CONSIDERING that the Sona had time only for a glimpse into what is and what will be, some quarters were understandably disappointed not to hear President Noynoy Aquino mention such close-to-heart issues as jobs, OFW’s and senior citizens. Considering also that the Sona is not the venue for allegations with proof, it is not surprising that the Arroyo camp would deny, without proof, the alleged anomalies.
But if we look at the logic underlying PNoy’s Sona, he im-pliedly covered all the bases and, more importantly, he did it in the correct logical sequence. By tackling the issue of corruption, he got off to a logical start. Fighting corruption was not only his campaign promise but it is also close to the bottom of why so many Filipinos are deprived of their right to a peaceful and prosperous life.
PNoy’s underlying logic surfaced when he proposed that no law should be enacted unless the fund needed to implement it has been sourced. This is a remarkably analytical proposal because, indeed, this country has so many laws that are not implemented (like the law requiring all barangays to have rainwater impounding facilities) because either there is no fund or the fund has been compromised. Thus, a logical move is to fight corruption and safeguard the money so it can be used for its intended purpose.
Or take job creation. Entrepreneurs and investors create jobs and responsible governments entice them into setting up their businesses here. Instead, our government has been driving entrepreneurs and investors away with the high cost in time, effort and resources in getting a business registered. So many requirements, so many signatures and so much money paid for every signature force investors to do business somewhere else.
Streamlining the bureaucracy (PNoy said he would shorten the process of registering a business) will therefore encourage investors to put up businesses that provide the jobs our people need. Fighting corruption creates more jobs.
The war against poverty is waged on four fronts: agrarian reform, jobs creation, universal basic education and health care. On all fronts, the fight requires a combination of integrity, competence and adequate resources. We will soon know if PNoy has picked men and women of integrity and competence for key posts in government because if they can haul back in all the money that otherwise corruption would waste, then indeed we can dream again.
PNoy is changing the face of governance and has gotten himself off to a solid logical start. The question now is, are we ready to take our logical part in this fight against corruption? Or are we going to again watch in the sidelines as unscrupulous bureaucrats bleed us to death?