enough inventory to meet demand for nearly two months.

On manufacturing, Marcos reiterated the administration’s push to accelerate electric vehicle adoption through zero tariffs on electric vehicle (EV) imports until 2028 and a directive requiring government agencies to prioritize EVs in fleet replacement.

He also identified pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, technology, logistics and luxury goods among the industries the government aims to develop further.

DICT provides digital support to Bicol MSMEs

MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Bicol can now tap a suite of artificial intelligence (AI) applications for business planning, pricing, regulatory compliance and online marketing, after the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) rolled out its MSME Digital Assistant in Naga City.

The agency, likewise, committed to underwrite the connectivity requirements of Naga City’s disaster resilience infrastructure and to study support for the local government’s planned Command and Control Center and Intelligent Surveillance System.

DICT Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Faye Condez-de Sagon, who presented the tools, said the technology is meant to close the capability gap that keeps small enterprises from scaling.

‘Harnessing AI will give Filipino entrepreneurs, especially small business owners, a competitive advantage. This stack will definitely empower them to grow, expand, and provide more job opportunities to other Filipinos,’ she said.

The MSME Digital Assistant bundles five applications built around the pain points most frequently cited by small businesses.

KaPlano handles business planning, while KaSunod guides users through government compliance requirements. KaPresyo assists with product pricing, and KaLinaw translates contracts and official documents into plain Filipino. Rounding out the suite is KaClick, a content-generation tool for social media posts and online marketplace listings.

The rollout falls under Magkasangga, a joint undertaking of the DICT and the Land Bank of the Philippines that pairs digital tools with credit access.

Condez-de Sagon also met with Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo to map out the scope of DICT assistance for the city’s digital transformation agenda, which produced the commitments on connectivity and the surveillance and command facilities.

‘We want technology to become something that MSMEs and LGUs can actually use to solve everyday problems, improve services, and create opportunities for their communities,’ Condez-de Sagon said.

Three arrested as Mob beats 25-year-old man to death in Jos

The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the mob killing of a 25-year-old man allegedly beaten to death by a group of youths over the suspected theft of an iPhone 12 in Jos.

The command condemned the incident, describing jungle justice as unlawful and warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.

Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the victim, Ibrahim Mbaya, a resident of Rayfield in Jos South Local Government Area, was allegedly attacked by the mob on Sunday.

According to Alabo, the Lamingo Police Division received a distress report from a Good Samaritan after the unconscious victim was rushed to the Jos University Teaching Hospital.

Police operatives immediately visited the hospital, where medical personnel confirmed that Mbaya was dead on arrival.

Alabo said detectives swiftly launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Newyear was captured in a viral video allegedly striking the deceased with a large wooden plank, while photographs obtained by investigators also placed him at the scene of the attack.

‘The suspects admitted attacking the deceased instead of reporting the alleged theft to law enforcement authorities,’ the police spokesman said.

He disclosed that the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jos for further investigation, while security operatives have intensified efforts to apprehend other suspects who fled after the incident.

The police said the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Condemning the growing trend of mob justice, Alabo stressed that no individual has the legal authority to assault or kill anyone suspected of committing an offence.

He urged residents to report criminal activities to security agencies and allow due process to take its course, warning that anyone found engaging in jungle justice would face the full weight of the law.

House prioritizes tax relief, lower power costs on post-SONA agenda

The House of Representatives will prioritize measures granting income tax relief to workers, easing the tax burden on small businesses and reducing electricity costs as lawmakers begin work on the legislative agenda outlined by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ G. Dy III said the House would give priority to proposals exempting employees earning up to ?350,000 annually from income tax, reducing taxes for other workers, and granting tax relief to small businesses.

The proposed reforms also include exempting small enterprises from the minimum corporate income tax and providing tax amnesty for unpaid income tax, estate tax, donor’s tax, value-added tax (VAT) and related penalties.

Dy said the House is prepared to translate the President’s policy priorities into legislation.

‘The House fully supports the President’s call to provide meaningful tax relief to our people. We will carefully study these proposals and work to pass measures that will allow Filipino workers to keep more of what they earn, help small businesses grow, and give qualified taxpayers a fresh start through a fair and responsible tax amnesty,’ he said.

‘The SONA sets the direction of the administration. The role of the House is to ensure that its priorities receive the necessary support through orderly, thorough, and timely deliberations,’ Dy added.

Apart from tax reforms, Dy said lawmakers would prioritize measures aimed at lowering electricity costs.

These include the proposed Sariling Kuryente Act, which seeks to make rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems more affordable and accessible to households, and amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

The proposed EPIRA amendments would prohibit power distributors from passing system-loss charges and the corresponding value-added tax on to consumers.

‘The president has made it clear that bringing down electricity costs is a national priority, and the House stands ready to do its part. We will give due priority to the proposed Sariling Kuryente Act and the amendments to the EPIRA to ensure that consumers are no longer made to shoulder charges that should not be passed on to them,’ Dy said.

He said the House’s legislative agenda remains focused on measures that provide direct and tangible benefits to ordinary Filipinos.

‘The challenge now is to ensure that every measure considered by the House delivers clear and tangible benefits to every Filipino. That will be the measure of our work,’ Dy said.

The Speaker also underscored the need for close coordination between the executive and legislative branches to implement the administration’s priorities.

‘These are practical reforms that respond to the everyday concerns of Filipino families. The House is committed to working closely with the executive to turn these priorities into laws that will ease the cost of living, strengthen our economy, and improve the quality of life of every Filipino,’ he said.

Dy added that the House would continue to pursue responsible and people-centered lawmaking.

Aboitiz Economic Estates and Batangas State University induct industry leaders into joint Industry Advisory Council

Aboitiz Economic Estates and Batangas State University, The National Engineering University, formally inducted industry leaders into the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) through an Induction and Onboarding Program held last July 2026 at the Talent Edge Hub at LIMA Estate, reinforcing collaboration between industry and academia to strengthen workforce readiness and align education with evolving industry needs.

By strengthening links between education and industry, students gain greater exposure to workplace realities, educators benefit from industry insights, and employers help shape a talent pipeline equipped for the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly evolving economy.

The Industry Advisory Council serves as a strategic partner to Batangas State University in aligning academic programs with industry needs. It assists the University in developing graduates with the competencies, skills, and professional attributes required by the workforce while ensuring that academic programs remain responsive to industry standards, professional requirements, and emerging societal and technological developments.

Through regular engagement with the University, Council members will provide insights on workforce trends, emerging skills requirements, evolving technologies, and workplace practices that can inform curriculum development, academic program enhancement, and workforce preparation initiatives. The Council also institutionalizes industry participation in student learning and workforce development by helping integrate industry-relevant competencies into academic programs and learning outcomes.

Beyond its advisory role, members will support initiatives such as industry mentorships, guest lectures, experiential learning opportunities, and workplace exposure programs that connect students to real industry practice and professional environments.

‘Preparing talent for the future requires stronger connections between education and industry. Through the Industry Advisory Council, companies can contribute directly to shaping learning experiences, developing relevant skills, and providing students with greater exposure to real-world industry environments,’ shared Rafael P. Fernandez de Mesa, President and CEO of Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land. ‘By bringing industry closer to education, we strengthen workforce readiness while helping build the talent pipeline needed to support long-term economic growth.’

The Industry Advisory Council brings together representatives from academia, estate development, and industry to help align education with evolving workforce needs. Its industry members include senior leaders from companies spanning automotive manufacturing, consumer goods, food production, packaging, logistics, semiconductors, and industrial manufacturing, including representatives from some of LIMA Estate’s leading locators such as Yamaha, Furukawa, JTEKT, Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals), Japan Tobacco International, Littelfuse, and Aice.

During the onboarding program, Council members formally committed to active participation in Council meetings, consultations, and collaborative activities that will help guide the continuing development of the Industry-Based Learning Model and strengthen engagement between the University and industry partners.

‘The Industry Advisory Council creates a structured mechanism for industry to participate in the continuous enhancement of our academic programs,’ shared Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of Batangas State University. ‘By bringing together leaders from key sectors, we gain valuable insights that help ensure our graduates develop the competencies, technical expertise, and professional attributes required by today’s workforce. These perspectives also help us keep our programs responsive to emerging industry developments and future skills requirements.’

The Council forms part of Talent Edge, Aboitiz Economic Estates’ workforce sustainability platform, which seeks to strengthen talent pipelines by connecting education, industry, and employment opportunities across its economic estates.

‘Building a future-ready workforce requires industry to play an active role in education. Through the Industry Advisory Council, we can help align learning with real-world workforce requirements while giving students greater exposure to the realities of modern manufacturing,’ shared Arnel Recolizado, Chief Green Officer for Yamaha Motor Philippines. ‘This collaboration benefits both industry and society by helping develop skilled talent, expanding opportunities for young people, and strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the Philippine economy.’

The initiative supports the development of the Batangas State University – LIMA Campus, which is designed to advance a model of industry-based learning by bringing education and industry into closer collaboration. Located within LIMA Estate, the campus provides students with direct access to operating industries, modern technologies, and professional environments that can enrich learning and strengthen workforce preparation. The 10-hectare Batangas State University – LIMA Campus, located within LIMA Estate’s Industrial Hub, will serve as the Philippines’ first learning hub for industry-based learning, strengthening embedded workforce sustainability by directly linking engineering education with the evolving needs of industrial operations and supporting long-term talent development within the ecosystem.

This vision begins to take shape in August 2026 when the Batangas State University – LIMA Campus welcomes its pioneering batch of 800 freshman engineering and engineering technology students. The interim facility represents the first phase of a planned 10-hectare campus that will further expand opportunities for collaboration among students, educators, and industry partners.

As the Industry Advisory Council begins its work and the Batangas State University – LIMA Campus welcomes its first students, the partnership advances a model where education, employment, and industry development are more closely connected. Through Talent Edge and the BatStateU LIMA Campus, LIMA Estate continues to evolve as a working learning ecosystem where students, educators, and industry leaders can engage more closely, creating stronger pathways from education to employment and supporting the long-term competitiveness of Philippine industry.

Eran pushes urgent safety audit of Binaliw landfill

Cebu City Councilor Harry Eran is urging the city government to immediately assess the structural integrity and environmental condition of the Binaliw Sanitary Landfill after a Senate inquiry identified the facility as among the country’s most hazardous landfill sites.

Eran has filed a proposed resolution calling for urgent structural, geotechnical, fire, and environmental assessments of the landfill, while urging the city to strictly comply with Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. The resolution is set to be tackled in tomorrow’s council session.

The measure comes in the wake of the Senate investigation into the January 8, 2026 trash slide that killed 36 workers and a volunteer rescuer. During the hearings, lawmakers pointed to years of ignored audit findings and poor waste management practices as factors that led to the tragedy.

Beyond safety assessments, Eran’s proposal also calls on the city government to intensify waste segregation at source, strengthen diversion and waste reduction programs, and prepare a comprehensive closure and rehabilitation plan in accordance with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regulations.

“The City government is urged to review, update, and implement a comprehensivr Closure and Rehabilitation Plan or other necessary remedial plan for the landfill, in accordance with DENR DAO 2006-09 and all other applicable environmental rules,” part of the proposed resolution reads.

Eran said the city must act decisively to protect lives and uphold the constitutional right of every Filipino to a balanced and healthful ecology.

The Binaliw landfill has come under intense national scrutiny following Senate hearings led by Senators Risa Hontiveros and Raffy Tulfo, who questioned DENR officials over their failure to act on repeated warnings, including findings contained in the Commission on Audit’s 2023 performance audit.

Hontiveros argued that Typhoon Tino and the heavy rains merely triggered a disaster that had long been foreseeable because of the landfill’s poor design and the continued disposal of unsegregated waste.

She also questioned the decision to construct a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) inside the landfill compound, saying it could have compromised slope stability.

Tulfo, meanwhile, pressed officials of the DENR and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) over the continued failure of local government units to establish functional MRFs as required under Republic Act 9003.

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna confirmed during the hearing that five landfill sites nationwide-including Binaliw-are at imminent risk of fire or collapse and require urgent preventive measures. While the deadly trash slide has already occurred in Binaliw, authorities continue to monitor the site for possible slope failures and landfill fires.

Developed around 2018 following the closure of the Inayawan dumpsite, the Binaliw Sanitary Landfill has been hounded by environmental issues almost from the beginning.

Residents have repeatedly complained of foul odors, wastewater leaks, and alleged violations of environmental laws.

In 2023, Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, a subsidiary of Prime Infra, took over the landfill’s operations from ARN with a commitment to modernize the facility.

However, inspections conducted in 2024 again cited violations of Republic Act 9003, with portions of the landfill reportedly resembling an open dumpsite.

The January 8, 2026 collapse buried a material recovery facility and claimed dozens of lives, prompting the ongoing Senate investigation.

Months after the tragedy, DENR-7 partially lifted its cease-and-desist order on the landfill, allowing limited operations under strict conditions.

Regional environment officials said the move was intended to balance environmental protection with Cebu City’s urgent need for a disposal facility while ensuring that rehabilitation, slope stabilization, and compliance with environmental regulations continue.

Mayor Nestor Archival Jr., who declared a state of solid waste management emergency in May, earlier told senators that transporting Cebu City’s garbage to Aloguinsan costs about ?4.2 million daily, or nearly ?1 billion a year, making the arrangement financially unsustainable.

He earlier said reopening Binaliw could be “advantageous” once all violations have been corrected but stressed that the landfill should only resume operations after its safety has been fully validated.

The mayor also appealed for greater national support for composting and recycling facilities, warning that without adequate waste diversion systems, segregation laws would remain ineffective and landfills would continue to receive mixed waste.

The Binaliw issue also comes as the city government prepares to discontinue the use of its garbage transfer station at the South Road Properties (SRP) after DENR-7 issued a cease-and-desist order for alleged violations of Republic Act 9003, the Clean Water Act, and the Clean Air Act.

The order followed The Freeman’s publication of a drone footage showing garbage trucks unloading mixed waste at the SRP site despite earlier denials by city officials.

Last week, the city government announced that private haulers would begin collecting garbage directly from barangays and transport it straight to the Aloguinsan landfill, effectively eliminating the SRP transfer station, although no specific implementation date has been announced.

Cebu governor backs Marcos’ 5th Sona

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro issues a statement expressing support for the key priorities outlined by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his fifth State of the Nation Address, saying the administration’s plans on disaster response, healthcare, agriculture, and economic relief complement the provincial government’s ongoing programs for Cebuanos. (Photo from the Office of the Cebu Governor)

TAGBILARAN CITY – Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro expressed support for the key priorities outlined by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), saying the initiatives complement the provincial government’s ongoing programs and respond to the needs of Cebuanos.

In a statement released on Monday, July 27, Baricuatro said she welcomed the President’s focus on strengthening disaster response, particularly in light of Cebu’s recent experience with natural disasters.

She also praised the administration’s commitment to improving food security and agriculture, as well as its proposed economic relief measures, including broader tax exemptions for workers and the removal of system loss charges from electricity bills.

The governor emphasized that healthcare remains one of Cebu’s top priorities.

She welcomed the planned expansion of Universal Health Care, the Yaman ng Kalusugan program (Yakap), increased PhilHealth coverage, and wider access to rehabilitation therapy, describing these as important steps toward improving public health services.

Baricuatro likewise welcomed the President’s support for medical scholarship programs, noting that Cebu has already been investing in future healthcare professionals through its scholarship partnership with Cebu Normal University.

She reaffirmed the province’s commitment to working closely with the national government while continuing to implement programs tailored to Cebu’s local needs.

Marcos delivered his fifth Sona before a joint session of Congress on Monday, outlining his administration’s legislative and development agenda for the coming year.

The 2026 Franchise Negosyo Roadshow begins: ‘Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo’ opens in Cebu

The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) is proud to announce the return of its biggest regional franchise show – a premier event designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and grow franchise opportunities across the Visayas Region. The two-day expo will take place on July 31 to August 1, 2026 (Friday and Saturday), at the Mountain Wing Atrium, SM Seaside City Cebu.

Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo will bring together over 60 participating exhibitors, showcasing a diverse range of successful franchise brands from various industries and supported by allied suppliers for a complete business set-up. This all-in franchising event offers a unique platform for attendees to explore legitimate investment opportunities, learn the basics of franchising, and connect directly with established franchisors and service providers – all free and open to the public.

Beyond the expo, visitors can join an enriching line-up of seminars and forums, including:

5 Ways to Grow Your Profit: a practical, free session with Coach Camille Conanan, Business Coach at ActionCOACH Philippines, on proven strategies to strengthen and scale a business. (Day 1, July 31)

How to Invest in the Right Franchise: a free seminar with Ms. Noemi Ruiz, Operations Consultant at Francorp Philippines, paired with presentations of various franchise investment packages to help would-be franchisees make informed investment decisions. (Both event days)

How to Franchise Your Business: a paid seminar for thriving homegrown businesses ready to expand their brand through franchising, to be held at the Summit Galleria Cebu on August 1, 2026.

‘Franchising remains one of the most accessible and proven pathways to business ownership, and through Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo, we hope to open more doors for Filipinos who dream of building their own enterprise.’ said Mr. Steve Benitez, President of the Philippine Franchise Association

Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo is FREE and open to the public, and is an ideal opportunity for individuals looking to start their own business, diversify their investments, or simply learn more about the booming franchise sector in the Philippines.

Pascual shoots lights out, hits seven treys in Sarangani’s MPBL win over Manila

Like a ticking time bomb, team captain Migs Pascual came through with baskets Sarangani needed in overpowering Manila Batang Quiapo, 123-82, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Monday night at the Villar Coliseum in Las Piñas.

Pascual produced all of his points coming from beyond the arc, hitting seven treys as the former Gilas youth standout played his most productive game of the season.

A combo guard known for his extraordinary quick release floaters similar to that of NBA star Klay Thompson, Pascual waxed hot early, hitting three of his triples in the opening frame then picked up from where he left off and tallied four more to wrap up a sizzling shooting performance.

But Pascual’s 21 markers weren’t the only noticeable facet in his game.

He continued to become a solid facilitator and dished out six assists in helping his team win.

Pascual and Ken Brillantes, who finished with 19 points and nine rebounds, combined forces for Sarangani.

‘I had a good start which somehow got me in the groove early,’ said Pascual.

‘Buti na lang rin I was able to rediscover my tough and regain my rhythm in the fourth. It feels good to make a contribution while winning.’

Lawyers drag Tinubu, AGF, others to Court over alleged threat to Peter Obi’s life

Lawyers operating under the aegis of the Obident Lawyers Forum have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to order President Bola Tinubu to compel the police, Department of State Service (DSS), and others to give special protection to the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 election.

The legal practitioners informed the court that their appeal has become imperative so as not to make Peter Obi a victim of political assassination before and during the 2027 general electioneering process.

The request was contained in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1648/2016, instituted against Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Director-General (DSS), and the Governor of Edo State.

Plaintiffs in the suits filed on Monday predicated their request on a statement credited to Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo to the effect that Obi’s life and security would not be guaranteed in Edo State if he enters the state without getting approval from the governor.

The Obident lawyers represented by Barrister Okere Kingdom Nnamdi and Joseph Enemona Ameh instituted the fundamental rights suit on behalf of Peter Obi, in which they prayed the court to issue an order that Peter Obi has the fundamental right to freedom of movement without any hindrance.

Among other reliefs, they asked the court to declare Peter Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has the fundamental right to life and the right to live without any fear, discrimination, threat of assassination, intimidation or any form of harassment whatsoever, as guaranteed in section 33 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

In addition, they urged the court to declare that Peter Obi must not be subjected to politically motivated coercion, threat to life, bullying, harassment, assault, intimidation and victimization whatsoever by any arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any authority, person, individual, or group agent/agency of the Federal Government or Government of any sub-regional state on the grounds of his political ideology, ethnicity, and religion; or for any reason whatsoever.

Others are ‘A declaration that Mr. Peter Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has the fundamental rights of free ingress and egress into any of the 36 States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the FCT, and can freely move around, enter, visit, stay, reside, inhabit and organize, attend and host his political campaign rallies, consultations, seminars, groups meetings and carryout his lawful activities in any part of Nigeria, without fear of assassination, threat to his life, bullying, harassment, assault, intimidation and victimization whatsoever, by any Arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or any authority, person(s) individual or groups, agents/agencies of the Federal Government or government of any sub-regional State, as guaranteed in sections 39, 40, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘A declaration that the threats by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo that Mr. Peter Obi’s life and security are not guaranteed in Edo State, and that Mr. Peter Obi should not to step into Edo State without getting a clearance from him are empty not backed by law, anti-democratic, illegal, unlawful and tantamount to executive rascality, infantile politicking, and power-drunkenness.

‘A declaration that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of The Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the constitutional mandate/responsibility to provide adequate security of life and property to the citizens, which is the fundamental reason/purpose/objective of every government; and the President has the constitutional responsibility as Commander in Chief to direct the 3th, 4th and 5th Respondents and Heads of all Security Agencies in Nigeria to provide maximum security protection/intelligence to Obi and all other presidential candidates’.

Plaintiffs further urged a declaration that the laws setting up the security agencies mandate and empower the 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents to provide adequate security to the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against all criminal activities aimed at depriving citizens of their properties or lives.

They asked the court to make an order ‘compelling, directing, and mandating the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to direct the 3th, 4th and 5th Respondents and Heads of all other Security Agencies in Nigeria to provide maximum security protection/intelligence to Mr Peter Gregory Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and all other 2027 presidential candidates.

‘An order compelling, directing and mandating the 3th, 4th and 5 Respondents to immediately provide maximum security personnel to Physically Protect and Provide Security Intelligence to Mr Peter Gregory Obi, the NDC 2027 Presidential candidates’.

In an affidavit deposed in support of the suit, the plaintiffs stated that the application was brought on behalf of Mr Peter Obi, pursuant to Paragraph 3 (e) of the Preamble to the Fundamental Human Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009.

‘That the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, said in a recent live podcast that ‘he may not be alive to contest next ‘year’s presidential election.’

While claiming that Obi has been subjected to serious psychological torture and trauma by the numerous threats to his life and this is detrimental to his constitutional rights, the deponent argued that no person or authority or any arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or any authority, person(s) individual or groups, agents/agencies of the Federal Government or Government of any sub-regional State, has the powers to restrict or refuse any citizen from entering and exiting any part of Nigeria to carry out his lawful activities as guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘That the 6th Respondent, the Governor of Edo State of Nigeria, Senator Monday Okpebholo, threatened Mr Peter Gregory Obi not to enter Edo State without his permission and that Mr Peter Gregory Obi’s life and security is not guaranteed in Edo State. A computer-generated printout of the news report is herein pleaded and exhibited as Exhibit 3.

‘That the threats by the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, that Mr. Peter Obi’s life and security are not guaranteed in Edo State, and that Mr Peter Obi should not to step into Edo State without getting a clearance from him are empty, not backed by law, anti-democratic, illegal, unlawful and tantamount to executive rascality, infantile-politicking and power-drunkenness.

‘That the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria, sued as 3rd, 4th and 5th respondents, have constitutional and statutory responsibilities to provide adequate security of life and properties of the citizens.

‘That the constitutional rights guaranteed in Chapter Four of the 1999 constitution are inalienable and cannot be taken away under any guise.’

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.