Sona

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday delivered his longest State of the Nation Address (SONA) so far, but has been applauded less frequently than last year. Facing the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Aquino delivered a 102-minute, slightly longer than last year’s 91-minute SONA.
More than three years after accepting an urgent challenge to lead a crisis-ridden nation, President Benigno Aquino III said Monday he has done everything possible to solve many of the country’s most pressing problems and is comforted by the strong public support for difficult reforms begun in his term.
SONA this year were focused on the achievements of the government on his term such as approval of the Sin Tax Reform Law and “Responsible Parenthood Law” (RH Law), reforms in Education System(K-12), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), increase in number of TESDA graduates, increase in Philhealth enrolles from 62% to 81% and improved benefits, allocation of P6.2 billion for flood control in Metro Manila, completion of 9,377 housing units for Typhoon Sendong victims, 63% reduction in number of private armed groups, 21.4 increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2012 and 7.8% GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth during the first quarter of 2013. However, it also highlights some of the changes to hike SSS contributions and train fares.
PNoy has three years left to lead this nation. This SONA signifies the beginning of his end. Yup! It’s his last term in office unless a wise nut succeeds in amending the Constitution. This would give PNoy the possibility of having more time to accomplish his role in helping the Philippines become great again.
I must admit that PNoy has given us hope with his “daan na matuwid”. However, for some reason, the results are quite slow. He could have shown more conviction if he were more consistent with his actions and decisions. It is very obvious that when a case involves his BFFs, he softens up. When he really wants to teach officials a lesson due to inefficient work, he scolds them like hell. Quite inconsistent! This is not good for a leader. The people can easily lose the respect they have for him. Anyway, good luck and don’t make this remaining years bring you to the hall of fame of the “lame ducks” incorporated. If you continue to let your BFFs run the government, all your work may be put to waste and even worse, shame.
The SONA gives the Filipino people a glimpse into the achievements of their President. Ours is a country that regained democracy during the reign of Cory Aquino (our president’s mother who fought the ills of the Marcos Era). In the past, we lacked a clear conception of the democratic principle of equality before the law, and of government by and for the people. For a split second after the People Power Revolution, we enjoyed our freedom but today I think we have abused that freedom and have misused it.

When the Liga Filipina was founded by a great national hero who called for unity, he called on all worthy Filipinos to join in the fight against oppression, in his demands for reforms; and the motto he chose for the new organization was one of equality, “unus instar omnium” – “one for all”, embodying therein the essence and soul of democracy.

That, in brief, is the history and the background of our national aspirations and ideals. And when all pacific means had failed, and a united Filipino people had to appeal to arms as a last recourse, for the vindication of their rights and for the freedom of their country, they founded the KATIPUNAN. And again they proclaimed as their guiding principles towards the liberation and emancipation of the Philippines: Patriotism, Equality and Cooperation.

How will our President unite us and bring us back to the days of glory and chivalry? How can he inspire his men to stop working for themselves but for the country as a whole? When will they start making this country a better place for you and for me?