SONA of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III

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.