President Benigno S. Aquino III delivered his fourth State Of The Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, 2013 at the Batasang Pambansa in the joint session of the 16th Congress. Here’s the full transcript (English version) of President Noynoy Aquino's 4th State Of The Nation Address (SONA). For the original Tagalog version, click here.
FOURTH STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS OF
HIS EXCELLENCY BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
TO THE CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
BATASAN PAMBANSA COMPLEX, QUEZON CITY
JULY 22, 2013
Vice
President Jejomar Binay; Senate President Franklin M. Drilon; Speaker
Feliciano Belmonte Jr.; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and the eminent
Justices of the Supreme Court; former Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and
Joseph Ejercito Estrada; distinguished members of the diplomatic corps;
honorable members of the House of Representatives and of the Senate; our
leaders in local government; members of the Cabinet; members of the military
and police in uniform; my fellow public servants; and, of course, to my
Bosses, the Filipino people, a pleasant afternoon to all.
This
is my fourth SONA; only two remain. Almost four years have passed since I was
approached by various camps to urge me to run for the presidency. They said:
“We know that our country’s problems cannot be solved in the blink of an eye,
in one year, or even within the six-year term of a President. But just begin,
and we will be one with you in nurturing change.”
Even
then, I was aware of the significant problems that I would have to face. From
being a candidate, to being President, or even after I step down from office,
the difficulties I will have to face are no joke. Widespread transformation
of society is my objective, and I am aware that there are many things and
many people I would have to confront in order to achieve this. But I was not
raised by my parents to back down in the face of challenges. I would not be
able to live with myself if I had refused the chance to alleviate the
suffering the Filipino should not have to endure.
We
have answered the call, and those who have been with us from the start have
only grown in number. I believe that if what I have been doing is right, then
our allies will only grow. Just this May, I asked you, Boss, are we going in
the right direction? Your reply: “Yes, and let us accelerate the
transformation of society.” I asked for allies that would help steer the
country in one direction, and you delivered. The truth is, not only the
majority, not even nine of twelve, but nine of the top ten senators are
individuals that I recommended to you. The message of the past election is clear:
Yes, let us keep going, let us add to the 8,581 sitios that we have
electrified; let us add to the 28,398 families who were once informal
settlers but who finally have, or will soon have, decent homes; let us
increase the not less than 40 billion pesos in additional funds that go to
education, health, social services, and many others because of the right and
more efficient collection of taxes; we feel all the other tangible signs that
society is truly changing. I have become even more optimistic because of your
message; it is clear that I am not alone in carrying these responsibilities.
How can I not be encouraged, when even the likes of Mr. Niño Aguirre are
helping shape our future? Just think: Though unable to walk, he climbed all
the way to his fourth-floor precinct, just so that he could vote and
contribute to true social transformation. Thank you, Mr. Aguirre.
There
is no shortage of Filipinos who are ready to pitch in, and this is the source
of the change we now experience. The strategy—maximize opportunities for all,
especially for those most in need. We are not content to wait for the
trickle-down effect; we cannot leave their fate—their receiving the benefits
of progress—to chance. What we call inclusive growth—this all-encompassing
progress—is the principle that drives every initiative, every action, and
every decision of your government. The only ones who will be left behind are
those who chose not to venture onwards with us, simply because they did not
seize the opportunity.
The
basis for this principle: Widespread opportunity is the key to comprehensive
and sustained progress. Let us not forget that these opportunities are but
seeds. We must water them with diligence, nourish them with determination,
and cultivate them with dedication. Let us take a look at our TESDA-DOLE
scholars. Of the 503,521 people who have graduated from their programs, an
estimated six out of ten have found jobs. Before this, according to studies
conducted by DBM, from 2006 to 2008, only 28.5 percent of TESDA graduates found
jobs. Last year, under TESDA’s IT-BPO program, 70.9 percent of the graduates
found employment. Under the electronics and semiconductor program, the
percentage of employed graduates reached 85 percent. It is clear: You are the
ones who will shape this growth, you are the ones who will determine whether
the fruits of our labors become sweet and ripe for the picking, or if you
will let them rot away and waste the chances that this new chapter in our
history has given us.
Let
us go through everything one by one. Our objective to expand the reach of the
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program: achieved. The over 700,000 household
beneficiaries we found upon coming into office in 2010 have now grown to
almost 4 million households in the three years of our administration.
There
is more: According to research conducted by the Philippine Institute for
Development Studies, compared with those who only finished the elementary
level, the income of high school graduates is 40 percent higher. Is it not
right that we maximize the help we give these families, so that our young
beneficiaries can finish high school, thereby helping them make the most out
of the benefits of this program? That is why next year, families with
children up to 18 years old will be included in this program so that their
children will be able to finish high school.
Let
us move on to education. Our goal is to raise the quality of learning that
our children undertake, so that once they finish their schooling, they can seize
the opportunities now opening up in society: accomplished. We have finally
erased the backlog we inherited in books and chairs, and if Secretary Armin
Luistro continues to demonstrate true grit, even the backlog we inherited in
classrooms will also be erased this year. And there is even more good news:
Now, we also have the ability to prepare for the additional needs that the
implementation of the K to 12 program will require.
The
problems that plagued Brother Armin in the DepEd are no laughing matter. Just
think: one textbook used to be priced at 58 pesos; since he assumed office,
the price of the exact same textbook has gone down to 30 pesos. What would
have happened if we had been paying the proper price from the beginning? If
we had saved the difference of 28 pesos for all the books bought, at five
textbooks for each of the estimated 20.7 million students in our public
school system, the equivalent would amount to almost 2.9 billion pesos. These
savings alone could have funded our plans to repair and rehabilitate around
9,502 classrooms.
If
Brother Armin didn’t have strength of will, he could have just left this
culture of negligence in his agency for his successor to deal with. He could
have also left the backlog, as well as the growing gap of needs because of
the rising number of enrollees each year. But instead of being content,
instead of saying, “This will do. My job is done,” Brother Armin will build
even more chairs and classrooms, and will buy even more books, to ensure that
even the needs in future years will also be met.
Regarding
the strengthening of our agricultural sector, this has also been achieved.
Just think: According to the NFA, in 2010, the country imported more than 2
million metric tons of rice. In 2011, this fell to 855,000 metric tons. In
2012: 500,000 metric tons. And now in 2013, the maximum we will import,
including the private sector, will be the minimum access volume of 350,000
metric tons. This includes the 187,000 metric tons of reserve buffer stock in
case typhoons arrive one after the other; in all likelihood, even the private
sector will no longer have to import rice because we are still on track to
becoming self-sufficient in rice. In addition to that, we have begun
exporting premium quality rice. We have truly come so far from those days
when it was said that we could not even feed ourselves.
The
proof is in the data: This sector grew 3.3 percent in the first three months
of 2013. This is triple the 1.1 percent growth it recorded in the same time
period in 2012. That is why we continue to sow initiatives that will
certainly bear the fruits of even greater progress for our farmers.
For
example, the coconut sector. According to research conducted in 2009, coconut
farmers make up one of the poorest sectors in the country. Let us look at the
process of growing coconuts: Once planted, farmers wait seven years for the
coconut tree to bear fruit; but after this, two generations will be able to
benefit without doing anything else apart from harvesting the fruit. We have
the potential to vastly increase the income of this sector if we can foster a
culture that truly encourages hard work and productivity. The solution:
intercropping.
The
government will help you to strengthen your coconut farms; but in exchange,
you will be required to sow different kinds of seeds in between the rows of
coconut trees. Doing so will raise the frequency of crop harvests, and
depending on what they plant, their income will also increase. If they grow
only coconuts, the farmers would earn about 20,000 pesos a year per hectare.
But if they add coffee, they could reach about 172,400 pesos a year; if they
add bananas, they could earn 102,325 pesos, while adding cacao would give
them 89,000 pesos. Isn’t that such a huge difference?
We
have already begun laying down initiatives for this: In 2012, we were able to
use 5,500 hectares of land for intercropping in 90 different locations
throughout the country. This program covered 10,000 farmers. Our target for
2013: an additional 434 sites for coconut intercropping.
We
are also now steering our fishermen towards more productive waters. Think
about it: our fishing industry contributed 193.65 billion pesos to our
economy in 2012. In spite of this, based on a study last conducted in 2009,
41 percent of our fisherfolk still live below the poverty line. They are the
ones who catch the fish, but all they have on their dinner tables are fish
bones.
That
is why various government initiatives are in place to help free our
fisherfolk from the broad net cast by poverty. An example would be our
initiative for Bataraza in Palawan. The waters here brim with fish. But
because the fish cannot be brought to the merchants on time, still fresh, the
fishermen end up having to dry the fish and sell tuyo instead. It is such a
waste, because every three kilos of lapu-lapu is only equivalent to one kilo
of tuyo. What if the freshness of the fish could be preserved in a cold
storage facility? You could go to the merchant and still sell your catch at
full price. You would exert the same amount of effort, but you would receive
the right compensation for it. That is why the cold storage facility in
Bataraza has already been built. In addition, we are also constructing new
piers in strategic areas to raise productivity and income. We are constructing
and adding new roads, bridges, and other kinds of infrastructure, including
various services, for our fisherfolk.
The
DILG, BFAR, and Coast Guard are also tightly monitoring irresponsible and
unrestrained forms of fishing; this I ask of our fishermen: allow our fish to
repopulate. I ask for your solidarity in caring for your own livelihood. As
you no doubt see, the state has already opened up opportunities for you, but
the result is in your hands.
If
there is one topic my name is often associated with, that would have to be
Hacienda Luisita. I would like to inform you that back in February, in
compliance with the decision of the Supreme Court, the Department of Agrarian
Reform has completed the list of qualified beneficiaries for the land in Luisita.
According to Secretary Gil de los Reyes, the process to determine the
beneficiaries’ lots began last week, and the turnover of these lots will
begin in September of this year.
As
for other large tracts of land: We have long tasked the DAR, DENR, LRA, and
Land Bank to develop a framework for speeding up the parceling out of land. I
would like to remind everyone: Correct data is the first step to the orderly
implementation of CARPER. But we inherited a land records system that is
problematic and defective. This is why, from the start, the DOJ, LRA, DENR,
and DAR have worked to fix this system, and now we are at a point where we
can guarantee that in the next year, all notices of coverage will have been
served for lands covered by comprehensive agrarian reform.
It
is clear: The state was established to serve you. If you have health
problems, the government must care for you; in times of illness, it should be
there to give aid and support. What has our government done in this regard?
Our
goal to extend PhilHealth coverage to more of our countrymen has been
achieved. When we began, 62 percent of Filipinos were enrolled; now, that
number stands at 81 percent. The remaining number still not on our lists are
those we are seeking to identify, including those in the informal settlers’
and indigenous people’s sectors. We are counting on the cooperation of our
local governments to ensure that all of our countrymen are enrolled in the
system.
It
is not just PhilHealth’s roster of enrollees that is growing: so is its scope
of services. The past year saw the launch of the Z Benefit Package. This past
February, this was upgraded with the Expanded Z Benefit Package. The poorest
of the poor can now get free medical care at public hospitals for more
medical conditions than ever before. Last year, breast cancer, prostate
cancer, and acute leukemia were included on the list of covered conditions;
today, coronary bypass, and corrective surgery for holes and defective blood
vessels in the heart, are also included in the package.
All
these health benefits would go to waste if our health care facilities are
substandard, or inaccessible to our countrymen in the provinces. This is why
we have gone all-out in funding health care infrastructure projects: These
past three years, we have budgeted a total of 33 billion pesos for the
improvement and modernization of 4,518 hospitals, rural health units, and
barangay health stations nationwide. Among these are Region 1 Medical Center
in Dagupan City, which has successfully completed five kidney transplants in
the last year; the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi;
the Vicente Sotto Medical Center in Cebu; and the Northern Mindanao Medical
Center in Cagayan de Oro, which, according to Secretary Ike Ona of the DOH,
now have the capacity to perform open heart surgery due to upgraded
facilities and equipment. There is also the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum
City, the first cancer center outside Metro Manila.
Regarding
disaster preparedness: Our goal to develop mechanisms to protect the Filipino
people from natural calamities, we have also achieved. Among these are the
effective services brought about by the joint forces of the Geohazard Mapping
and Assessment Program and Project NOAH of the DOST. This past year, we
completed a multihazard mapping of the 28 most vulnerable locations in the
country. A similar endeavor for the Greater Metro Manila Area will be
completed by 2014. Geohazard maps for 496 cities and municipalities have also
been completed. The remaining 1,138 covering every last corner of the country
will be finished before the end of 2015. Not only have these maps increased
in number, they are also more detailed and refined, which is why we will be
able to more accurately identify high-risk areas.
From
the time Project NOAH was launched, a total of 525 automated water level
monitoring stations and automated rain gauges have been installed in 18 major
river basins throughout the country. We also continue to modernize our
weather detection technology, with Doppler radars, tsunami detectors, and
alerting sirens.
But
simply distributing high-tech equipment and new technology is not enough. We
also need to train the end-users of this equipment in understanding, using,
and disseminating the information gained. When the weather is bad, they no
longer rely solely on wind speed for their forecasts; they can also predict
the volume of rainfall, and they can provide correct and timely warnings so
our communities can prepare accordingly.
We
are also remedying the problem of flooding in Metro Manila. Imagine: When
Ondoy hit, an estimated 3,600 cubic meters per second of rainfall flowed down
from the Sierra Madre. But the capacity of the channels through which these
flowed can only support 1,000 cubic meters per second. Where would the
difference of 2,600 cubic meters per second go? These are the sudden torrents
of water that overflow into low-lying areas and become flash floods.
Haven’t
we all heard before that “waterways are inalienable?” What this means is that
the channels through which water passes should be for that purpose alone. The
problem is, in addition to the lack of adequate drainage, certain structures
are built, obstructing these drainage systems, a situation compounded by the
trash of those living around it. To solve this problem, we are coordinating
with our LGUs to safely and successfully relocate our informal settlers. In
addition, a legal team led by Secretary Leila de Lima is preparing to file
cases against those who have closed or obstructed our waterways.
We
are not content with simply passing the blame and pointing fingers. Our
action: an allocation of 6.2 billion pesos to prevent flooding throughout
Metro Manila. This includes the construction of the Blumentritt Interceptor
Catchment area. The entire project is 3.3 kilometers in length; and once it
is completed, it will be able to catch the equivalent of 14 Olympic-sized
swimming pools of water. When the rains hit, the rainwater now has somewhere
to go, and will no longer accumulate on our streets. This project was started
in March, and we aim to complete it by next year.
Government
has been fulfilling its obligation to the people, but let us ask ourselves:
How have I contributed to the solution? If someone dumps trash into a river,
confront them; if you see a building being built above a creek, report it to
the correct authorities. We will only drown in our problems if we do nothing.
Even
after the storms have passed, our work to restore normalcy to the lives of
calamity-struck families does not end. Through the cooperation of the
government, and the private sector, 9,377 houses have been erected for the
victims of typhoon Sendong. An additional 4,374 homes will be built before
the end of the following year. We ask for patience and understanding, the
process has been delayed because of the complex process of land acquisition;
in truth, if discussions on other tracts of land go well, we will be able to
construct an additional 2,719 houses.
We
also aim to turn over a total of 53,106 homes to our countrymen who were left
homeless by the onslaught of typhoon Pablo. We began to hand over houses in
May; and we will complete another 17,609 homes by the end of the year. And by
the time we finish the 35,447 homes still to be completed by 2014, all the
families who felt nature’s wrath will once again find shelter under their own
roofs.
Still
on the subject of housing, this time for our men and women in uniform: More
than a year ago, we had already built 21,800 housing units for our police
force and soldiers. For Phase II of this project, we have already built an
additional 26,050 homes out of our target of 31,200, and the rest will be
completed by next month.
Apart
from housing, livelihood projects are being implemented for the benefit of
our troops. Several thousand hectares of land in three of our military
camps—namely, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Camp Kibaritan in Bukidnon, and
Camp Peralta in Capiz—will be the venues for these livelihood projects, which
will give our soldiers additional income through plantations of bamboo,
coffee, cacao, and palm oil. If before, soldiers were concerned solely with
defending us, now, even military retirees can participate in improving our
economy.
But
our quest to find solutions to all the other problems we inherited regarding
national defense does not stop here. Consider this: In 1986, there were an
estimated 250,000 policemen and soldiers protecting a total of 55 million
Filipinos. Today, we still have an estimated 250,000 policemen and soldiers,
who protect 95 million Filipinos. Our population has almost doubled, while
the number of our protectors has not changed.
We
are sure to have critics who will say “Is this really a problem? Just add
more policemen and soldiers. You can even reduce unemployment that way.” If
only it were that simple. Let us look at the situation. The common pension
scheme works like this: both members and employers contribute to the pension.
Their contributions serve as capital for reinvestment, and the gains of these
investments will in turn fund the retiring members’ pensions. But what is the
true situation of the AFP and PNP pensions? No contributions have been made,
but there are payments to make. Apart from this, the pensions of retirees
have been indexed to the salaries of active personnel. This means that if the
salaries of those in the service increase, so too will the pensions received
by retirees or qualified families. Yearly, there are more and more men and
women retiring, so, naturally, the obligations that must be paid out also
increase. What is worse is that funds from the national budget are being used
for these growing obligations: In 2012, 54.48 billion pesos were spent on
soldiers’ and policemen’s pensions. This year, that figure will rise to 61.29
billion. By 2016, it will be at 80.64 billion. Our pension deficit will keep
growing and growing and growing, eating into the budget allocation for other
social services. How then do we add more servicemen, given such a context?
We
need a system that fulfills our civic obligations to our policemen and armed
forces; and it is likely that we will request the assistance of the GSIS in
this regard. We are currently studying the feasibility of using reclaimed
land to generate funds that will form part of the solution. After all, we
cannot surprise the GSIS and ask them to account for the entirety of our
needs, which is why an even more thorough study will be conducted to create a
fair, sustainable, and clear mechanism for the pensions of PNP and AFP
personnel. I call on Congress today: Let us review PD 1638 and RA 8551 to
ensure that these pensions are timely, and balanced against national needs.
We
see an equivalent solution for the problems that the SSS pensions will soon
face. Consider that, since 1980, across-the-board pension increases occurred
21 times, but actual pension contribution increases only occurred twice. As a
result, the SSS has accumulated an estimated 1.1 trillion pesos in unfunded
liability. According to a study done in 2011, this shortfall will increase by
8 percent per annum, eventually resulting in the complete consumption of the
fund 28 years from now. If this happens, the next generation is certain to
suffer.
We
believe that it is time to amend the SSS Pension Scheme. We must establish
measures that remedy the outflow of funds. If we add 0.6 percent to the
contribution rate, it will immediately deduct 141 billion pesos from the
unfunded liability of the SSS. If we begin to invest in our future today, no
further problems will be handed down to the next generation of Filipinos.
When
it comes to our national police, our goal to strengthen their capabilities so
that they may better fulfill their mandate: accomplished. Beginning this
2013, 30,000 policemen will finally be able go back to doing police work
because we will be hiring civilian personnel who will focus on administrative
work. After all, the skills and abilities of our police would be put to waste
if we keep them imprisoned in the four corners of an office.
At
the start of July 2013, we began distributing new units of 9mm Glock 17
pistols to our police. This is just the beginning: We are slated to
distribute a total of 74,879 firearms among our police force, in keeping with
our goal of a one-is-to-one police-to-pistol ratio.
These
investments in our national police will yield abundant benefits, especially
since this redounds to more efficient and reliable public service. Is it not
true that we have gotten used to news of violence during elections? Oplan
Katok directly addresses this. The goal of the program: track down loose
firearms, which ensures that the guns we have licensed are in the possession
of those authorized to do so. The police have knocked on a total of 491,929
front doors for the renewal of licenses. This contributed greatly to our
campaign for Secure and Fair Elections, which yielded a 63 percent reduction
among private armed groups—from the 112 during the 2010 elections, to just 41
this 2013. And from the 189 incidents of violence recorded in 2010, we have
recorded only 77 confirmed incidents for the recently concluded election.
Let
us use ARMM as an example. Governor Mujiv Hataman has said that he could not
remember a time in his life when Lanao del Sur did not suffer a failure of
elections. We should note that this was the first time that the ARMM
elections were synchronized with the national elections. This means that, in
the past, the full force of the State was focused on just one region, and yet
it still had to call for a failure of elections. This 2013, because our
uniformed forces had to safeguard elections across the entire country, there
were those who thought the situation in ARMM would only get worse. But we
have seen how vastly it has improved: ARMM successfully held a clean, safe,
and fair election; votes were counted, and those whom the people charged with
new mandates were proclaimed. Because of the diligence of our police force
and of our soldiers, and the coming together of the nation, the 2013
elections were more peaceful.
But
there are still incidents that sully our police force’s honor. We know of
what happened to the members of the Ozamiz Gang—Ricky Cadavero and Wilfredo
Panogalinga—who were caught, only to be killed. As with our investigation of
the Atimonan incident, we will ensure that those at fault will be held
accountable—regardless of their rank. Whoever masterminded all of this:
prepare yourselves. I am close to learning who you are.
Despite
these incidents, my confidence in and hope for our police remain high. They
have never wanted for exemplars like PO3 Edlyn Arbo, who, despite being
off-duty and unarmed, bravely confronted a mugger who embarked on the jeep
she was on, and pursued him. There are also those like PO3 Felipe Moncatar,
who has received countless commendations because of the growing list of
criminals he has put in jail—I heard you’ve just apprehended another member
of a syndicate—including members of carjacking syndicates and some of the
most wanted in Bacolod. You may have also heard about PO2 Dondon Sultan. A
car broke down along Quezon Boulevard, and PO2 Sultan stopped and offered his
assistance. He did not just change a tire; he also helped bring the car to a
mechanic. As thanks for his service, PO2 Sultan was offered 1,000 pesos—an
offer he declined. He said, and I quote, “Our job is to help our countrymen.”
We salute those of you who truly serve the public. You are proof that honest
and capable policemen are not an endangered species. I have already instructed
Secretary Mar Roxas of the DILG and Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the DND to
ensure that those like you in our uniformed services reap the appropriate
rewards.
Add
to these our disaster relief workers from many branches of government, as
well as volunteers from the private sector. I know that it is not easy to
battle floods, dig through mud, and confront calamities. I will not tire of
recognizing your contributions to our society; I salute the way you have
offered yourselves to help in lessening the suffering of our countrymen.
Peace
is also within reach in a region that has long been torn apart by conflict.
In October of the previous year, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro
was signed. In truth, just nine days have passed since the signing of the second
annex of the agreement. We are confident that we will not have to wait long
before hearing more good news on the development of the peace process.
I
am sure everyone is aware that the building of consensus is not an easy task;
fortunately, both sides are ready to listen, willing to compromise, and
willing to reach a meeting of the minds. We know, too, the consequences of
impatience and haste. What is clear to me: Every word we utter must result in
an action that would benefit all. Every line that we craft in the agreement
we are forging must be set in stone and not merely written on water, only to
be forgotten by history. My father raised me to be true to my word, and I can
tell our brothers and sisters of the Bangsamoro: Whatever agreements we come
to will be fulfilled by the national government.
Trust
is vital to the peace process. It does not come automatically, perhaps
because of the long history of conflict. Now, the desire of both sides to
reach an agreement is palpable, and we are truly proving ourselves
trustworthy. To those seeking to sow discord and doubt: Can you really say
that you are a Filipino that has compassion for his fellow Filipinos?
I
am hopeful that every Filipino will contribute towards our goals for the
Bangsamoro. We will prove that they did not make a mistake in choosing the
path of peace; we are ready to lend the strength of the entire nation to lift
up the provinces of Muslim Mindanao, who are among our poorest. What we aim
for is the triumph of all; we will not allow any of our countrymen to be left
behind, while others surpass them. Once again, I call on Congress: The
Transition Commission that will craft the Bangsamoro Basic Law has already
been created. Once their task is completed in keeping with the principles of
the peace process, I ask you to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law before the end
of 2014. This way, we will have ample time to prepare for the election of a
new Bangsamoro government come 2016.
We
have accomplished whatever change we are experiencing today because we
refused to be satisfied with the status quo in the government we inherited.
Let me ask: How many of you have used what they call the Telepono sa Barangay?
I wouldn’t be surprised if no one has. According to the DOTC, more than 5
billion pesos would have been earmarked for a program that would distribute
landline phones to far-flung areas. Would this not have been a grave waste of
funds, because in such a short time after its implementation, the number of
Filipinos with cellphones just grew and grew? Who would take notice of the
6,000 landlines they would have installed, when we have 100 million
cellphones in the Philippines?
Here
is another example of the kind of thinking we’ve had to eradicate from
government. Eight combat utility helicopters were bought for what they
claimed to be “the more efficient deployment of our soldiers.” The problem:
The guns the helicopters were equipped with were mounted at the door;
requiring their removal in order to enable people to pass. If you are a
soldier entering the fray at the height of battle, what use is a machine gun
that is set aside and unable to fire? Did no one think about this before the
contracts were signed? Why was this even approved in the first place?
We
have to be more discriminating buyers. We cannot rely on the sales talk of
suppliers alone. We have tasked the DOST to assemble a body of experts who
can critically assess suppliers’ pitches, especially on big-ticket items. Our
operating principles: the right identification of the root of the problem;
the careful study and deliberation, grounded on correct methodology, to
arrive at the best solution.
This
was also the rationale and the driving force behind our response to the issue
of informal settlers in Metro Manila. This is why we are already fulfilling
our goal to remove from harm’s way those who crammed themselves into
high-risk areas of the city. After all, I do not think anyone will disagree
with us when we say the current situation cannot be allowed to persist. In
the general welfare clause of our Constitution—Article 2, Section 5—it says,
“The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and
property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the
enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.”
Here
we have proven that the Filipino listens to reason. If it is clear that
compassion is your bedrock principle, then we will be more eager to work with
you. Before roofs were dismantled, before walls were demolished, we explained
how we came to our decision: better housing, access to public transport, and,
for the diligent, no shortage of opportunities to earn. We made it clear that
we wanted to provide a refuge to those who were high-risk and most in
need—and not to syndicates. We are aware that whenever the aid given by the
state is abused, the lives of other Filipinos are also put in jeopardy.
After
a batch of informal settlers was moved to the relocation site, they urged
their former neighbors: Join us. It is safer here. This year, our priority is
to relocate more than 19,400 families living along Metro Manila’s major
waterways. The convergence of DILG, NHA, DSWD, MMDA, and DPWH has resulted in
a much clearer solution to one of our most long-standing problems.
Another
example of transformation in government: haven’t vital bills languished in
Congress? In the previous year, the Sin Tax Reform Law and the Responsible
Parenthood Law were finally signed into law. We thank our partners in
Congress and in the Senate who helped us push for the passage of these laws.
We persevered through the long process of debate and consultation; we were
not cowed by those who tried to sow doubt in the attempt to obstruct our meaningful
agenda. We have fought for what benefits the people, and we are advancing
true public service for the Filipino.
I
would also like to propose to Congress several laws that will help us sustain
and improve on the reforms we have established. Let us amend the Cabotage Law
in order to foster greater competition and to lower the cost of
transportation for our agricultural sector and other industries. Let us
likewise enact the Fiscal Incentives Rationalization Bill, so that the
incentives we provide to businesses become even clearer and more accountable.
We also have to focus on the Land Administration Reform Bill, given the need
for convergence among agencies tasked to oversee our land holdings, and thus
ensuring that they can fulfill their collective mandate with increased
efficiency.
Tomorrow,
we are submitting to Congress our proposed 2.268 trillion-peso National
Budget for 2014. I am confident of your support and advocacy for the
allocation of funds which was arrived at after careful consideration. This
budget is not only a continuation of our reforms, but it will also accelerate
our momentum towards long-lasting inclusive progress.
There
are those who insist on upgrading our Armed Forces. I agree with this, but
some of them act as if they want us to invest every centavo of our country
into fighter jets, tanks, and other equipment for warfare. They may not know
that one fighter jet costs 1.58 billion pesos—equivalent to 6,580 houses for
our soldiers and our police force, or nearly 2,000 classrooms for our
children. And what can one jet do? To be truly effective, we would need a
squadron—and one squadron is composed of twenty-four fighter jets. At 1.58
billion pesos per jet, we would have to devote 37.92 billion pesos of the
nation’s coffers just to assemble one squadron. And what about practice
missiles? And it is not as if jet fuel, a radar system, ground bases, and
ground intercept controls are free. Building a minimum credible defense
posture is not something we can take lightly. Do we follow others who
prioritize the possession of a nuclear option at the expense of everything
else? I do not think anyone would agree. We will balance our needs. We are
committed to meeting the needs of our society, while remaining a good and
upstanding member of the community of nations.
We
are well aware that, in the past, decisions were made based on politics.
Leaders did everything they could just to keep a firm hold on their power—at
the expense of the suffering of present and future generations of Filipinos.
Let us look, for example, at the consequences of refusing to raise passenger
fares for the LRT and MRT.
Each
trip that one passenger makes on the LRT is estimated to cost 40 pesos. What
does each passenger pay? 15 pesos. This means that the government subsidizes
the remaining 25 pesos. As for the MRT, the true cost of one trip is 60
pesos: 15 pesos paid by passengers, 45 pesos by the government—in the end,
each and every Filipino pays a share of the subsidy. Whether you live in
Mindanao or Visayas, and not once have you ever stepped onto the LRT or MRT,
you help to fund this.
What’s
worse: because past leaders gave away our commercial development rights, each
peso that we can earn from the posters and billboards in the stations goes to
private companies, instead of going to the government. What we could have
used to subsidize the cost of maintenance and operations was given away.
Perhaps
it is only reasonable for us to move the fares of the MRT and LRT closer to
the fares of air-conditioned buses, so that the government subsidy for the
MRT and LRT can be used for other social services.
You
are my witnesses: We have no plans to hand down problems to our successors.
In truth, projects that were left to decay in the past are now truly
benefiting the people. Let us look at the Ternate-Nasugbu Road. This road,
connecting Cavite, Batangas, and Metro Manila, is only six kilometers long,
but it still took almost 20 years to finish. We already opened one part of
this road, and when the sections requiring slope protection are completed,
the benefit this road will bring to motorists will be complete.
We
also have the Aluling Bridge in Ilocos Sur. The plans for its construction
were first laid down on paper in 1978. And we made certain that our
successors would not merely inherit sheets of paper. The bridge was finally
completed in March. Last month, we also began the operation of the
Laguindingan Airport—a project that took one generation to make the leap from
idea to implementation.
There
is also the semiconductor industry, which waited decades for a laboratory
that could compete with facilities of other countries. We did not allow them
to wait much longer. In May of this year, under the leadership of DOST, we
inaugurated the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL).
Before, products manufactured here had to be sent to other countries to
undergo testing. We were unable to maximize profits in this industry; we were
unable to maximize the potential of our semiconductor industry to attract
even more investments.
Because
of ADMATEL, products will now be manufactured and tested here, and we will be
able to take even greater advantage of the skills of Filipino workers in the
electronics sector. And we have every expectation that this industry—one that
contributed almost 44 percent to our exports in 2012—will grow even stronger.
With
the help of our Big Man in the Senate, Senator Franklin Drilon, the more than
fifty-year wait of Ilonggos has come to an end; the implementation of the
Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II in Iloilo has started. How will this
help us?
First,
an estimated 24,000 farmers across Iloilo will benefit from year-round
irrigation. As a result, the harvests of rice farmers may double. Let me make
it clear: The 31,840 hectares of land that will be irrigated will yield an
additional 146,013 metric tons of rice. This amount is equal to almost 80
percent of the buffer stock of rice that we will import for 2013.
This
does not include the other benefits that this project will bring. For
instance, preventing widespread flooding in Iloilo, and adding 6.6 megawatts
in hydropower to the energy requirements of the province. This project will
also contribute to the supply of water for some parts of the province, and to
the development of its ecotourism industry. Apart from all these, the Jalaur
River Project will create around 17,000 jobs; and once it becomes fully
operational, an estimated 32,000 Filipinos will be given decent livelihoods.
This project was first conceived in 1960—we share the same birthday.
We
are aware that many of our countrymen are excited to see the fruits of our
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. We likewise know that there are
those who have grown impatient waiting for them.
Let
us put things into context. Back in 2010, when our administration came into
office, we were left with only 6.5 percent of the programmable budget for the
year, or just around 100 billion pesos; 93.5 percent of the budget had
already been allotted by my predecessor. This is precisely why we approached
the private sector. We told them: “We do not have the funds, let us partner
with one another to build the necessary infrastructure.”
Apart
from this, we faced other difficulties when PPP began. The studies on which
the projects were based were outdated; and the bureaucracy lacked the
sufficient knowledge to implement them. Not to mention the public, who seemed
to have lost confidence in the contracts the government undertook.
Nevertheless,
whatever the situation may be, our principle is that anything worth doing is
worth doing right. We have no plans of entering into questionable contracts
today just to bequeath problems to the next administration. Each project has
to go through the correct process to ensure that our taxpayers’ hard-earned
money will be spent the right way.
As
early as now, we are seeing the effects of the honest, transparent, and clear
way we have been going about our PPP projects. Previously, even just the
construction of a single airport already made headlines. Let us compare this
to what we are seeing today: Apart from the Laguindingan Airport, which is
already being utilized, we are upgrading and modernizing the Tacloban
Airport, the Bicol International Airport, the New Bohol Airport, the Mactan
Airport, and the Puerto Princesa Airport all at the same time. The Daang
Hari-NLEX link road is the fastest PPP project that has been awarded in any
administration, with no shortcuts in the processes. All these, and all the
other infrastructure projects that are being and will be constructed, will
give rise to a society teeming with opportunity.
The
problems that we have inherited—and are currently solving—make up a long
list; for example, the recurring, rotating blackouts in Mindanao. From the
very beginning, we have been working on a solution for this—but we are also
aware that a problem that has been ignored for an entire decade cannot be
solved overnight. Right now, we continue to take steps to address the
shortages as well as provide for immediate needs. We have helped electric
cooperatives bring in generator sets that will reduce brownouts; and this
will continue until the plants that will supply the region with more
electricity are completed.
But
the critics will never fully disappear. Some are complaining that the price
of electricity will increase with the usage of diesel-fueled generator sets.
Hydropower is abundant now because of the rainy season, so we hear objections
to the generator sets. But come summer, many will once again complain about
eight-hour brownouts.
We
also want more power plants built in other parts of the Philippines. As our
economy grows, so will our consumption of electricity, which means we must
likewise increase supply. Do we really want to wait until our plants are at
full capacity before more plants are built? Power plants do not sprout like
mushrooms—a power plant takes two to three years to construct.
If
anyone has a good suggestion, we are ready to listen. But I also hope that
the kibitzers put the situation in the proper context. The plant in Redondo,
Zambales, is a good example. A TRO was issued against the plant because of
the argument that renewable energy is better. Did they happen to mention that
renewable energy is also more expensive—from the cost of building the plants
to the eventual price of energy? Did they mention that it cannot provide the
baseload—the capacity required to make sure brownouts do not occur? If you
put up a wind-powered plant, what do you do when there is no wind? If you put
up a solar plant, what do you when the sky is cloudy? Let me be clear: I
believe in renewable energy and we support its use, but there should also be
baseload plants that can ensure a steady supply of electricity for our homes
and industries. I wonder if those who are critical of the plants we want put
up will be as noisy when they are busy fanning themselves during brownouts.
All I am really saying is this: Let us help each other find a solution.
Since
we are being frank with each other, let us talk about the renovation of NAIA
3. This is a complex issue, which has already undergone two arbitrations. We
would have won both of them, but one of the decisions was reversed due to a
technicality. This is why we are now preparing for our case to be heard once
more. And there are added complications because of the issue of warranties
for the completion of NAIA 3—it is not acceptable for us to find defects
after renovations, and then have to spend even more money to fix them. This
is why when we were told that the original contractor was willing to give a
proper warranty, we agreed to the deal. But we want to be certain; we want to
fully and correctly go through the process. So I must ask for your
understanding on this issue.
Today,
it is clear: A single goal is behind each square meter of cement we pour in
building the foundations of a more progressive country; gain for all—and not
politics. Whereas before, roads were constructed based on whims, and bridges
were built where the Mayor enjoyed the friendship of Madam, now, we follow a
nationwide plan. No favorites, no transactionalism, no patronage; each peso
is spent to accelerate our goal of broad-based growth.
What
we can expect in the years to come: airports and ports to facilitate commerce
and tourism; roads to ensure that we all reap the maximum benefit from these
big-ticket projects; power plants that will generate enough energy and fuel
the development of industry. This is the framework from which other
initiatives will branch out, creating even greater opportunities for Juan and
Juana dela Cruz—from the farmer who will have access to adequate irrigation
and who will be able to sell his harvest more quickly, to the construction
workers erecting new buildings; from the continued development of call
centers across the country, to the rise of even more businessmen ready to
invest in the Philippines. We implemented the right projects for the right
price; we completed these projects with the right quality; and we finished,
or we will finish, these projects right on time, because the right people
worked on them.
Let
us talk about traffic: Isn’t it estimated that our economy loses an estimated
2.4 billion pesos every day because of Metro Manila traffic? Among the
projects targeted to decongest Manila is the Integrated Transport System. For
the buses that force themselves onto already-crowded roads, we will construct
terminals in areas with less traffic. Our countrymen can already make use of
the terminal in Parañaque, and the ones in Quezon City and Muntinlupa are
already lined up. Provincial buses will be permitted only up to these
terminals, so they do not add to the congestion.
There
is also the two connector roads that will join the North and South Luzon
Expressways. To tell you the truth, there were already plans to construct
what they called the Metro Manila Highway in the seventies. This would have
connected the two expressways, so that traveling from one point to another
need not consume the hours it takes to pass through the entire length of
EDSA. The problem: Mr. Marcos issued laws that favored one of his cronies.
And unfortunately, we are required to follow them: Whoever constructs
infrastructure in those areas must be in partnership with the corporation of
Mr. Marcos’ friend. Even worse: every time they add even just another short
section to the original road, their franchise is extended by thirty years.
That is not the end of it: Once the company profited, the development of
infrastructure in the area was left unfinished. Remember that these roads
were supposed to traverse Pangasinan to Quezon… But when the company operated
at a loss, they had the audacity to pass on to the government a multitude of
debts. I ask our Congress today: Let us take another look at Presidential
Decrees 1113 and 1894.
Despite
this, our projects continue. We have an eight-kilometer, four-lane elevated
expressway that will connect C3 road to Caloocan, crossing España, up to PUP
in Sta. Mesa. There is also a more than fourteen-kilometer six-lane elevated
tollway extending from Balintawak to Buendia in Makati. The Common Alignment
of these two roads: a five-and-a-half kilometer, six-lane elevated expressway
from PUP in Sta. Mesa, crossing Osmeña and Quirino Avenue, to Buendia in
Makati. Once this road is opened to the public, what once took two hours from
SLEX to NLEX will now take only fifteen minutes. What once was a three-hour
drive from Clark to Calamba will be reduced by almost half to an hour and
forty minutes. Every day, an estimated 55,000 motorists will benefit from
this project. Motorists will save time and gas, pollution will be decreased,
and commerce and tourism will flourish. Is this not a win-win situation?
In
the space of only three years, we have proven that agencies that were once
cesspools of corruption can be transformed into examples of honest and
efficient service. Some of the simple, but effective, reforms that Secretary
Singson implemented in DPWH: no more letters of intent, which bidders once
used in conspiring with each other to inflate costs and gain more profit;
simplified bidding processes, so even more contractors can compete for
projects; and reasonable costs of doing projects. Government also now pays on
time, attracting even more skilled contractors to do their part in raising
the quality of public infrastructure. This kind of honest leadership has
allowed the DPWH to save 18.4 billion pesos, which has been allotted to other
meaningful projects.
As
an example of the dividends of good governance, let us look at the Tagumbao
Bridge in Gerona, Tarlac. In truth, I was an advocate of its construction
back when I was just a Congressman. Back then, some of my constituents had to
circle around two towns just to cross a river that overflowed during the
rainy season. I even told past administrations: you can have my entire PDAF,
just complete the bridge, in installments if possible. But nothing happened
and time passed. The gap separating the banks of the river—and thus, the
length of the bridge that was required—only widened further.
Right
now, we are constructing the Tagumbao Bridge. Now that we are the ones
implementing it, this is the story: Approved funds for the project stand at
around 334 million pesos; but because of good management and prudent
spending, the cost was lowered to 226 million pesos. In the end, we saved a
total of over 108 million pesos without sacrificing the quality of the
completed bridge. And even better: The funds that we saved can be used in the
construction of a dike and river training projects for Phase II.
Let
us move on to tourism. According to the Oriental Morning Post, we are the
“Best Tourism Destination of 2012.” And it seems the Shanghai Morning Post
fell in love with our country when they named us the “Most Romantic
Destination of 2012.” Scuba Diving Magazine says that the Philippines is the
“Best Diving Destination.” And Palawan is the “Best Island” if you ask Travel
+ Leisure Magazine. It seems they just stopped short of calling us paradise.
Given
such resounding praise, it comes as no surprise that in 2012, we registered
4.3 million tourist arrivals in our country—another new record high. This
figure is a 21.4 percent increase from when we assumed office in 2010, when
only an estimated 3.1 million tourists visited our country. When it comes to
our domestic travelers, our previous target for 2016 was 35.5 million
tourists. But we have surpassed this as early as 2011, with 37.5 million
domestic tourists. With the momentum that we are now experiencing, we have
full confidence that we will achieve our new domestic target of 56.1 million
before the end of 2016.
A
stronger tourism sector will generate more job opportunities. The DOT
estimates that tourism created 3.8 million jobs in 2011. The truth is, it is
not just our scenic and most famed destinations that will profit from the
arrival of tourists, but also the nearby towns that can be considered tourism
support communities; the places from which resorts and hotels source the food
that they serve, the souvenirs that they sell, as well as other products and
services that provide a source of income for our provinces.
And
I am certain that you have also heard the good news that has recently landed
in our country. Last March, the International Civil Aviation Organization
removed the significant safety concerns they had previously imposed on the
Philippines. This was a fruit of our reforms in the aviation industry, to
ensure that aviation safety in the Philippines meets international standards.
And because of this, just last July 10, the European Union has once again
permitted our flag carrier to resume direct flights to Europe.
Think
about it: What if our aviation industry had already been improved and
strengthened before? Was it not a waste to miss out on tourists whose lack of
enthusiasm for visiting the country can be attributed to this? Missed jobs,
funds, and opportunities—these are the results of the previous system of
governance.
This
is why, from the very onset, we have fought against corruption in all levels
of government and pushed for the transformation of our institutions. The
result: public service that truly benefits our countrymen.
Let
us just look at the depth of transformation taking place in our GOCCs.
Government-owned corporations whose losses were previously subsidized by the
national government are now turning over dividends. Let us take the Philippine
Reclamation Authority (PRA) as an example. In the thirteen years prior to our
term, from 1996 to 2009, the dividends of the PRA amounted to a sum total of
676.82 million pesos. Along the straight path: in 2012 alone, their
dividends—1 billion pesos. Is this not a complete transformation?
The
Local Water Utilities Administration is another good example. In 2011, the
said GOCC recorded a net loss of 950 million pesos. But because of prudent
management, they did more than just balance their books; based on their
report, their gross income amounted to 870 million pesos in 2012. Because of
this, they were able to remit 365 million pesos to government for that same
year.
Yet
another example: In my first SONA, we exposed the questionable practices of
the MWSS, whose officials were giving themselves excessive bonuses and
allowances, even as their company failed to address the needs of our
citizens. This agency itself reported: The MWSS registered losses amounting
to 34 million pesos in 2010. This was completely unacceptable. That is why in
2011, we signed the GOCC Governance Act, which serves as the standard for
integrity, credibility, and accountability in the management of our GOCCs.
Its results: In 2011, the MWSS earned 333 million pesos, from the 34-million-peso
loss of 2010. In 2012, their earnings totaled almost 2 billion pesos.
Consequently, their dividends have also increased: from 150 million in 2011,
these increased to 345 million pesos for 2012. It is saddening though, that
the depth of the reforms planted by the MWSS leadership is tarnished by the
mudslinging of those who want to cling to the old system.
In
tandem with the increased confidence in our good governance is the continued
resurgence of our economy. The results: two consecutive ten-place jumps in
the global competitiveness index of the World Economic Forum. For the first
time in history, we attained investment-grade status from two of the three
most respected credit ratings agencies in the world, and it is quite possible
that the third will soon follow suit. We have maintained the stability of our
consumer goods prices, and we continue to reduce the portion of our budget
allotted to paying our debts, while increasing the funds allotted to social
services. In a period of lethargic global economic activity, we registered an
astounding 6.8 percent GDP growth in 2012. We surpassed this in the first
quarter of 2013, when we reported growth of 7.8 percent—the highest recorded
GDP in East and Southeast Asia. Special mention must be made of the 28.5
percent contributed by the manufacturing sector to the growth of our economy.
And we anticipate that manufacturing will gain even more traction in the
coming years.
We
are now considered a rising tiger by the World Bank; the brightest spark,
according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales,
among other accolades that allude to the transformation that is sweeping our
nation. From the prudent expenditure of funds to the effective collection of
taxes; from infrastructure development to the transparent conduct of business
that generates jobs, our message to the world could not be clearer: The
Philippines is ready to ride the tides of progress.
The
transformation of our society is not just evident in the economy or in
statistics. Now, Filipinos know: Rich or poor, with or without political
connections, when you do wrong, you will pay the consequences. Now, justice
is truly blind. We will not undermine the orders of our Bosses to hold the
corrupt accountable, and to right the wrongs of a system that has long
beggared our country.
In
fact, we are already holding the former leadership of TESDA accountable for
his part in the outrageous overpricing of purchases by the agency. For
example: one incubator jar is priced at 149 pesos. But Mr. Syjuco priced the
same jar at 15,375 pesos. The normal price of a dough cutter, 120 pesos. The
price according to Mr. Syjuco: 48,507 pesos. Let’s be clear: This is a dough
cutter, not a Hamilton Class Cutter. Perhaps when he finally has his day in
court to face the cases filed by the Ombudsman, Mr. Syjuco will finally learn
to count.
We
have also indicted the former PAGCOR officials who embezzled 26.7 million
pesos just to produce a movie; burned through funds amounting to 186 million
pesos to finance a party-list; and had the gall to use the rice donations
allotted to calamity victims for campaign sorties.
Former
leaders of the PNP are also being made to answer allegations regarding the
131.6 million pesos wasted on seventy-five defective rubber boats, and the
104.99 million pesos spent on the anomalous purchase of secondhand
helicopters from 2009 to 2010. It would actually be better if they are able
to properly answer questions regarding this, so we may discover if there are
others who must also be held accountable.
On
the topics of Cadavero, PDAF, MRT 3, and others: Just because the critics are
not aware of what we are doing, they assume that we are doing nothing about
these issues. If government possesses no data and yet announces who it will
investigate, does that not send a message to the suspects to just hide the
evidence? This is why we go where the truth takes us. The evidence decides
our path.
When
we denounced the “wang-wang” culture, we did not just dismantle the sirens of
those who lord it over the streets; we also uprooted the culture of
corruption that seemed firmly entrenched in our public institutions.
But
let us be honest: Even today, there are still those in government who
seemingly refuse to change. It is disheartening to discover the depth and
breadth to which they have branched out in the bureaucracy; the moment we
look away, someone is sure to be taken advantage of and victimized. The time
has come to name names: we have repeatedly admonished the Bureau of
Immigration to improve their watch over our ports and airports. How then was
it possible for the brothers Joel and Mario Reyes, the principal suspects in
the slaying of Gerry Ortega, to leave the country? How could the escape of
the Korean Park Sungjun—as blatantly seen in CCTV footage—have taken place?
He is wanted in (South) Korea, and their government asked for our assistance
in securing his arrest. How can we face them now, when our own government
employees are the ones who enabled his escape?
The
“make-do” culture at the NIA has also tested our patience. Instead of laying
out plans for new irrigation systems, they are merely content with the
continued rehabilitation of existing irrigation. For them, shoddy repairs are
enough to say they have already done a good job. During their anniversary, I
asked them why only 60 percent of their target was accomplished in 2012, when
they had reached 80 percent in 2011. The next day, I met with their head
during the NEDA Board Meeting. His excuse: 40 percent of the target areas
were located in Mindanao and were devastated by Typhoon Pablo, thus the
delay. When were we hit by Typhoon Pablo? In the first week of December.
Which means that he meant to complete the remaining 40 percent of his tasks
in the span of just three weeks. This is the kind of leadership we no longer
need in the bureaucracy.
And
here we have the Bureau of Customs, whose personnel are trying to outdo each
other’s incompetence. Instead of collecting the proper taxes and preventing
contraband from entering the country, they are heedlessly permitting the
smuggling of goods, and even drugs, arms, and other items of a similar nature
into our territory. The Department of Finance estimates that more than 200
billion pesos in revenue slips through our borders without going into public
coffers. Where do these people get the gall? One can almost hear these public
officials say, “I don’t care if the weapons go to criminal elements; I don’t
care how many lives are ruined by drugs; I don’t care if our fields remain
barren forever; What matters is that I am rich; it’s every man for himself.”
Such practices have no place in government. If you cannot do your job, you do
not deserve to remain in office.
If
you are a good, conscientious employee of the BI, NIA, Customs, or any other
government agency, I hope that you do even more. It is not enough to lie low
and hide inside your cubicle; to prevent wrongdoing is part of your duty. You
are in the right, so there is no need to hide; please make it easy for me to
find people like you; I will raise you up as praiseworthy examples, that we
may fully transform the flawed culture of your agencies.
And
for those employees who refuse to turn their backs on the culture of
wang-wang: my patience has run out. You were given three years to demonstrate
your readiness to change; now, I shall pursue all of you and hold you
accountable. No hard feelings.
And
let us include in these reforms corrupt members of our Civil Service. It was
during my mother’s time when I heard someone say, “So what if Malacañang
ordered this? You will only be there for six years.” It is time to rectify
this way of thinking. I call on our Congress to examine our Civil Service
Code and PD1, so that we can revise these at the earliest possible time. I
support the development of mechanisms that will restore the integrity of
public service; that will ensure that only honest, capable, and principled
civil servants will be allowed to enter and remain in government service.
And
now, let’s allow our countrymen to share the transformations taking place in
their lives:
[Video
starts]
“My
name is Violeta S. Abuque. We didn’t have [the Conditional Cash Transfer
Program] before. Life was hard, you didn’t have any money, and you couldn’t
approach anyone to ask for help because they didn’t have anything either.
“We
were very happy that when DSWD launched their program, it covered even those
of us living in the mountains. This program will help me put my children to
school. We’ve realized how important it is to invest in your children’s
education; they’ll have a different life from our ancestors who couldn’t even
write their own names.
“I
am very thankful for the [Conditional Cash Transfer] program, and to everyone
who has supported this.”
—
Violeta S. Abuque [CCT beneficiary]
“Before,
my children couldn’t even bring food to eat in school—but now they can, and
they even have breakfast.
“You
really have to fulfill the conditions that come with the program. And, of
course, you have to find a way to complement and augment the help they’ve
given you. So every week, my child and I make some peanut butter and sell it.
“I
am very grateful that I’m part of the [Conditional Cash Transfer] program,
because it has been a really big help to my family.”
—
Dulce Panaligan [CCT beneficiary]
“I
went back to selling balut [fertilized duck eggs] while I was looking for a
job. And then I heard that TESDA was holding trainings. I read up on these,
and I registered. I’m very happy with how the TESDA program has helped me
with my job-seeking. I’ve used what I’ve learned, so I can get a better life,
so I can learn more things—especially applying what I’ve learned to my job.
—
Emerson Paguia, TESDA scholar, IT Web Developer
“On
6:45 in the morning of April 2, I was on my way to the PCCR review center. A
mugger entered the jeep, and on the Nagtahan flyover, declared a robbery. He
held me at knifepoint, and when I struggled, he stabbed me on the thigh, but
I got the knife from him. Before he got off the jeep, I stuck the knife in
his back. I chased after him, and we were both bleeding. This was probably
what got the people’s attention, which eventually led to the mugger’s arrest.
“I’m
always aware of the oath I took, to serve our citizens. To my fellow police
officers: Let us always do what is right, and what is for the good of the
country—at the same time, what will reflect well on what we’re doing as PNP.”
—
PO3 Edlyn Arbo, Philippine National Police.
“I
was assigned to Police Station 4 from 2006 to 2012. I was given a spot
meritorious promotion by the President, probably because of my apprehension
of some of Bacolod City’s most wanted criminals. Last Saturday, I used the
new gun the President had given me recently, to apprehend notorious car
burglars here in Bacolod City.
“We
do our jobs even if it’s difficult, even if we have to put our lives on the
line—we do it so we can serve our fellowmen and our country.”
—
PO3 Felipe Moncatar, Philippine National Police.
“My
car broke down along Quezon Avenue, just after the tunnel. A policeman
arrived after fifteen minutes, and he really helped me out—he even tried to
lift the car with his bare hands. So I was thinking that, eventually, he
would ask for a reward. Then the towing vehicle arrived, and they were about
to tow my car. But this policeman said: No, help first before you haul.
“Out
of gratitude, I tried to hand him 1,000 pesos for his help. But he refused
it. He told me: Our job is to help the citizens. There has been positive
change among our police force. To PO Sultan, I salute you.”
—
Armin Punzalan, businessman
“The
Navy’s modernization program is not just about equipment—it’s all about the
welfare of our ranks. Everyone can see this—not just me, but all of my
colleagues in the Philippine Navy; we are all very happy with the reforms
we’ve seen.
“We’re
experiencing the returns of the President’s straight and righteous path.
We’re happy now, we do not want of anything. I tell my colleagues: The
government has been giving us so much, and we just need to do our jobs well
in return—to give back to the country, to give back to the people.”
—
Lt. Commander Desuasido, Philippine Navy
[Video
ends]
Our
country has never lacked for people prepared to take a stand and fight for
our country regardless of the enormity of the challenges before them. There
is the courage of Commodore Ramon Alcaraz during the Second World War. In a
small wooden Q-Boat, he took on nine Japanese Zero fighters—then considered
among the most modern planes; three of these, he shot down. In fact, he would
have continued fighting had he not received an order from his superiors to
surrender. This type of bravery is what our soldiers display every day as
they patrol our most remote mountains and our farthest islands; soldiers who
continuously bear the distance from their families, who proudly stand their
ground against anyone who challenges our sovereignty. It is no exaggeration
either when I say that the triumphs we have achieved along the straight path
might still be distant aspirations had it not been for the members of our
Cabinet. When I asked them to join the government, they knew their jobs were
not going to be easy. That they accepted the challenges was a blessing. They
took an oath to help in transforming the country, and from the beginning,
they have made sacrifices every day so that the privilege of serving you does
not go to waste.
There
are those like Secretary Albert del Rosario. Going by tradition, a
Secretary’s first official travel outside the Philippines would be to a
country with whom we enjoy strong and peaceful relations. But only a few
hours after taking his oath as Foreign Affairs Secretary, Secretary del
Rosario only took the time to possibly pack a change of clothes before
immediately flying to Libya. He went through more than twenty checkpoints in
the middle of crossfire and led the evacuation of more than 20,000 Filipinos
who were caught in the conflict in Libya. You might also be surprised to hear
the nationalities of the men and women we also ended up evacuating. Truly,
the Philippines is different today: From a country that was always just the
recipient of help, we have become a country capable of providing help.
All
things considered, Secretary Albert could have said “no” to working in
government. He is a successful and respected businessman, and, certainly, he would
be much more comfortable living a private life. He had also already served as
ambassador to America. He could have become disillusioned after being removed
from his position, because he opposed the past administration’s declaration
of a State of Emergency back in 2006. But we asked him to return to
government, and he did. Now, he is contributing even more as Secretary. He is
ready to put himself in harm’s way, because he knows that no one else will
save Filipinos but fellow Filipinos. For continuing to stand up for our
rights, I salute you, Secretary Albert del Rosario.
We
also know that excellent public servants do not just transform a society;
they inspire. Millions of Filipinos grieved when Jesse Robredo passed. For
almost two decades, he served and led Naga with skill, compassion, and
humility. These principles of his are the exact reasons we borrowed him from
Congresswoman Leni and their three children, and from the Nagueños, so that
he could become part of our Cabinet. This is why one of the hardest things I
ever had to do as President was to deliver the news to Leni and their
daughters, after the tragedy.
Apart
from grieving, I could not avoid blaming myself for what happened to Jesse.
Maybe if I had not asked him to join my Cabinet, he would still be alive
today. Maybe if he had remained in Naga, he would still be with us. Maybe
there would still be a Jesse Robredo in public service today.
But
I also know that Jesse would not allow the transformation and righting of
society to end with him. Jesse and I were only given opportunities to serve
the country because of all of you. We cannot have just one face for
transformation and change. We should not have to wait another hundred years
before the next good citizen is born, before the next good Filipino rises to
the occasion.
There
are those who always ask: What will happen in 2016? What will happen when you
step down? Will that be the end of good, honest governance? Will we have
reached the end of the straight and righteous path?
My
Bosses, let us remember: where did we begin? If you have doubts now, compare
them with the doubts we all carried in 2010. Were we not happy enough then
just to see the darkness end? Was it not enough for us to be able to replace
those in power?
Now,
we are experiencing change. Change that has sprung from the seeds of
kindness, solidarity, and good will; change that was brought about by the
million of Filipinos who have, in their own ways, big and small, pitched in
and transformed the country.
And
just look at where working together as one people has brought us: Did anyone
imagine that peace would be within reach for a region that has, for the past
40 years, been torn apart by conflict? Who else could be responsible for this
but the Moros who laid down their arms and said: “Come. Let’s talk. I trust
you.” Who else but the common Filipino citizen who said: “Brother, we are all
Filipinos. Let us put an end to this conflict.”
When
the Pantawid Pamilya program was initially proposed, there were some who
asked: How could we possibly achieve the program’s desired effects; where are
the funds to cover all poor Filipinos? Did anyone imagine that in just three
years, we will have expanded the scope of our project to cover four million
household beneficiaries? And isn’t it they themselves who continue to help
this program succeed? Each mother who wakes up early to send her child off to
school? Each child that studies hard?
Did
anyone imagine that from importing millions of tons of rice, we would be 94
percent rice self-sufficient by the end of 2012? Did anyone imagine that a
country known as the “Sick Man of Asia” would, within three years of good
governance, reach investment-grade status? Who would have thought that all
the social interventions the government is providing right now would be
doable without raising taxes, apart from the Sin Tax? And did they not have a
part in this—each accountant, each doctor, each lawyer who now pays the right
taxes? Didn’t we all have a part in this?
Is
there any space left for doubt? Especially now that we are achieving things
we never thought we could achieve; especially now that we have made
progress—that our shared goals are within reach? My Bosses: Is this really
the time for doubt?
For
every Filipino who believes in the strength of small acts of kindness: You
made this transformation possible. This is your SONA.
For
every teacher who wakes at dawn just to teach children in far-flung areas:
This is your SONA. For every policeman who serves and asks for nothing in
return: This is your SONA.
For
every Filipino who, unhappy with the list of candidates in an election, chose
to knock on the doors of your neighbors to say: “We can’t be content. Let us
find a rightful leader together,” this is your SONA.
For
every student who strives to be aware of social issues, and does not just
complain on Facebook but actually proposes solutions: This is your SONA.
For
Brigadier General Ramon Mateo Dizon, the soon-to-retire head of the PSG, who
stood alongside me even in facing coup d’états during my mother’s term: Up
until my presidency, you have protected me, and my first and official family.
I am able to go to different countries and to far corners of the Philippines
with full confidence. Chito, you have done your part in changing our country.
You are truly loyal to your flag, to the Constitution, and to the Filipino
people. Of course, you could not have accomplished all this without your wife
Jo-ann by your side. This SONA is for both of you as well.
And
to all who roused their fellow citizens from apathy, those who challenged the
cynics in our midst, and those who made the stubborn see reason: This is your
SONA.
The
road ahead of us is long; and we never said it would be easy—or that we could
tread this path free of challenge. But I do not doubt our capacity to
overcome any obstacle. We did not achieve our current success by chance. Let
us not allow this transformation to be temporary; let us seize this
opportunity to make the change permanent.
This
is our fourth SONA. When I was a congressman, the people of Tarlac were my
strength. When I became a senator and until now, in my Presidency, the people
of our country have been there. Philippines, you are my strength. As we
continue doing our part—and as we continue placing faith in our fellowmen and
in God—I tell you: It will still be you who will make certain that what we
have begun here will continue; you will be the ones who will make sure that
we will completely eradicate corruption; you will be the ones who will make
sure that we will never again stray from the straight and righteous path.
Once,
I was told: “Noynoy, just begin the change.” So we did, and we can all see
how far we have come. Now, my countrymen, let us continue to stand
arm-in-arm. Together, let us foster, accelerate, and expand the
transformation of society. I am Noynoy Aquino, and I proudly say to the
world: I am a Filipino. How wonderful it is to be a Filipino in these times.
Thank
you.
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