President’s bosses. Citizens crowd in anticipation for Aquino’s SONA 2011. Photo by Aih Mendoza

President Benigno S. Aquino III has spent a year in office, having been elected in 2010 on a platform of combating corruption and bringing about a moral change in national governance. According to Political Science Department Chair Alma Salvador, however, promises of government reform through anti-corruption measures must be “supplemented with a broader, more coherent framework, encompassing other issues such as education or the nation’s public-private partnerships.”

2010

Said when PNoy was barely a month in office, the 2010 SONA states how bad a state the country was during the last administration.

2011

PNoy states how corruption has been fought in many areas, resulting in increased economic and social gains for the country.

2010

Pointed out specific cases about corruption and attributed the country’s budget problems on the corruption of the former government.

2011

Appointment of Former SC Associate Justice Conchita C. Morales as new Ombudsman

*Approval from Salvador Lauded the effective use of zero-based budgeting in combating corruption.

2010

No substantial comment.

2011

“Ang sa Pilipinas ay sa Pilipino (What is the Philippines’ is the Filipino’s).” Reasserts national claims on the Spratly Islands amid heightened tensions in the area.

2010

Cited irregularities in the PhilHealth program.

2011

Pledged to identify beneficiaries and to make sure that they deserve the insurance.

2010

Despite calamities, rice harvest increased as shortage was slashed by half in 2011. The shortage of 1.3 million metric tons is down to 660,000.

2011

Rice harvest increased as shortage was slashed by half in 2011 despite calamities. The shortage of 1.3 million metric tons is down to 660,000, reaching almost half the amount.

2010

Stated the potential of public-partnerships in economic development. Laid down the need for more accountability in government spending.

2011

Revealed improvements in the economy such as the seven record highs in the stock market and the increased credit ratings by several credit rating agencies.

2010

K-12 system is to be implemented.

2011

K-12 system begun with the national Kindergarten system. K-12 to cover all school children currently taking Kindergarten, Grade 1, and first year high school.

2010

A call for the LGUs to review their policies was made. This is so that their policies were consistent with Malacanang’s.

2011

Again, asked LGUs to adhere to the “straight path”. PNoy criticized municipalities which veered away from the interests of the nation as a whole.

2010

None.

2011

None.

2010

Pledged to construct needed infrastructure (railroads, expressways, bridges) with private assistance.

2011

Creation of a cheaper, locally-sourced monorail system by the DOST. Official start of Manila-Naga Bicol Express trains, the country’s only intercity rail service.