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Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Seares: Some truths get out of the Sona
By Pachico A. Seares
News Sense
Those who belittle the state-of-the-nation address don’t see what Sona actually does.
The President reports. Opposition disputes it, offering its own version. The public watches and listens.
Yet Sona is more than that. Despite flaws (and rhetoric excess), it tells us something about how we’re doing.
Each side’s spin
They say the President lies in each Sona. Tampering stats about economy and services might happen in lower levels, or do Palace gnomes do that?
Still, independent monitors like foreign firms and agencies can belie Sona data and shame the President.
The spin is something else. Malacañang routinely highlights flattering facts and figures.
The President has to raise hopes, yet must not promise heaven.
Opposition spin is to point out errors or outright lies. And rate performance on last year’s pledges.
Or break symbols: e.g., Fidel Ramos’ Mang Pandoy or Gloria Arroyo’s paper boats. (Pandoy failed and the children’s mail sank — Jesus, did her speechwriters expect it to float?)
Sona and critique balance each other and somehow yield some truths.
To be believed
Sona, to be credible, must be as close to reality as it can get without casting gloom or weaving fairy tales.
If opposition wants to be believed, its reply must credit deeds on the ground.
Seeing only botched jobs doesn’t make it any better than the Sona it flogs.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 25, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
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