JULY 27, 2011

NR # 2477E

PNoys 2nd SONA draws mixed reactions from lawmakers

A multi-partisan group of congressmen have expressed mixed reactions over President Aquinos second State of the Nation Address (SONA) with some responding positively to his speech while others said they thought it lacked details and failed to mention issues of utmost concern. I admire the Presidents strong warning against past corruptors and would-be corruptors. Even the private sector is forewarned. Good governance is the main point that he emphasized and I think he wants to overemphasize. It drove home the point, said Deputy Speaker Erin Taada (4th District, Quezon). He talked directly to our people with his heart. I think ordinary folks, tricycle drivers and vendors, understood him well, Taada said. Rep. Gina de Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan) said President Aquino has a clear plan for managing the countrys economy. You can see the sincerity and the vision of the President and Im sure the Philippine economy will see more improvement under his watch, De Venecia said. Rep. Rosenda Ann Ocampo (6th District, Manila) said the President is doing a good job at addressing his campaign promise to fight corruption. His message has a clearer direction now, so the people can follow better. The people need to see that there is an honest to goodness campaign against corruption for them to believe that there is still a chance for our country to progress, Ocampo said. There is hope yet. Under the Presidents leadership, we are now enjoying small transformations and changes that do away with impunity, according to Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay (1 st District, Compostela Valley). To be part of this movement towards change, we all need to recognize that accountability, responsibility and commitment will always be part and parcel of our arsenal as leaders and citizens, Zamora-Apsay said. The President is a straight guy and nobody, I repeat, nobody can accuse him for being dishonest. I am satisfied with his speech. The President is serious and we have to cooperate with him, Rep. Deogracias Ramos Jr. (2nd District, Sorsogon) said. Rep. Cesar Sarmiento (Lone District, Catanduanes) said he is satisfied with Presidents speech as he laid down the grounds for matuwid na daan. Whats the use of so many plans, if all funds will just be put to waste? This time, he gave a clear message that kahit na kakampi, pag gumawa nang mali, sabit ka, Sarmiento said. Rep. Roilo S. Golez (2nd District, Paraaque City) described the Presidents speech as a comprehensive report covering all major items. Very strong statement attacking the problems of the government; the ills of governance, graft and corruption in the public works, tax collection, PhilHealth, rice importation, unemployment, these are very

strong. Its a very good symbolism, Golez said. The delivery is okay. The rhetoric is very good. But of course, after all the things have been said, we need the time, a year or two perhaps to know the real direction of the country for it was not touched extensively, Rep. Carlos M. Padilla (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya) said. Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan (Partylist, Gabriela) said the President did not mention anything about the RH Bill and his position. The President did not mention anything about Mindanao. If his priorities are the poor and the marginalized, a lot of them are in Mindanao. He mentioned the issue on extra judicial killings but we were waiting for some action from his end, Ilagan said. Mentioning about the compensation for martial law victims is very positive. But I disagree with what he said about the culture of corruption. I think it is more of a systemic problem. It is not enough to be personal. Dapat systemic din ang approach sa problema, Rep. Raymond Palatino (Partylist, KABATAAN) said. Rep. Ma. Rachel Arenas (3rd District, Pangasinan) believed the President delivered a detailed report on several departments, which he deemed most important. He laid down future plans of his administration, clearly. We will do our best to help him for the continuous progress of the nation, Arenas said. Attention is being given from the lowest wage earner to the highest businessman. This is a far cry from the styles of former heads of state. He is down to earth and, in the final analysis, he emphasized that the people are his boss and that we are the representatives of the people, Rep. Amado Bagatsing (5th District, Manila) said. We can see his sincerity and integrity. We can see the confidence of the people in him because corruption is being addressed, Bagatsing added. Rep. Josephine Lacson Noel (Lone District, Malabon) said President Aquino is determined at eliminating corruption in government agencies. Many people think the Presidents speech lacked details, but I think the nitty-gritty was implied; they are all in the translation, Lacson Noel said. Rep. Rodante Marcoleta (Party-list, Alagad) said the President is serious and he wanted to emphasize that something is needed to done. He wanted the nation to follow his advocacy, he said. He showed us his grasp of his economic and as well as the national security programs. He showed us that his prudent fiscal management has yielded to a lot of savings that we are able to funnel and use for funding for our social services, Rep. Rex Gatchalian (1st District, Valenzuela) said. The President had created a mentality of integrity, honesty and transparency in our society, Rep. Sherwin Tugna (Partylist, CIBAC) said. (30) mrs writers