Sona
Alvar, Jingo L.
BS-AC3B
SONA 2013 ANALYSIS Last July 22, 2013, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivered his fourth annual State of the Nation Address or simply, "SONA", in Batasang Pambansa Complex. For the record, it had been the longest SONA that Pnoy had given with almost 2-hour span of time, yet it had been also one of his less applauded SONA among his previous SONAs. This year SONA catered the achievement of Pnoy Administration during the year 2012 and some parts of the current year (2013). Pnoy cited the 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. This is just some highlights of his SONA. However, there are some he discussed that can draw issues and speculations for the government like the ammendments for SSS contributions and the fare hike on MRT/LRT. But above this, he firmly reasoned the cause why those actions should be taken. We can say that this Sona is comprehensive and objective since all the achivements mentioned were supported by statistical data and facts. But at some point, in my own humble opinion, all what Pnoy cited, all the accomplishments and pending promises are part of government's duties and responsibilities among its citizens. What my point in here is that those things are really expected to be done by his administration. To cut it short, it was already a "given" set of accomplishments. What I am looking for more is the real status of a single, normal and average "Juan dela Cruz" of the
BS-AC3B
SONA 2013 ANALYSIS Last July 22, 2013, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivered his fourth annual State of the Nation Address or simply, "SONA", in Batasang Pambansa Complex. For the record, it had been the longest SONA that Pnoy had given with almost 2-hour span of time, yet it had been also one of his less applauded SONA among his previous SONAs. This year SONA catered the achievement of Pnoy Administration during the year 2012 and some parts of the current year (2013). Pnoy cited the 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. This is just some highlights of his SONA. However, there are some he discussed that can draw issues and speculations for the government like the ammendments for SSS contributions and the fare hike on MRT/LRT. But above this, he firmly reasoned the cause why those actions should be taken. We can say that this Sona is comprehensive and objective since all the achivements mentioned were supported by statistical data and facts. But at some point, in my own humble opinion, all what Pnoy cited, all the accomplishments and pending promises are part of government's duties and responsibilities among its citizens. What my point in here is that those things are really expected to be done by his administration. To cut it short, it was already a "given" set of accomplishments. What I am looking for more is the real status of a single, normal and average "Juan dela Cruz" of the