THE euphoria of hearing how much alleged corruption took place during the past administration may be music to the ears of many but some sectors remain unconvinced about the President's State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Recent surveys by the Social Weather Station and Pulse Asia showed that President Benigno Aquino III enjoyed an 80 percent trust rating, but some sectors expressed dismay on the first Sona of Aquino.
"Tama na ang salita at pangako. Panahon na para isagawa niya ang kanyang mga tinuran (Enough with the talk and promises. It's time for him to do what he has been saying). P-Noy should start to walk his talk," the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said in a statement.
In its statement, the ACT said Aquino should have included in his Sona the refund of the P1.7 billion contribution to the Government Service Insurance System deducted from teachers and government employees from 2002-2006.
ACT said the President should have also mentioned about an investigation of the financial situation of the GSIS vacated by its general manager Winston Garcia.
Similarly, the Tongtongan ti Umili also said in a press statement that the President has so much to prove under his term.
"The new administration is still basking from the hangover of his victory. The new regime has created an illusion of change and hope, yet Noynoy has so much to prove under his term."
After his Sona, members of the Tongtongan ti Umili said the President, in terms of protecting the environment, the President should begin issuing orders that gear towards having a clear policy statement in upholding human rights, correction of "unjust agreements" such as the Visiting Forces Agreement.
"We challenge the new administration to address the above issues by responding to the peoples' demands for immediate economic relief development, promotion of human rights towards just and lasting peace, national sovereignty and protection of the environment and the prosecution of GMA for her crimes against the Filipino people."
For the public, the Tongtongan also asked the community to act towards meaningful social change by being vigilant. (Rimaliza Opiña)