Aquino delivers final Sona

President Benigno Aquino III has begun his sixth and final State of the Nation Address (Sona).

With a year left in his presidency, Aquino once again faced his “bosses” to give a comprehensive report on his administration’s “tuwid na dawn (straight path).”

Among the issues that he is expected to tackle are his administration’s efforts against corruption and poverty.

Despite enjoying a higher satisfaction rating compared with his predecessors, the last months have been tumultuous for Aquino. He has been blamed for the Mamasapano operation, with critics accusing him of allowing then suspended Philippine National Police (PNP) Alan Purisima to direct the covert mission, which resulted in the deaths of more than 60 people. The stalling of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress has been attributed to the incident.

The peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the possible passage of the BBL have been cited as among the potential legacies of the Aquino administration.

Aquino has also been criticized by Vice President Binay, who resigned from the Cabinet, for having a government that is insensitive and bumbling.

READ: Binay: Aquino government ‘palpak’

Binay, who previously led the electoral surveys, has been hitting administration for its alleged inability to address gut issues such as poverty.

The camp of Binay said the vice president is planning on delivering his own version of Sona this week. IDL

READ: Binay planning own Sona