‘Aquino SONA good but…’

WHILE not enthusiastic over President Aquino III’s endorsement of “responsible parenthood” in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, some Church officials credited his administration for its anti-corruption campaign.

Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal lauded Aquino for his campaign against corruption and the achievements he mentioned in his State of the Nation Address.

“That was a litany of his achievements. Let it be because its for our own good,” he said.

But when asked if he is satisfied with Aquino’s manner of governance, Vidal said “I don’t want to be judgmental about that.”

“If we say that everything was well etc, why should there be militant people?,” he asked.

Other officials like Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama were more positive.

“Figures will not lie. Only liars will not figure,” the mayor said in reference to the comparative analysis Aquino presented in relation to his administration’s gains in education, health, employment and agriculture.

Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of Cebu’s 4th district lauded Aquino for his economic agenda. He said he also appreciates the president’s efforts to campaign for good governance.

Provincial Board (PB) member Arleigh Sitoy said the president’s campaign should also complement efforts to jump start the economy with new airports, further electrification and more classrooms for students in the countryside.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia declined to comment on the President’s SONA, saying she wasn’t able to watch it. Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol with Correspondents Edison delos Angeles and Carmel Loise Matus