It was a time for firsts for the Aquino administration. It was the first time that a president called his constituents his “bosses” and wang-wang (vehicle sirens) were silenced. For the first time, Filipinos were introduced to the Daang Matuwid (Straight Path), or the administration’s thrust on good governance and anti-corruption.
Last Monday, July 27, marked the time for lasts. After five years of his term, President Benigno S. Aquino III gave his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex. While it may be his last, it can be said that the journey along the Daang Matuwid is far from over.
Unfinished business
Despite the programs Aquino had commended for serving the Filipino people during his SONA, there are still loose ends that need to be tied before he steps down as president.
Aquino had initially vowed to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by January, aiming to submit it to Congress before the regular session on July 28.
Earlier in January, however, the Mamasapano clash saw more than 50 people killed, including 44 Special Action Force personnel. This further delayed the passage of the law due to rising tensions between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the central government.
Last May 20, the proposed BBL was passed at the committee level in the House of Representatives. However, MILF is still awaiting the final version of the bill to address amendments that violate the peace agreement.
MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim hoped Aquino would emphasize the importance of the “undiluted” BBL in his SONA. Aquino did mention it in his address as a priority, although briefly, challenging those against it to “propose a new solution.”
“It’s now a matter of fine-tuning,” Anne Candelaria, an assistant professor from the Political Science Department said.. She stressed that all bills require compromise and parties involved should be open to the possibility of it backfiring.
Aquino also espouses for the Freedom of Information law to propagate transparency policies and reduce corruption by presenting a budget plan with detailed programs and projects.
Lawmakers averse to it are concerned that sensitive government data would fall into the wrong hands. While there are grounds for refusal of requests for information, these can still be examined if public interest is invoked.
The Anti-Dynasty bill is another pending law because many Congress members wanted to “relax” the restriction of only two members per family allowed to occupy elective offices simultaneously.
Allowing two members of a family to run for office was already a compromise for the original bill, which proved to be difficult since it would have adversely affected more than half of the 290-member House.
A last-minute detour
In the midst of a fast-approaching deadline that is the Philippine Elections 2016, Aquino did not fail to mention how electing the next president can impact the Daang Matuwid.
Mid-way through the two-hour address, Aquino shared that he worries about the upcoming elections and the Daang Matuwid.
“Will we lose all that we have built, all that we have worked hard for, in one election?” Aquino asked.
The next Philippine elections is scheduled on May 9, 2016. Filing of the certificate of candidacy is set on October 12 to 16, 2015. While this is ongoing, Aquino vows to fulfill as many promises as he could before he cedes his position.
“Elections will hinder his legislative agenda,” warned Political Science Department instructor Carmel Abao.
She explained that the political culture of “changing allegiances” when elections are nearing is a big hindrance to fulfilling the last promises of the Aquino administration.
Abao recalled the influx of members from the once-supreme Lakas Party to the then-small Liberal Party when Aquino took office. She also pointed out that the nature of political parties in the Philippines aren’t formed based on ideologies, but on connections and relationships.
‘That’s the political culture. The stakes are so high, you would really like to go on the winning side,” said Abao.
She added that this can start from as early as the filing of the certificates of candidacy. By that time, she said, governance decisions will no longer be made on the basis of the Daang Matuwid, but on the basis of “gaining possible electoral gains.”
A disconnect
After the annual address, Aquino was cheered for the achievements and frowned upon for unaddressed issues. The reception was much more vocal outside.
President of the Samahang Manggagawa ng Golden Fortune Construction Rogelio Justiniane cited that “poverty is still present, especially for the workers and farmers.”
“Talagang wala na kaming maaasahan kay Aquino, puro lang naman siyang pangako eh (We really don’t expect anything from Aquino, he’s only full of promises),” said Justiniane.
Jackelyn Gonzales, Secretary-General of Anakbayan Metro Manila, said that at first, people were swayed because Aquino let them believe he was truly serving them. “Pero kung titignan… wala siyang ginawa para pabutihin yung kalagayan ng mamamayang Pilipino (But if you look… he hasn’t done anything to improve the condition of Filipino citizens),” she stated.
Candelaria noted that the SONA seemed to gravitate towards a “middle-class and urban-based” audience. “Because of that… majority of Filipinos who are not living in Metro Manila, and who are mostly part of the agriculture sector, cannot relate to what he is saying because it was never meant for them,” she shared.
Abao attributed the battle of claims to the country’s “compelling” problems between the president and the people because these “can’t be concealed by numbers”.
The clock continues to tick for the Aquino administration to cement the foundations of policy reform. For now, the SONA can be used as a tool to start public conversations about the realities the country faces.
“Don’t just accept the SONA,” Abao urged. “Form your own opinions.”
