SONA transformation

Expected a much shorter speech but the SoNA was 53 minutes long, and packed with so much information. As mandated in the Constitution, this annual reporting is intended to provide a legislative framework for Congress.

But over time, it was transformed into a yearly self-evaluation of executive performance, as well as an opportunity for the President to define his vision and priorities for the remaining years of his term.

These are among the highlights of P-Noy’s road map that would guide him and his bosses (us) in getting to our desired destination. His strategy is that of transforming the physical environment and institutional structures and more important, our mindsets, values, and attitudes. They include:

President’s vision of “matuwid na daan” – This is a response to concerns expressed by both critics and supporters who think that a straight path is not enough. That what is important is making sure the road leads us to a better life. Although he was not quite explicit about how and where he would take us, he was clear about not taking us back to where we came from. The challenge now is how to translate the Social Contract into concrete activities that would lead to inclusive growth. And that no one is left behind.

Attitude change – to transform a mindset that he describes as “utak na wang-wang” – The wang-wang had become a symbol of abuse and arrogance of power as shown in anomalous transactions such as bidding, and tax evasion.

Improved social safety nets — The dramatic decrease in anti-trafficking of persons, specifically women and children enabled the country to obtain benefits such as grants from the Millennium Challenge. There are now 1.6 million beneficiaries in the conditional cash transfer program who would then benefit in terms of access to health and education.

Appointment of former Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio Morales as Ombudsman, perhaps the most welcomed news and which received the most resounding applause. Justice Morales’ sense of fairness and integrity gives us hope in winning the fight against corruption and injustice.

Sense of pride and sovereignty – P-Noy commits himself to the promotion of national pride and protection of national territory by Filipinos. The dispute over the West Philippine Sea will be referred to an international tribunal of the United Nations Council on Law of the Sea.

Citing indicators (reaching a one-time high in the stock exchange which resulted in increased credit rating by Moody), greater confidence in the energy sector, increased rice productivity through effective irrigation, this positive growth is expected to continue because of prudent economic management

Changing the rules of the game by putting an end to transactional politics and punishing grafters.

Among the priorities in the legislative agenda are bills on health, the environment, women and children, compensation for victims of Martial law, benefits to house helpers, scholarships in science, electrification, transforming People’s TV for public service.

Expressing “thank you” and basic courtesies to fellow citizens who regularly render public service — policemen, traffic enforcers, teachers, and members of our community.

While P-Noy may not be the leader who can inspire us with lofty rhetoric, he had shown what a pundit describes as a “passive yet positive approach to power.” At one interview, he said he did not want to develop a personality cult.

Likewise, he had not wavered in his stance on two critical concerns — sovereignty and the reproductive health bill.

Arroyo and her sons skipped the SONA upon the advice of their lawyer who expressed certainty that P-Noy would touch on the excesses of the past. But they were wrong. P-Noy did not make mention of her name at all. Just a passing reminder that he would not want us to return to where we came from.