Reaction
to the Fourth SONA of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III
The
perennial president state of the Nation Address or SONA highlights the Chief
Executive’s past accomplishments and outlines the national developmental road
map.
The
president claimed the following Achievements:
1. The improvement of the economy by a recording
a 7.8 Gross Domestic Product for the First Quarter.
·
Comment: the supposed economic boom does not benefit the majority
of the Filipino masses who remain mired in poverty and want.
2. The
Philippines was upgraded to investment grade by the “Big Three” rating agencies:
Fitch ratings, Standard and Poors and Mode’s Investor Service.
·
Comment: Notwithstanding the upgraded Status, no foreign investor
of worth has gambled his money in the country. Bureaucratic corruption scares
them away. The alleged attempt by a high DOTC official to squeeze a $30 million
dollar bribe from the Czech company called Inacom Group to be awarded the
contract to supply 48 new Nain’s for the MRT3 project remains a burning issue.
3. The signing
of the Peace Agreement with the MILF.
·
Comment: There is no assurance that comprehensive peace will be
attained as certain difficult matters will still be threshed out.
4. The adoption
of the K to 12 Educational System.
·
Comment: The program is repelled with problem. Sec. Armin Luistro
admitted that there remains a shortage of 30,000 teachers and more than 30,000
classrooms.
5. The passage
of the Reproductive Health Bill.
·
Comments: The constitionality of the law has been attacked by the
Roman Catholic and the case is pending oral acquirements and Adjudication by
the Supreme Court.
6. Passing of
the Sin Tax Law.
·
Comment: Increased taxes on tobacco products and alcoholic
beverages are an economic blessing. Much needed revenues are generated.
7. The CCT program
covering 3 million beneficiates.
·
Comment: The program is both a blessing and a curse. It comes as
an additional income of the poor being a dole-out, the program encourages
indolence.
8. Increase in
Rice Production.
·
Comment: Despite this agricultural achievement the country’s rice
production is insufficient to feed the nation’s fast-growing population.
