PAGBABAGO

The President’s third State of the Nation had certainly created a desired impact on many of our countrymen – that of feeling good and lifting them from the many frustrations over high prices of goods, high costs of health care, performance of our education system, a continuing lack of trickle down of the fruits  of development to the poor, and other social ills.

Which was why he started his one and a half hour speech with rice prices and efforts made to prevent smuggling and establish improved markets, he noted. 

And he continued with more success stories – improved infrastructure for power,  irrigation, flood control, an upgraded National Fiber Backbone and 10,000 centers for Internet, social security for PWDs and senior citizens, tourism, cultural heritage, and the arts, and several others. 

At least two received standing ovations — the banning of all POGOs, gaming hubs which first emerged in 2016, and which had multiplied  allegedly causing considerable  “disorder,” – crimes, kidnappings, human trafficking, and prostitution.  While they had contributed financial benefits estimated at ₱166.49 billion annually, the social costs have been shown to exceed economic benefits. Then there was his affirmation of territorial rights over the West Philippine Sea. “It is not a figment of our imagination.”  It is ours and we shall assert our sovereignty, he said.

But, while he appeared to have covered most of the economic, social, and political concerns of the country, he missed some which we believe are critical in ensuring that we make a successful forward leap.  Among them are the issues of human rights, media freedom, safety of journalists and the enactment into law the Freedom of Information bill which had been lagging in Congress. A pundit had raised the issue on the bill on political dynasties.  With his determination to eliminate POGOs and say “No, you can’t take what we own” to a big power, can he cajole Congress to pass the bill based on a constitutional provision? 

Finally, I believe that although he mentioned specifics that are critical in the life of the nation, these should be left to Congress to explain to the people. He, being at the top command, should be the chief strategist. He is the primary visionary who presents the larger picture. To him belongs the responsibility of leading and uniting us toward a common goal.  He is the principal innovator, inspiring us with a creative design of what should be and how we can forge ahead. 

Most importantly, we are awaiting a solution to a formula for governance that would successfully address corruption and greed. 

He has two more years and we trust that during that time, we shall have had the benefit of watching the emergence of a grand design that  would unify a culturally diverse people, breathe hope, and guide  us to the desired future.  ([email protected])