1. Reyes, Ciaremi B. IR – 358 Sir. Santos
Reaction Paper about SONA 2014
President Benigno Aquino III delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on
July 28, 2014, in the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa,
Quezon City.
I admit that most of his projects are commendable. Particularly the new infrastructures,
which was mentioned many times during his SONA, that were constructed during his
administration. Also, in my years of being aware with political issues, it was in his administration
that many corrupt government officials were penalized.
In his talk, the government meant well. There was no admission of any major problems
in the system, and nothing about what is eating the country from the inside and outside
corruption. All of the funds, according to the president, went to the place they are supposed to
go.
The President's speech focused on the Aquino administration's achievements. He even
presented the beneficiaries and recipients of the so called “Tuwid na daan“. Many of which are
really true, but the desperate question of his “Boss” (the Filipino people) is. How many among
the 100 million Filipinos felt the love and the compassion of the Aquino government? How many
are the chosen ones? Many are still waiting, aiming, and hoping for the warmth and sincere
touch of the government.
Towards the last part of his SONA, Aquino's voice broke and he appeared close to tears
while recalling the memory of his parents, slain Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and the late
President Corazon Aquino. The President mentioned one of the famous lines of his father, “The
Filipino is worth dying for, the Filipino is worth living for, and he added, “the Filipino is definitely
worth fighting for".