Tuesday, July 24, 2012

...A New Hope: P-Noy’s Third SONA ...


Had to write it for FHM, I guess it was too long and too politically driven.  I'll be posting for my personal benefit, to keep an online record of the stuff I wrote. A shorter version could be seen at http://www.fhm.com.ph/incoming/fhm-feature/article/14619, but for the bored, patient types, check out the unedited version. 

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“Humaharap po ako sa inyo bilang mukha ng isang gobyernong kayo ang boss at kayo pa rin ang lakas. Inuulat ko lamang ang mga pagbabagong ginawa ninyong possible.”Benigno Aquino III, 
July 23, 2012

Yes, that is a Star Wars reference. The third SONA of the Noynoy Aquino administration may not have been about the Star Wars saga, but it did inspire a new hope, to believe that the impossible may be achieved.
Check out some highlights of the SONA for this year:

The Martial Law Baby
PNoy started his SONA by grounding it on his experience during the Martial Law. He said that he suffered as much as most of his countrymen that he vowed never to let anyone else experience it again. Martial law, according to him, was executed by a tyrant who abused his power. Today, this abuse of power came in the form of absurd government bonuses to undeserving officials, overpriced equipment, and excessive contracts to government-funded projects. He sought the understanding of the people as it he said not everything can be overturned in just two years, but he did praise the Filipino people’s perseverance through these challenges.  He aims for a government that is with the Filipino people, and in part, the ”wang-wang”  is now exclusive to police and ambulances, no longer from government officials.

A Sick Man Cured
PNoy said that once dubbed as “The Sick Man of Asia”, The Philippines is now bouncing back economically. He cited that the Philippines achieved the second-highest GDP growth, second only to China in Asia, which exceeded expectations. He claimed that international publications are recognizing that the Philippines may be the next “Tiger Economy”, and urged that local media may recognize this as well.

Pangtawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
As mentioned in his last SONA, the Pangtawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program aimed to give money direct to those families in need most. The families who benefit from this are determined by the National Household Targeting Program that ensures that those registered are the ones who need it most. The long-term impact of this extra cash for the poor are more people are willing to have check-ups, kids suffering from diseases are getting treatment, and there are lower absence rate due to poverty.

On Health
PNoy cited the increase of members of PhilHealth. He also mentioned that the poorest households that are members of this government agency enjoy a no-pay benefit to ensure that they are given proper treatment. Due to poverty, some people do not make it a point to consult medical professionals. He cited the RNHeals program which deployed nurses and midwives to places in need, as directed by the National Household Targeting Program and the National Anti-Poverty Commission. He cited two problems being eliminated by this program; the underemployed and unemployed nurses are given a chance to perform in their craft, while the poor are given proper healthcare. He also propose a Sin Tax Bill, as he said that this could help the health care sector in a sense that more money will be used for health and people are discouraged from spending on vices.

On Education
PNoy cited confidence in Bro. Armin Luisitro of the Department of Education and his ability to make his vision for the education sector into a reality. He aims to address the shortage of seats as well as a 1:1 ratio of textbook to student by the end of 2012. He drew the largest applause in his speech when he hinted on the RH Bill by saying that Responsible Parenthood is the solution for the problem of overpopulation of students. He also proposed a budget increase for State-run Universities and Colleges, provided that the SUC Reform Roadmap by CHED is implemented to ensure quality of education from the said schools are excellent. He also cited the continuous increase of education budget from 2010, and joked that student activists who say otherwise should attend math remedial classes.

The TESDA Transformation
PNoy mentioned that during the previous administration of TESDA, vouchers were given by the authorities, but no funds were allocated for the budget. With the leadership of new TESDA chief Joel Villanueva, he cited that more than 400k people have been trained. Certified specialists through the TESDA program are now also earning above-minimum monthly wage.

The BPO Industy
PNoy cited the generation of more jobs, and the unemployment rate going down from 8% in 2010 to 7.2% in 2011 and to 6.9% this year. He cited that the drastic increase of employment by the BPO industry over the past decade has given positive results to other areas. The generated need and increase in purchasing power has given opportunities for employment in transport, food stalls, and other retail areas.

The Infrastructure Plan
PNoy also laid out his plans for infrastructure improvement. For airports, he laid out his vision of new airports and upgrade of current airports before the end of his term. He also noted that Sec. Mar Roxas has given his word that the NAIA 3 issues will be solved before the next SONA. For commuters, he cited a proposed LRT Line 1 Cavite extension. Also noted are two elevated NLEX-SLEX connectors by 2015. New quality provincial bus terminals should also be in place in Taguig, Quezon City and Paranaque before the end of his term. He said that when before people complained about inaction, today, people are complaining about traffic due to the increased number of projects by the DPWH. He commended the action of Sec Babes Singson in repairing National Roads, and noted that before the end of his term, the National Road Network must be fixed completely.

It’s More Fun in The Philippines
With the improved infrastructure in place, the Philippines is ready to welcome more tourists. He noted that the increase of tourism over the past two years is already more than the previous 9 years before his administration. He noted that Sec. Mon Jimenez still has bigger plans for Philippine tourism, and commended the Filipino initiative in voting for the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New Seven Wonders of the world.

Growing Agriculture
PNoy recognized the work ethic of Sec. Alcala in improving the agriculture sector. He noted his action on overstock of rice that became an issue before, and aims to export instead of import rice by next year. He also noted the commendable increase of coco water and coco coir export. On the issue of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, he promised that by the end of his term, all lands under the said program must already be dispersed.

Energizing the Country
PNoy criticized the past administration in the Department of Energy as they claimed 99.98% of the country is energized when in fact, only a single electrical line was installed in remote areas. Through the work of Sec. Rene Almendras, the budget for 1,300 towns was allocated to 1,520 towns at only a part of the total budget for this project.

Crime Rate and Pacman
PNoy moved to crime rates being down with less roads now without light. He cited the decrease of crime rate and reported car thefts over the past couple of years. He also cited conviction and actions on known felons. He also said that the PNP will no longer be unarmed, with the bidding on firearms already at the Quality Control stage. He even referenced Pacman fights, since these are usually zero-crime rate days, saying that Pacman can’t fight everyday to stop crimes from happening, which is why the police force must be improved.

The National Defense
PNoy reported that deals are already in place and budget has been duly allocated to the improvement of the national defense. The budget for the AFP Modernization Program almost equals the allocation for the same program over the past 15 years. The air force will be improved by new planes. The coast guard will have more ships to defend our coastal territories. He noted that this is not a show of arrogance, but rather for defense, which until today, was only a dream. The government focus on the military force increased the morale of our soldiers, and PNoy cited some accomplishments in peace and order in war torn barangays.

The ARMM Reform
PNoy commended the efforts of OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman in solving the mystery of non-existent schools with allocated budget, unfixed roads, non-existent teachers in the payroll, and ghost students. He has eliminated these “ghosts” and allocated the budget to proper avenues. With these reforms, he said that even the rebels who seek change are actually seeing results. Proof of this is that there has been no MILF encounter for the past 7 months.

The National Resource Defense
PNoy claimed that in the mining industry, only 9% of the total 2010 earnings went to the government budget. He urged the congress that laws must be passed so that the natural resources of the Filipinos are utilized to benefit the Filipino people. He also recognized tree planting programs that have been present, but there is no continuity. He cited that through the National Convergence Initiative, this issue will be addressed. It will also generate jobs for those who will safeguard the trees. On the issue of illegal logging, he praised the positive action of Butuan Mayor Jun Amate for his fast action on the matter. The confiscated logs are sent to TESDA-trained carpenters to make tables and chairs for public schools. He also cited the actions done to abusive officials and warned future offenders that they will be punished just the same.

Disaster Risk Reduction Program
With improved equipment, the government is already given improved and accurate forecasts to aid them in preparation for typhoons to come. He recognized the typhoons that devastated the country, and said that Project NOAH aims to improve the forecast to prepare the people in case such typhoons face the country again. He promised more equipment by 2013.

Pension and Incentives
PNoy promises that before the end of his term, old age and disabled pensioners should receive no less than PhP5000, from only PhP500. To eliminate the absurd bonuses by government offices, PNoy said that starting this year, government bonuses depend on performance of the agency. When before, non-performing government offices are able to shell out huge bonuses, this time the bonuses will be at the hands of the employees.

The Chinese Occupancy
PNoy noted that he employs calmness and respect to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in dealing with the Chinese conflict regarding the Spratleys. However, he made a bold statement that he will not take further indifference by China to the same laws, saying “Kung may pumasok sa inyong bakuran at sinabing sa kanya na ang kanyang kinatatayuan ay sa kanya na, papaya ba kayo? Hindi naman po yata tamang ipamigay na lang natin sa iba ang sadyang atin talaga.”

To Forgive and Forget
PNoy responded to critics who tell him to let bygones be bygones, and just forgive and forget. He strongly said that he can forgive, but never forget those who have wronged the Filipino people. And by not forgetting he cited the need for the plunder case to be filed against Cong. Gloria Arroyo and cited the Corona impeachment as a statement that despite the high post in government, justice may still prevail. He cited the challenges of the new Supreme Court Chief Justice, and hopes that the new appointee will perform up to par against these challenges. He also cited the Ombudman Conchita Carpio-Morales for taking the challenge of her post once again. He thanked the congress for their role in the impeachment. He also thanked his cabinet for leaving the private sector in favor of public service. And to close his SONA, he thanked the Filipino people, whom he said are truly responsible for all the changes happening.

The Good
1.       PNoy once again delivered his speech in Filipino to truly reach out to the Filipino people. Another excellently-written speech.
2.       Despite the long speech, he was able to insert some humor in serious issues to maintain interest.
3.       He grounded most of his achievements in statistics and facts, and one can say he is no longer all talk.
4.       He laid out his plans well and touched on a wide array of topics, while also presenting achievements for each field.
5.       He received positive comments from attendees, with most saying that this is probably the most realistic SONA thus far.
6.       By presenting deadlines, he gave the impression that he means serious business and his goals are aimed to be done, not just dreamed.
7.       He displayed excellent leadership skills by appointing the right people for the right posts, and commending them accordingly for the work they have put in.

The Bad
1.       He still has not moved on from blaming the previous administration for some of the problems the country still faces.
2.       Critics claim that some statistics that he laid out are immeasurable, in particular, the unemployment rate.
3.       This is probably the longest SONA in recent history.
4.       The presented deadlines are like double-edged swords; if he does it, then good for him, but if he doesn’t fulfill his promises, he will be the subject of public scrutiny for a long time.
5.       The violence that erupted outside the session hall between the police force and militant groups may not have been a bad thing about the SONA, but it is worth noting as it did happen during the same day.

The What
1.       I still don’t get what the militant groups are trying to do by trying to block the President’s convoy. Not to defend the President here, but really, how could they change what is already written on the President’s SONA?
2.       Wasn’t Satur Ocampo in the congress as representative for his party-list for 9 years? Why did he not advance their cause during those years, only to go back to street anarchy?
3.       The RH Bill Reference drew the loudest applause during the SONA, but one wonders why it hasn’t been passed. 

Sunday, July 15, 2012

...Looking at UAAP Season 75...

I am feeling giddy that the UAAP Season is starting again.  I'm a big fan of the NBA and the PBA, but only the UAAP can make me scream my lungs out from the first jump until the final buzzer. There are no safe leads in the collegiate league, which always makes it exciting despite seeing your team trail by 25 at the end of a half. The NCAA has good games to watch as well, but since I come from a UAAP school, I have a preference for the latter than the former.

Now that I've thrown that out there, here are my brief thoughts on the teams that would be competing. No, I will not go into great depth discussing additions and losses, other sports websites have had their crack at that. This is a fan's perspective. Ranking them from 8 to 1. 

University of the East Red Warriors
More than half of the team is composed of rookies, as most of the team has played out their eligible years. It will be interesting to see how this team performs this season, but I don't see them winning too many games. Jerry Codinera was one of my favorite players back in the Purefoods-Coney Island days, and despite being only a second-year coach, I think he has the background to inspire his kids to play well enough to show heart. 
Projection: 0-14 to 2-12
I think they can have the heart to steal one from either UP (historically bad), Adamson (loss of key players), La Salle (possible lax when facing inferior and non-final 4 teams), and UST (historically careless at times).

University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons
Mike Silungan was so hyped up when he came to the league, you just have to wonder when his promise will be actualized. UP looks to have a reason to cheer about this season, as they have a vastly improving Silungan and key returnees Mark Lopez (heady point guard, good defense, so-so midrange) and Alvin Padilla (streak shooter). They still have Mbah and I think another big guy, so don't be surprised to see some "upsets" this team will be able to pull off. 
Projection: 4-10 to 6-8
They have the size to compete against Ateneo, and rivalry games usually raise the intensity of players. They can upset FEU with their current lineup and the Tamaraws' guard-heavy system. This team can run with La Salle, could be as streaky as UST, and look to be better equipped than UE. I think Adamson has an advantage over them just because of the head coach, because I personally think Coach Leo Austria is in a different level. 

Adamson University Soaring Falcons
Talk about rebuild; Adamson lost their dynamic one-two punch in Jeric Canada and Lester Alvarez, their big man John Colina, big guy Austin Manyara, and streak shooting Janus Lozada (not related to this writer). They have capable holdovers, with Alex Nuyles leading the charge on the court, and of course, Coach Leo Austria manning the sidelines. Players do win games, but with this particular team, I think the coach is a big factor.
Projection: 5-9
UE looks to be the doormat team this year, and the Falcons are expected to hurdle that team easily. This team looks to have gritty battles with UST, UP, FEU, and DLSU. They don't have the size to compete with ADMU, but they won't go down without a fight. And no, I don't think they have the ability to stop Ray Parks.

Far Eastern University Tamaraws
Glenn Capacio installed a pretty defensive system over at FEU, and Bert Flores is in no way a downgrade. They finally get to field former San Sebastian big man and disgruntled Green Archer Arvie Bringas to team up with his spunky brother. The Terrence Romeo-RR Garcia combo is still a scary pair to match up against. But I think this team is a bunch of Rajon Rondos put together; highly skilled, but are full of themselves. Each want to be that guy who'd win it for their team, which I think would ultimately cause their downfall this season. 
Projection: 7-7
I think this is the team that falls off from the Final 4 for reasons of immaturity. They might have a terrible first round where they will be upset by one or two teams below them, and will recover with a big second round push. They have a good team with a good system, which makes the Final 4 tricky; apart from Ateneo and NU, all the other teams look to have a chance at getting the 3 and 4 seed, and dare I say it, even UP will be a team FEU needs to watch out for. 

University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers
This is more about me being a Thomasian than I am being an objective writer. Of course FEU may be able to grab the 3rd or 4th spot in the Final 4, but I'm rooting for UST so shut up. I have good reason to believe that UST can actually pull off a good Cinderella run once again, with a basically intact lineup (Chris Camus being the only notable loss, the other being Eddie Aytona because I can't curse at a particular player anymore), and a couple of key returnees in Clark Bautista (streak shooter, undersized SG) and I think, Eduoardo Daquioag (SF transferred from RTU, played two seasons back, good defender, capable slasher) as a not so prominent returnee but could be a Camus alternative. Jeric Fortuna is playing in his last playing year, so expect an MVP-worthy performance from this kid.
Projection: 7-7
Yes, to be fair to FEU, I'm giving the same projection. UST has the tools to beat any team in the league if they click on all cylinders. The live-and-die by the three mentality has been a staple of UST since Coach Pido took over, and mostly, UST has lived through it. They have more capable shooters now, with the question on their depth addressed by the team's heart. It will be exciting to watch who gets the last 2 spots in the Final 4.

De La Salle University Green Archers
The runner up finisher in the annual Fil-Oil sponsored preseason tournament, La Salle showed that they are stopping at nothing to deny Ateneo their history-making 5-peat. Jeron Teng, brother of UST stalwart Jeric, showed during the tourney that he was not all hype. With the return of LA Revilla, a slew of capable big men, and a new head coach and system (finally), La Salle will be a force to reckon with.
Projection: 9-5
They may be a step above UST and FEU if only because of holdovers that are only getting better (read: Tampus, Van Opstal, Paredes, Andrada, Webb) and gaining key players from the youth team. They have the inside track on the third spot, but again, it wouldn't be surprising if they fell off with the re-tooled UP, the feisty Tigers, and the proud Tamaraws. 

Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles
This is not a dig at Ateneo, and this is probably wishful thinking, however, with their "Drive for Five", I think teams will perform beyond their potentials when facing Ateneo. On paper and on the court, they are probably the best team in the league, coached by arguably the best coach in the league. They are capable of sweeping this tournament once again, but it will not be an easy task.
Projection: 12-2
With a solid line up validated by a preseason win against the Eagles, La Salle will look to upset Ateneo in the UAAP tournament to further add flavor to the rivalry. And who would not want to see these two compete in the Final 4 as the 2nd and 3rd seed? NU will definitely challenge Ateneo's vaunted lineup, and probaby split the season series. 

National University Bulldogs
This is a huge jump for a team that has historically been a doormat team that narrowly missed the Final 4 last year. Ray Parks is the closest thing the Philippines has to LeBron James, and he will be supported by an able cast. I read somewhere that they actually have their own locker room in the MOA Arena, which is different from locker rooms that other teams will be housed in every game. They practice at the MOA Arena as well, so they have a definite home court advantage. Add the fact that majority of the games will be played in the MOA Arena, and it's not crazy to believe that NU will be winning a lot of games this season.
Projection: 12-2
I think they will either be swept by Ateneo, or split the series with them and be upset by another contender. I dare say that they will be the team Ateneo has to beat to claim that Drive for Five. They are the team I can't say outright that will be upset by a lesser team as they have an unstoppable force in Ray Parks who can carry the team on his back when needed. They may not be as deep as Ateneo, but what they lack in depth, Parks can make up for it with sheer dominance. I am all for the hype of this kid after seeing him play last season, and catching glimpses of him during preseason tourneys. Kid has serious game.