PRESIDENT AQUINO delivered his third State of the Nation Address last Monday, July 23. Getting mostly positive reviews, the President’s speech was reportedly applauded 119 times – or as Niel Tupas and Miro Quimbo would probably tell the media, 345 times.
The President’s speech lasted one and a half hours. It was interrupted 119 times by applause and two times by cough.
Vice President Binay gave President Aquino’s third SONA a rating of 8.5 to 9 out of a possible 10. Senator Lacson gave him an 8.5; Senator Jinggoy, a 9.9 , and both Senator Angara and former President Joseph Etsrada, a 7. With these figures, Malacañang expects a ‘Fresh’ rating from Rotten Tomatoes.
Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone described President Aquino’s speech as “a very comprehensive achievement report.” That’s the same description he gave Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s nine SONAs.
The State of the Nation Address also marked the annual gathering of the country’s multimillionaires. That explains the huge sign outside the Batasan Complex last Monday: “Sorry for the inconvenience. Your taxes working for you.”
President Aquino expressed support for the Sin Tax Bill hoping this would help curb vices like alcohol and smoking. Ahm, awkward.
Talking about the justice system, President Aquino said, “If you are guilty, you will be made to pay for your sins, no matter who you are.” And I was like, ‘Ehem, Ronald Llamas.’
The President added, “It is possible for the scales to be set right, and for even the rich and powerful to be held accountable.” Unless your name is Delfin Lee, Ruben Ecleo, or Joel Reyes.
The President also heaped praises on some members of his cabinet. Caught by TV cameras, TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva was all smiles when the President publicly
Reports say the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Philippines is disappointed at President Aquino for endorsing Responsible Parenthood in his SONA. The CBCP says there is no connection between the problems in education and Responsible Parenthood. Either that, or the CBCP had lost connection with reality.
In his third SONA, President Aquino said, “Nothing is impossible.” That was an interesting quote from someone who actually once made a living as a Nike supervisor.
President Aquino also discussed peace in his SONA. He talked about a terrorist who was neutralized, and the MILF’s renewed “trust” on the government. Unfortunately, there was no mention of any concrete plans to forge peace between Annabelle Rama and Amalia Fuentes.
The title of the President’s speech was “Report Kay Boss.” After citing gains, statistics, and making more promises, he ended it with, “Hindi ko ito SONA. Kayo ang gumawa nito.” If all else fails, he’s off the hook.
In Other NewsChina has established Sansha City, a new municipality in the South China Sea aimed at strengthening its control over disputed islands. The Department of Foreign Affairs says the Philippine government does not recognize the establishment of Sansha City. To which China said, “O, tapos?”
China’s Sansha City in the South China Sea elected its first mayor on Tuesday, July 24.Xiao Jie won the mayoral race against a starfish, a barracuda, and a seahorse.
Sansha City was established on Yongxing Island some 220 miles away from China’s tropical Hainan Island. A number of Americans are reportedly furious at China for doing that. And Beijing was like, “Helllllo, Hawaii!”
