Who pays?

THE reading of the July 23 State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Benigno Aquino III was a good one. It was far from what was expected by critical analysts and by journalists. He went out of the usual Corona framework. Congratulations to the ghost writer, I guess he is new, for really coming out of the stereotyped speeches of Aquino.

I am very much elated and a little irritated for the information shared to me about the contents of the Sona did not materialize. I guess my source got the wrong copy or it might be that the ghost writer(s) had many versions, so that no one gets the correct copy before the start of the Sona. Indeed, they were successful.

Anyway, there were points in the Sona that needs to be analyzed critically. It seems that the applause covered the reality of the Sona. While Pnoy was delivering his report, a militant and oppressed group was protesting the pronouncements of the President. I also noticed that some of the Congressmen were not applauding the pronouncements of Pnoy. The “Responsible Parenthood” phrase was the one that really triggered the applause and even had some of the legislators standing.

It is also noticed that while the country is suffering from massive poverty, not as reported, the rich and the famous in the halls of congress seem to be not affected. The lavish dresses and accessories of the politicians and their wives are still on parade. No matter how they justify it, the reality speaks that it is the peoples’ money they have spent for their lavish lifestyles. Most of them say that their wardrobes were all recycled (pro-environment abi kuno.)

The mention of the superstars of the administration, I think, is uncalled for. As secretaries and members of the cabinet, they are expected to perform for they are paid by the people. DepEd, DOH, DBM, DOT and other departments were mentioned because of their exemplary performance and their expected output by the end of the year. The bloated and costly budget for infrastructure, bonuses and government programs were very fearful and too ambitious. But, the simple Filipino asks, where will they get all the money to pay for their dreams and nightmares? Will I be the one again to burden the cost of honor and prestige of the Aquino administration?

PNoy continued to ask his critics to talk to the people that his administration had helped. It seems that he is blaming every critical person of the failures of his administration. It seems that he liked that every commentary should be for his advantage. He also said that the Filipino people are the ones doing the job and not his administration. He included the whole nation in his deeds. This is a little dangerous for this might throw a very negative impact, where all of the people will be liable. “Kayo ang boss ko.” Is an understatement that could bring down the whole nation. It is like saying that the Aquino administration has and will have no hand in any future failures and misdealing. This administration really has a way of washing its hands of controversy and cloaking itself as a people’s government.

Who has to pay for all the spendings and programs of this administration? It will surely be the simple “Juan de la Cruz.”

St. Ezekiel Moreno, St. Lorenzo Ruiz, Blessed John Paul II and Pedro Calungsod, and Sir Faraon Lopez, pray for us.