Reflection on SONA 2013 President Benigno Simeon PNoy Aquino III delivered his fourth annual State of the

Nation Address in Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City on July 22, 2013 with the theme, Sa Gitna ng Daang Matuwid. The midterm SONA marked his third year in presidency and opened the 16th Congress in a joint session of both houses. The annual address started at exactly 4:03 PM and ended at 5:46 PM. It was the longest SONA he had given so far, earning 88 rounds of applause from Senators, Congressmen, government officials, local and international media and other dignitaries and important personalities in the country. PNoys speech was very comprehensive, covering a lot of areas which include the accomplishments of his administration in political and economic aspects, praises for public servants and government departments who made outstanding services for the country, and also strongly-worded criticisms against corrupt public servants and erring government agencies.

The President mentioned the fresh mandate from the people via domination of his senatorial candidates in May 2013 elections, the Bangsamoro peace framework, success of his Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program, more TESDA scholars, housing program for informal settlers and the 7.8% GDP last year. He also hailed the passage of RH Law, Sin Tax Law, AFP Modernization Act and the K-12 Law. PNoy specifically lauded three police enforcers for their great acts that helps lift the image of the PNP, and also department secretaries Albert del Rosario of DFA, Armin Luistro of DepEd, Rogelio Singson of DPWH and the late Jesse Robredo of DILG for a well-done job.

On the other hand, he minced no words in castigating corrupt individuals, specifically former TESDA Administrator Boboy Syjuco, and the agencies of Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration and National Irrigation Administration.

The almost 2-hour speech also included a video testimonials of the exemplary public servants. He ended his speech with words, I am Noynoy Aquino, and I proudly say to the world: I am a Filipino. How wonderful it is to be a Filipino in these times.

In my own humble opinion, President Aquino was successful in relaying the inclusive growth of his administration and regaining the trust of the Filipino people in the presidency, and his SONA exuded the confidence he has with his accomplishments. However, I felt that the speech was too long to miss on some important issues like the passage of Freedom of Information bill, amendment or repeal of Cybercrime Act, and especially the P10 Billion pork scam. True or not, he shouldve mentioned the scam, for anti-corruption is his main thrust in the Daang Matuwid platform.

Of course, we all know that the President cannot reform the country all by himself, and his theme of beginning the change and enjoining the citizenry to work arm-in-arm with the government in achieving these goals is very laudable. We must support PNoys programs so that we can fully feel the trickling down of economic gains of his administration. And also, we must remain active in urging the him make true to his promise of curbing corruption that is consuming most of our governments coffers It was nice to hear the accomplishments of the President for the year that has passed and I am eager to see many of the plans unfolding which will bring the country to a better situation and environment. There are many things that this present administration that needs to be addressed and with only 3 more years in his term. the President must accomplish much.

There are many gains in this administration and there are 2 giant accomplishments that this administration has been able to accomplish a drastic reduction of systemic corruption (still far from ideal) and our investment grade status. The nations economy has been on an over-drive and its about time. Inclusive growth however, seems to be still elusive but I am realistic enough to know that it will take a long time. What I like with this administration is that he seems to be genuinely sincere in leaving a better government for the the next President, like history repeating itself.

Many things needs to be addressed still such as generation of more jobs and better jobs at that. Only when we can have more and better employment can we really say that there is inclusive growth.

I am hopeful for the next 3 years of this administration but even the President understands his limitations. It is my belief that we need to support the President in his reforms and that we need to constantly pray for him and the nation. The Bible says Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12, NIV

Ive also asked the thoughts of my friend Dr. Alvin Ang, President of the Philippine Econo mic Society and this is what his views are:

PNoys 4th SONA is a Call for Contribution. Makiambag sa Solusyon. There are no direct allusion to the economy except that there are current efforts though not seen that are happening such as job creation in technical skills and the exportation of rice. Infrastructure that are correctly priced and of quality are the order of the day. They may be causing delays but transparency will make sure that things are right. Overall, the warning about those who continue to defy the Matuwid na Daan is an admission that overall change takes time. This President indeed means business and he is doing things navigating through the democratic process. This is great encouragement for me as a Filipino. Let us pray as a nation for the nation.

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