President Benigno Aquino III successfully delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the

Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City and discussed matters regarding the countrys economy,
defenses, public works, education, and many more.
President Noynoy, or PNoy also addressed those keen to bring his administration down. Unfortunately, he
did not delve deeper into the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) that many of the
citizens and critiques have been waiting for. The DAP merely received a notable mention with, of course,
slight defense.
In his talk, the government meant well. There was no admission of any major problems in the system, and
nothing about what is eating the country from the inside and out: corruption. If you were visiting from Mars
and randomly dropped into one of the comfy Batasan chairs to hear the presidents speech, you would
probably feel very optimistic about living in the Philippines the improvements, the countrys acceleration,
and the implied contentment of the citizens; it almost sounded too good to be true.
All of the funds, according to the president, went to the places they are supposed to go. There are new
fighter jets, helicopters and a landing ship. There are also new weaponry and arsenal for soldiers and
police officers alike. Respondents and relief workers were quick during disaster situations. The education
has been widespread all over the country that our natives are now sent to school.
This administration deserves a lot of credit for what it has done for the country. It is now at investment
rate, the economy is flourishing, and there are no bloody conflicts or horrendous kidnappings. Plans for
road development and improvements, housing, schools, and other infrastructure are underway.
The presidents SONA is full of metaphors; at some point he was the captain on a ship, ferrying
the Filipino people from an island of corruption to an island of flourishing beauty. Its all so dreamy he
discussed mainly the beauty of what is on the surface, but not what is rotting at the core.
This SONA is the presidents fifth, the second to the last, and we are expecting him to discuss more about
what is happening now impeachment complaints because of DAP, territorial disputes, pork barrel scam,
energy problems and more.
It is all very superficial. Despite the improvements, there are matters deep in the crevices of the system
greatly affecting the country that have been left unmentioned. There are many comparisons between his
administration and the old, and most of all, there is lot of spite expressed from his attackers. We
appreciate the positivity and the improvements but sheer avoidance of more pressing matters is not a
development in any form.
Also, we are irked by the frequency of Kris Aquinos appearance. She looked like she was watching heavy
teledrama with her emotional crumpled face and notable tissue dabbing. Nothing the president said was
tear-worthy.

What SONA lacked

Buhay partylist Representative Lito Atienza, who had earlier counseled pro-Aquino lawmakers to go
slow in attacking the SC over the DAP ruling, said the SONA had some glaring omissions: "Hindi
natin narinig ang tama. Hindi na-report ang tama. Bigas, bilihin, peace and order, brownout ang
dapat narinig. Ang tawag ng kabataan dyan ay BOOMPANES."
Former President Fidel Ramos sounded disappointed by the seeming loose structure of the SONA: "
If this was supposed to be a State of the Nation Address, there must be a vision of the future, and
the future we're talking about there is not the two years to go or six years of the president's term, or
three years of a time of a governor. No, it's one whole generation. That is what it takes you to
stabilize your power system, that is what it takes you to put up your proper infrastructure, farm-tomarket roads, seaports, airports."
Iloilo Representatuve Jerry Trenas: "The President has exceeded the people's expectations in
running the country. We should expect a fruitful leadership in the last two remaining years of the
Aquino administration. We do not have a lameduck President."
Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate said the speech smelled like "gunpowder
[pulbura] because the President dwelt at length on acquisitions of weapons and materiel. And yet, he
said, he omitted the things needed to improve the human condition, "maliban sa mga buladas niya
sa dating SONA [except for the hogwash he dished out in past speeches]."
Sen. Nancy Binay also found some particular areas like job generation and the looming power crisis
lacking in the State of the Nation Address.
Still, she was pleased that the President "personally thanked the countries that helped us during the
times of crisis. I believe that the SONA was the best venue to show our gratitude."
Senate President Drilon said, He gave a face to the progress that we have seen. I liked the few
lines where he said gusto ba nating ipagpatuloy itong ating mga naumpisahan. So the continuity is
very critical for us to be able to achieve our goals."
However, Senator Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara lamented that President Aquino failed to mention
his concrete solutions in addressing the looming energy cris.
He lauded Aquino on the jobs generated and scholarship program initiated by the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The fact that the President is asking for a supplemental budget for DAP-funded projects seems like
an acknowledgement by him of the SC decision on the DAP, Angara said.
For his part, Senator Gregorio Honasan said that the speech was a call for unity for the remainder of
his term, for continuity and sustainability.
Meanwhile, Senator Joseph Victor JV Ejercito said that even though he was with the opposition, he

was carried away by the latter part of the speech, where the President talked about his parents'
legacy, and his own fear he may not be able to finish what he began.

How do you feel about SONA 2014?

What do you agree or disagree with SONA 2014?
Can you identify the situation involve in SONA 2014?
What would be the best way to evaluate the SONA 2014? - See more at:
http://www.goodfilipino.com/2014/07/reaction-paper-guide-for-SONA2014.html#sthash.A27YAp6c.dpuf