Thinking Log

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

State of the Nation Address

Yesterday was the president's SONA. It was pretty interesting since the cameras kept on focusing on some officials and legislators who weren't listening. Some didn't look impressed. One was actually texting. I remembered then what my former POLIGOV professor had told my class. During some sessions, these people that we choose to represent ourselves play around. I say this in the sense that they either sleep, do not listen, text and other things that shouldn't be done at the current period. Our professor had explained that in the United Kingdom, their place for parliamentary meetings consisted of a small room and members did not have their own tables, they sat on benches beside one another. This prevented people from lollygagging during sessions. Mahiya naman sila sa katabi nila kung makikipag text lang sila sa kung kanino.

I was wondering before it all started whether the president's speech would be in Filipino. I think it should have been in that language so that even the masses could and would be able to understand what she had said. I wondered why so many people who I think are only there to socialize were able to acquire seats. But then they may just be politicians' wives.

It amused me that she thanked the military for their loyalty and how after ever breath she took she was applauded. She had mentioned a budget that would be able to fight corruption, social disparity, terrorism and lawless violence. I wonder if this budget included the supposed amount to be given to pensioners since funds are being held back right now and only a few can seem to get their money. She had also mentioned that those who did not win in the elections should not let their loss be felt among the people. I laughed to myself remembering the "Hello, Garci" tapes. I laughed even more when I remembered the TV address she had made where in her make up artist seemed to have made her look pitiful. All through out her speech all I heard was fiscal reform and plans to make the country richer. She even made a bold statement that we would now be able to pay off our debts. That's great and all but will those even push through. I'm sorry but I have lost hope for our government's empty promises. One notable thing is the relocation of people from Manila to elsewhere. I see the changes in the highway almost everyday on my way to school. I wonder however if some officials are irked about that since they lose votes in the process of moving these people to provinces and free housing.

There were 5 things that was mentioned that was going to help our global competitiveness. Affordable food, reduction of the cost of electricity, modernizing infrastructures, technology dissemination and the reduction of redtape. These are feasible. The mobilization of these projects however would go back the the government budget. I remain skeptical about that. She mentioned the need for a constitutional change. Is that to prolong her term, avoid her impending cases or for the betterment of the country? A constitutional change would cost money too.

From what she had said it seems as if the DPWH will have a field day extended to months. I really do hope that this pushes through.

Our country has already sunk deeper. Hopefully, there is no way but up. But we could also explore uncharted regions by going further down.

Posted by Lex, 10:37:00 AM

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