Praise, letdown in P-Noy’s SONA

From ordinary folks to local officials and the business community, yesterday’s reactions to President Benigno Aquino III’s second State of the Nation Address (Sona) ranged from disappointment and skepticism to satisfaction and glowing praise.

“It’s the same problems. Increases in prices of rice and gasoline and lack of jobs,” said  food vendor Jing-jing Bulyo,41,  as she served food in an eatery in Jones Avenue yesterday.

Bulyo, who’s raising  three children with a husband who’s job is unstable,  said she voted for Aquino in 2010 only because her  mother, a loyal supporter of  Corazon Aquino, insisted.

Bulyo said she’d rather just work because she’s  lost hope for progress in the country and doesn’t believe in the President’s Sona.

But for others like  mango vendor Amelita Melgar, 52,  of Colon Street, President Aquino shouldn’t be judged on his first year in office.

“Let’s wait, don’t rush the President,” Melgar told Cebu Daily News.

She said she  remains convinced that he is the best choice for the presidency. Melgar said she was contented with Aquino’s one-year performance.

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale welcomed President Aquino’s choice of  Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales as the new Ombudsman.

“I’m happy… I know her. I’m familiar with her track record,” she said.

Magpale said she agreed with Aquino’s assessment about renewed  “confidence” of investors in the energy sector, citing the 147 companies who signified their interest to explore oil and gas resources.

Magpale said her brother, Energy Secretary Rene Almendras, worked hard to rebuild the confidence in the country’s power industry.

But she expressed disappointment that the President didn’t mention any developments in the tourism industry.

The Armed Forces’ Central Command thanked the President for the housing program for soldiers and policemen.

But groups like the Freedom from Debt Coalition said the Aquino administration’s economic program was  wanting.

“While we commend Aquino’s anti-corruption drive, his economic program would outweigh whatever gains achieved… less of government is emphasized but strong government action is needed to abate poverty, unemployment and hunger,” they said.

The group called on the President to address increasing costs in power, water, basic commodities and education as well as resolving environmental destruction caused by pollution.

Other groups like the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) said the government needs to address human rights violations in the country.

In Cebu City, Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district said the President is surrounded by honest people.

“He is careful and cautious in his moves.  I expect him to move at a faster pace as he adjusts to an environment plagued with corruption, influence by peddling, conspiracies, even intimidation by the church. He (Aquino) is as good as I hoped for,” he said.

Councilor Alvin Dizon, an urban poor advocate, said while he is satisfied with the President’s performance; social housing should be expanded to accommodate the indigent families.

In Mandaue City, Mayor Jonas Cortes said the President’s determination to get rid of “wang-wang” or siren reflects the government’s urgency to renew national character by eliminating arrogance by elitist public officials.

“The president has spoken loud and clear about the State of the Nation Address. He is indeed determined to stop wang-wang, which symbolizes change. That is change for the better,” Cortes said.

Rep. Luigi Quisumbing of Cebu’s 6th district said the administration’s anti-corruption drive has made public officials wary on engaging in crooked deals.

“We share the President’s vision of an accountable government led by leaders who care for the Filipinos’ welfare,” he said.

Cebu business leaders gave President Benigno Aquino III a thumbs-up on his Sona, but said his administration should be more decisive since any progress they achieved are mere “baby steps.”

Gordon Allan Joseph, Cebu Business Club president, said Aquino’s Sona was positive but not brilliant.

“Baby steps are not enough to bring the Philippines to consistent and outstanding GDP (gross domestic product) growth similar to our neighbors,” he said.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Samuel Chioson said the Filipinos have a lot to look forward especially in the fight against corruption.

“He is starting slow but we can see a brighter future ahead of us especially if society cooperates,” he said.

Eric Ng Mendoza, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, said he was especially impressed with Aquino’s commitment to defend the country’s claim on the Spratlys Island and in public-private partnerships.

“His serious conviction on anti-corruption and statesmanship in defending and protecting our sovereign rights also conveys a strong nationalistic message,” Mendoza said. /Candeze R. Mongaya, Aileen Garcia-Yap and Carmel Loise Matus with a report from Correspondent Jucell Marie P. Cuyos and Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac