Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
19. Lifting of aviation limits die to improved aviation safety; more long-haul flights to and from the
Philippines
20. Meeting certification standards for seamen
21. MRT woes brought about by private contractor; additional trains and rehabilitation program for
escalators underway
22. Modernization program for the Armed Forces of the Philippines - five C-130s, three C-295 medium lift
transports, two C-212 light lift transports; landing crafts for rescue and clearing operations; various
aircraft, seacraft, arms and equipment to defend the country's territorial integrity
23. 1:1 police-to-pistol ratio for the Philippine National Police, along with 2,523 procured patrol jeeps; 577
utility vehicles; 12,399 handheld radios; 30,136 long firearms, among others
24. Praise for Oplan Lambat Sibat, an anti-criminality drive led by Interior Secretary Mar Roxas. 163,000
suspects caught; 1,000 gangs neutralized; crime rate falling down in Metro Manila; neutralization of highprofile targets
25. Raising combat pay and subsistence allowance for police personnel
26. Infrastructure projects completed in different areas of the country, including new bridges, roads, flood
control projects even in areas led by non-allies of the administration
27. Need to retrofit Guadalupe bridge
28. 10 awarded, 13 ongoing and 27 public-private partnerships in the pipeline
29. Philippines first in Asia, second worldwide in terms of job optimism
30. Car sales 27 percent up in 2014
31. European Commission removed the Philippine fishing industry from the blacklist
32. Call for solons to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law
33. Call for the passage of the rationalization of fiscal incentives; unified personnel pension reform bill;
2016 General Appropriations Act
34. Push for the passage anti-dynasty law
35. Thanked the Congress for the passage of key legislation
36. Recalled the sacrifice of his parents, former Sen. Benigno Aquino and former President
Corazon Aquino
37. Thanked Cabinet members, government appointees, other officials and staff for their service
38. Recognition of religious leaders and other citizens who have contributed to the country
39. Thanked his own family
40. Thanked Filipinos, saying, "Napakalaking karangalan ang pamunuan po kayong lahat."
41. Raised the need to continue reforms during his administration
42. Government's adherence to the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea dispute, despite China's might
43. Modernization of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
44. From 2010-2014, the Philippines posted an average of 6.2-percent gross domestic product growth
45. Warned against the return to "crooked path" in light of the upcoming elections, saying his reforms can
be undone by a single election
46. Asked for forgiveness amid the shortcomings of the administration
that Ninoy Aquino never had any second thoughts with proclaiming "The
Filipino is worth dying for. For Filipino and the Philippines stand for
an idea a welcoming, cosmopolitan nation of freedom in a world filled
with so much hatred, pride, and conflict.
Soon, we will be hearing the final State of the Nation Address (SONA) of
Ninoys son, who will be looking at defending his record as the
commander-in-chief of more than 100 million souls, who have looked up
to him for leadership, direction, and conscientious governance in the last
half-decade.
Institutionalizing reform
But of course, the main problem with Aquinos economic policy was one
of omission rather than commission. In absence of more creative,
heterodox policies, the government fell short of ensuring that the growing
economic pie will become inclusive.
As a result, much of the newly-created wealth in the country has been
swallowed by the elite, while poverty and hunger rates as well as
un/under employment rates have virtually remained inelastic.
Without a major boost in our agricultural (land reform is crucial here) and
manufacturing sectors (greenfield investments is key), I am doubtful we
will be creating inclusive growth anytime soon. Not to mention, we are
yet to see a major upgrade in our dilapidated infrastructure, which has
discouraged foreign investors and burdened daily commuters.
From afar, it is easy to criticize the government. Some journalists and
commentators have regrettably even resorted to ad hominem attacks
against a leader, who was voted into power by millions of people and
responsible voters. Aquinos opponents many belonging to the corrupt
factions, which oppose good governance as an existential threat
have used all sorts of strategies to demean him and undermine his
popularity.
But there is a reason why Aquino remains to be a popular leader,
especially when compared to his predecessors in their twilight years in
office. Many Filipinos, as credible surveys consistently suggest, do credit
Aquino for his good intentions, despite his many shortcomings in
practice.
You dont have to be an expert to realize that with our weak state
institutions, hobbled by entrenched networks of political patronage, and
only a single six-year term in office, there is just so much a well-meaning
leader can do to overhaul a broken political system.
This is why what I look forward to, perhaps more than anything else, in
Aquinos last SONA is how he intends to ensure his reforms will endure
beyond his term in office. And what characteristics, if not specific
candidate/s, is he going to endorse, if ever.
For sure, Aquino will try to defend his record by presenting a long list of
his achievements and all of these could be subjected to criticism
but everyone knows we are far away from achieving a mature democracy
and an inclusive economy.
Genuine reform and lasting change comes on the back of institutions
and effective governance, not personalities. Good governance will not
be achieved unless Aquinos reforms and best practices are carried
forward by his successors.
This is Aquinos last SONA, so he better use it for not only promoting his
own record, but promoting a lasting vision for our country.