[Filipinism Homepage] Noynoy's speech is complete

[josephdream]

The literary structure of Nonoy’s speech disputes the opinion generated by critics and GMA supporters, claiming that it is lacking in depth and concreteness of programs.

On the contrary, his speech reveal a powerful strategy of governance in the next 6 years.

First, he clarifies two paths and offers the path of principled governance rather than the flawed road of corruption.   This choice should help us clarify where we really are as a nation.  To ask for immediate promises from Pres. Aquino without resolving the past would just bring us to deeper problems in the future.  “Kung sino man ang di lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.”

The figures simply show that the present government can barely survive given the corrupt practices of the past administration particularly committed in the MWSS, NAPOCOR, tax evasion, diversion of funds to fit favored districts in Pampanga, NFA – all tinted with a desire for "luho" or excessive luxury.

Aquino challenges the public, “Hindi ba krimen ang mga ito?”  as if he is inviting us to question whether we as a people have lost our sensibilities to what is right and just accept all these corrupt practices, incorporate them into our system, and waste away precious public funds, thus, inflicting more sufferings upon the victimized ordinary taxpayers. 

Such is the notion of corruption as the cancer of society; no matter what taxes you impose, no matter what prices you increase, the selfish and greedy would have an unsatiable desire to live an exorbitant lifestyle at the expense of the poor and the needy Filipinos.  That is why all projects geared towards empowering the Filipinos such as schools and economic opportunities remain unrealized unless there is a radical change the government in the way it disburses its funds and selflessly serve the public.

Given these stunning revelations, Pres. Aquino proceeds to offer the courses to take.  He says, “Tatanggalin natin ang mga proyektong tiwali.  Gagamitin ang zero-based approach."  The zero based approach is a scheme of total accountability.  In zero-based budgeting, every department function is reviewed comprehensively and all expenditures must be approved, rather than only increases.  Isn’t that a concrete course to take and not the flowery words of promise but without concrete course of action?  After all, he cannot promise any more projects.  The government does not have the resources at its disposal.  She herself is poor.

He further declared the following actions:
1.    To go after tax evaders who can afford to buy Lamborghini but don’t have the resources to pay what is due to the country;
2.    Justice to media people and others and put an end to extrajudicial killings;
3.    Establishment of the truth commission to get all the facts and the extent of corrupt practices per person;
4.    Public-private partnerships to finance education, infrastructures (buildings and railway systems), military and police facilities and other institutions vital to progress and generate jobs to our people;
5.    Partnerships with local and foreign investors through easy transactions which will produce jobs and increase the consumer power of the Filipinos;
6.    Education that is geared toward global competitiveness; and
7.    Philhealth to benefit the poor.

From the Congress, the President appeals approval of bills, among them are the following:
1.    Approval of the Presidential appointees based on their merit;
2.    Fiscal responsibility bill – to include fiscal incentives as well as to prohibit monopolies, anti-trust law;
3.    Protect the wistleblowers and strengthen the witness protection program;
4.    Rejustification of the law to reconcile conflicting ones;
5.    Peace in Mindanao and communications with CPP, NPA if they are truly sincere in the development of the Philippines.

For everyone, including responsible media and all others, the President challenges them towards “Pakikilahok” (participation) and not “pakikialam” implying the constant blaming of government but not putting anything to offer solutions for it.

He warns us about the return of a system of "pagsasamantala" (abuse).  Finally, "Ang Diyos at taumbayan ang nagbasbas sa panunungkulang ito", recalling the words of scripture, "If God is for us, then who is against us?" This for me, brings everything to its proper conclusion – everything is placed in the hand of God as he blesses the sacrifices of this country.  It is through this that "we can dream again and make those dreams come true."

Probably some things are lacking; but the basic tenets of his governance are found in his speech.  He shall rule with justice and no one is above the law.  He shall make everything functional and geared towards serving the public well.  But the guiding foundation to all of this is honest governance.  That is why his trust rating is so high; he is speaking from his heart.

If there are also things that are still lacking as alleged by the  critics, a 30 minute SONA cannot encapsulate all the harm and done to the Philippines in the long course of history leading to its decay.  We definitely need more than 6 years or more, perhaps beyond Pres. Aquino, to undo the evil that has been done and put our country back in track.

--
Posted By josephdream to Filipinism Homepage at 7/27/2010 06:12:00 PM