IN his past State of the Nation Address (SONA), Pres. Benigno Aquino III enjoyed endless applause. He has been commended by his political peers and foreign observers for his ingenuity in restoring the Filipinos’ faith in the government.
It is not just an annual tradition. It is mandated by law for a Philippine president to report the status of the nation according to Article VII, Seciton 23 of the 1987 Constitution.
Prior to his fifth SONA on Monday, July 28, Aquino was already facing a recent slump following his involvement in the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) controversy. Aquino received criticisms over his leadership for challenging the Supreme Court’s recent decision on the constitutionality of DAP. And for apparently having a bone to pick with the high court, Aquino was recently bombarded with three impeachment cases filed last week.
Dismissing his standing in issues such as the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill and the country’s sea dispute entanglements during his SONA, didn’t help Aquino plead his case.
Even though some are left dissatisfied with his assessment, Aquino still managed to capture the essence of SONA by emphasizing on the country’s economic gains. He presented statistics on how positive transformation transpired within his administration. Not everyone may appreciate the figures he displayed, but the numbers Aquino presented are real and are based from significant reforms.
In past administrations, Filipinos were generally disappointed when most promises comprised in a president’s SONA, never saw the light. In the current government assessment, the administration achieved: reforms in budget processes, reduced prospects for corruption, increased public vigilance to daunt and defy commission of graft, and improved meritocracy in the public service.
Despite political roadblocks and jeers from his critics, Aquino still managed to draw some cheers by outlining his intentions and revealing his action plan for the country in his last two years as President.
“Now: the problems we inherited, we have solved. The problems that are here today, we are solving. And the problems that are still on the horizon, we are preparing for. I believe; with your continued trust, we can solve all of these,” Aquino said in his speech. The President clearly is not about to bow down to his detractors.
There are multitude of ills in the country that deserve so much attention. They may not be resolved yet, but look where Filipinos are now. Filipinos, as spectators to the SONA and in Aquino’s leadership, owe it to themselves to think objectively and look at facts instead of having prejudices and biases.
The Filipino people are not denied of the chance to witness the progression or regression Aquino’s leadership may bring them into. Instead of nitpicking, civic participation is encouraged now more than ever.
The lasting solution for the country’s problems does not solely depend on Aquino. It must come from within, from an individual’s sense of responsibility and the community’s togetherness.
The fruits of these developments will only spread more equitably if all Filipinos join Aquino on his journey to a “daang matuwid (straigh path).” It is every Filipino’s turn to fulfill the job of creating a palpable future that the coming generations of Juan and Juana Dela Cruz will enjoy. (AJPress)