President Noynoy Aquino (middle) delivers his first State of the Nation Address at the Session Hall of the Batasang Pambansa. With him are Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (left) and House Speaker Sonny Belmonte (right).
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Stars grace President Noynoy Aquino's first SONA
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
09:10 AM
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"Kasuklam-suklam ang kalakarang ito. Pera na, naging bato pa," Aquino said.
PROMISES. To stamp out corruption, Aquino promised a "zero-based approach," ensuring that the budget is spent wisely.
"Sa susunod na buwan ay maghahain tayo ng budget na kumikilala nang tama sa mga problema, at magtutuon din ng pansin sa tamang solusyon," he announced.
Aquino also maintained that his administration will continue to prosecute tax evaders and corrupt government officials. He also aims to stop extrajudicial killings.
"Pananagutin natin ang mga mamamatay-tao. Pananagutin din natin ang mga corrupt sa gobyerno," he said.
To boost the economy, Aquino hopes to solidify "public-private partnerships." He said this initiative will be positive for all sectors: education, health, peace and order, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism.
"Mula sa mga public-private partnerships na ito, lalago ang ating ekonomiya, at bawat Pilipino makikinabang. Napakaraming sektor na matutulungan nito," he said.
Bureaucratic red tape will also be reduced, Aquino said.
On education, Aquino stressed that the Philippines will aspire for a "global standard" in education, by increasing the basic education cycle from 10 years to 12 years. The PhilHealth program will also be refined to greater serve families who need the most help.
Aquino also vowed to fight for peace in Mindanao and all over the country, by offering peace talks to rebel groups.
Aquino ended his speech by moving his constituents to hope for a better future.
"Akin pong paniwala na Diyos at taumbayan ang nagdala sa ating kinalalagyan ngayon. Habang nakatutok tayo sa kapakanan ng ating kapwa, bendisyon at patnubay ay tiyak na maaasahan natin sa Poong Maykapal. At kapag nanalig tayo na ang kasangga natin ay ang Diyos, mayroon ba tayong hindi kakayanin?
"Ang mandato nating nakuha sa huling eleksyon ay patunay na umaasa pa rin ang Pilipino sa pagbabago. Iba na talaga ang situwasyon. Puwede na muling mangarap. Tayo nang tumungo sa katuparan ng ating mga pinangarap."
REACTIONS. PEP asked several celebrities to convey their reactions to President Aquino's SONA.
According to Rez Cortez, he remembered Fernando Poe Jr. when he was listening to Aquino's address. Rez is the president of the FPJ for President Movement, which pushed for the presidential candidacy of the late King of Philippine Movies.
"Punong-puno ng puso. Yun din ang pinaglalaban namin sa FPJ for President Movement," Rez said. "Babantayan namin si President Aquino at magdadasal na rin para sa kanya."
U.S. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. found the speech "outstanding". "The parts I did understand were really outstanding to everyone," he said.
New Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez liked the speech. "It was short but very siksik," she said.
Bayan Muna Party-list Representative Teddy Casiño, however, was "disappointed." "Hindi naisama ang ilang mahahalagang issue, tulad ng Freedom of Information Bill."
Senator Miguel Zubiri was not pleased with Aquino's approach to health care. "Sana meron po tayong universal health care, hindi lamang PhilHealth," he said.
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