President Noynoy Aquino has made a lot of promises to the people ever since he announced his candidacy. However, though these promises all took root in one government platform, their destinies seem bound to diverge.
Fight Against Corruption – Limbo
While there have been some welcome developments, like the BIR’s crackdown on tax evaders, this progress is countervailed by the government’s failure to speedily prosecute the corrupt officials of the past regime, even with the new Truth Commission.
Redistribute Hacienda Luisita – Fantasy
Noynoy promised to carry out Carper and redistribute Luisita by 2014. Until now, though, Noynoy’s clan is still insisting on the Stock Distribution Option, which is illegal under Carper. Noynoy now maintains a “hands-off” policy.
Create More Jobs – Reality
Returning from the US late September, Noynoy announced that the $2.8 B worth of investments he has secured for the country would generate at least 10,000 new jobs.
No New Taxes – Fantasy
Noynoy vowed not to introduce new taxes if elected. However, just a few weeks into his term, his men insisted on “taxing a tax” by pushing for the collection of VAT on toll fees (a form of tax), something they also proposed to be increased.
12-Year Basic Education – Reality
It’s all systems go for the additional two years to be added to the Philippines’ basic education system. However, the new policy is being met with intense criticism.
Education as a Central Strategy – Fantasy
In his platform, Noynoy pushed for education as a “central strategy” for fighting the nation’s ills, such as poverty. However, this is not reflected in the huge budget cuts for state universities, which will result in profit-oriented partnerships and higher tuition.
Universal Health Care – Reality
A step in this direction is the recent government-sponsored conference on universal health care, where DOH personnel and other health workers gathered to discuss future health care plans.
Peace with the Moros – Reality
Noynoy and his team are carefully studying the possibilities of this issue, and have seriously been considering charter change as a solution. This has been welcomed by the MILF.
Peace with the Reds – Fantasy
Noynoy’s promise to pursue peace with the CPP-NPA-NDF is thrown out the window by his precondition of a ceasefire before peace talks could resume. The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992 already bars the government from requiring such preconditions.
Review the VFA – Limbo
As senator, Noynoy pushed for the reviewing of the Visiting Forces Agreement. As president, however, nothing much has been heard from him about it, especially with his recent trip to the US.
OFW Welfare – Fantasy
Budget cuts on benefits of OFWs have left many migrant workers dissatisfied. Moreover, nothing has come out of Noynoy’s promise to study the merging of OWWA and POEA.
TOTAL:
Reality – 4
Fantasy – 5
Limbo – 2
