The State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday was well-delivered, simple yet full of meaning. I was impressed watching the President. His SONA renews the hope of every Filipino in attaining a clean government, quality life, and a healthy and peaceful environment. It also provided hope to those who are unemployed to find jobs and livelihood and be motivated to stay here in our country. More importantly, it assured us that the horrors that the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Administration had inflicted upon us are things of the past.
The first part enumerates the sins, incompetence and the alleged anomalies of the past administration which result into contributing factors why the new leader feels that he is facing problems to deliver his promises. The second part includes the solutions and strategies he want to adopt to solve the perceived problems in order to promote prosperity and peace for the nation.
His message was straight to the point. He didn’t use props to dramatize his message, probably because its contents were explosive enough. He emphasized that there will be transparency in the use of government funds, from now on no more “tong-pats” or “quota”. He received 30 applauses from solons or the senators and congressmen but they were halfhearted applauses. Maybe solons realized that the days of their 60-percent take on projects is over. He was not being vindictive when he said that the past administration had used over 90 percent of the 2010 budget, mostly on projects in former President Arroyo’s district. Critics said he didn’t investigate into other important matters. But one can’t expect the President to present everything. SONAs are just outlines of the state of the nation and an overview of the President’s plan of action. But about half of the time, he dwelt on the “sins” of the Arroyo administration, much of which the people already know about. What is awaited is his vision of change and how that can be achieved. ‘Tong-pats‘, like ‘wang-wang’, is a catchy word but they are merely symbolic. ‘No wang-wang’ symbolizes discipline in all its forms and ‘no more tong-pats’ must be taken as being against any form of graft and corruption.
I also notice that his words were spoken from the heart but was careless. I like his straight-to-the-point speech but he must be discreet in his accusations. He lambasted the previous administration on overspending and wastage of public funds without examining thoroughly. His proposed solutions to the country’s problems are down-to-earth and practical, though. I am praying that the BOT (Build Operate Transfer) scheme in building infrastructure without capital outlay from the government is real and not a tender trap offer. I am praying that President Aquino manages to carry the load on his shoulders.
“Tuwid na Daan” or the Straight Path is a phrase repeatedly mentioned by the President to pertain to his governance direction for the country. Essential to this concept of “Tuwid na Daan” is the battle cry “Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap”. I think the administration believes that corruption is the root cause of the country’s grievous distress, and eliminating corruption will necessarily lead to renewed investor confidence, eventual growth and development, poverty reduction, and attainment of peace. Well, for me that is the REAL reason of poverty.
The straight path however, does not only pertain to the President’s anti-corruption campaign. It also encompasses a way of doing things right, where the process is participatory; the programs are holistic; growth is sustained; the peace policy is comprehensive; and development is sustainable. Through the living examples of our leaders, led by the President, this re-awakened sense of right and wrong continues to be translated to economic value.
President Aquino asks Filipinos to stop “culture of negativism” or “crab mentality”. As what I am seeing now most of the Filipinos only see those negative facts that we have now. If we look deeply on the situation, we should not give negative feedbacks to P-Noy. Lets just think that the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration regime for almost 9 years which was full of economic development and at the same time full of wastage of public funds. Nine (9) years over one (1) year was a really big difference and so impossible to eliminate all the fraudulent. I think we should give President Aquino a chance to prove himself to the Filipino citizens. I know he want a good change for all of us. Instead of giving negative comments and looking to the bad side of issues we should cooperate in all the government activity that will probably help the government to have their job well done.
If I will be given a chance to speak upon public, I will defend President Aquino for all the accusations being thrown to him not because I like him but because of his leadership, sincerity and heart towards all of his promises that his been saying. Inspite of his ratings getting down, it is an obvious fact that many Filipinos said that they still trust his leadership.
As a student, I believe in President Noynoy Aquino’s abilities to lead us from corruption to a better lifestyle. His year has been very memorable especially to those ones whom he helped. He said about those who were poor and those who don't eat would have a much better chance to live a much better life than the past. Every Filipino has been yearning for this kind of freedom and life. Now all of us Filipino's will have a much, much better life and no more corruption.
Overall, the SONA of the President was a good way of telling the people what he is dealing with and what to expect from him in the months ahead. He plainly tells us to dream again as we are now on the good side. I am also looking forward on his next State of the Nation Address and I hope by that time all his promises were fulfilled.
President Aquino’s words are inspiring because his projects dealing with irresponsible and corrupt officials are sincere. We must all support his vision to clean the bureaucracy. Now is our opportunity to change our nation and do away with rampant cheating. May the embedded systems protected by issued laws promoting corruption and red tape be eliminated to ease the burdens of the people and be delivered better services by competent Cabinet leaders and elected officials. May our gracious God strengthen him not to waver and be given grace of wisdom to lead our nation by example. It’s also an urgent call for positive change and a challenge to our government officials to be honest and responsible in handling people’s money.
