...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.