On eve of Sona, Aquino in ‘high spirits’ as DAP issue looms large

President Benigno S. Aquino III  Malacañang Photo Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – Despite threats of protests and controversies surrounding his administration, President Benigno Aquino III remains in high spirits as he works on his speech for Monday’s State of the Nation Address (Sona), Malacañang said Sunday.

“Sa pagkaalam ko po siya ay nasa—in high spirits po. Siya ay naghahanda ng kanyang pagtalumpati sapagkat para sa kanya ito ay mahalagang pakikipag-usap sa kanyang mga boss,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said over the radio.

(He is in high spirits. He is getting his speech ready because he considers the Sona an important dialogue with the people.)

He said Aquino’s determination was hard to beat.

“Hindi po nagbabago ‘yung kanyang masidhing commitment na maihatid sa kanyang mga boss ang mga ipinangakong reporma, matupad ang mga priority initiatives ng ating Philippine Development Plan,” Coloma said.

(His intense commitment to push for reforms and implement the priority initiatives of the Philippine Development Plan has not changed.)

The Secretary declined to discuss the possible content of the speech but the public expects it will include a discussion on the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), which was declared partly unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Aquino has been vocal in questioning the high tribunal’s ruling and defending the DAP. This has led to the filing of two impeachment complaints accusing the President of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

Technical Report

Coloma revealed that while the public can expect the usual presentation during the Sona, Malacañang would also release a detailed report on the issues and programs Aquino will be discussing.

“Kaya katulad din ng nakaugalian, meron pong kaakibat na Sona technical report. Ito po ay komprehensibong pag-uulat ng mga pangunahing naisagawa ng iba’t ibang kagawaran, national government agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations,” he said.

(As practice dictates, the Sona has a technical report. It contains the comprehensive report of concerned departments, agencies and government-owned and -controlled corporation.)

The report will be uploaded in the Official Gazette website after Aquino delivers the Sona.

Coloma said the report would contain additional details of the topics that will be discussed by the President, as well as accomplishments.

He urged the public to also visit the website of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), which features a “report card” on the Aquino administration.

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