Punzi's Corner Blog: My notes on the SONA

My notes on the SONA

Well, she's in a red panuelo.

Now JDV forgot to say the the singing of the anthem goes first... a Freudian slip?

The President is then forced to go back to her seat, to the cheers of the crowd. (Are the people laughing at them or with them?)

Now comes the invocation. Our parish priest, Fr. Gerry Tapiador, is one of those saying the prayers in a presumably ecumenical rite.

NOW, JDV introduces the President and she goes down to her podium to deliver her 6th State of the Nation Address...

Here we go... Thanks the speaker and congratulates the new Senate President.

Starts with a Lebanon report. Filipino OFW's coming home. (Coming home to what?)

"Gathering the means to being the first step..." Thanks the Congressmen for passing tough measures. The first SONA with a Powerpoint presentation...

"We have the money!" (Where? Can you give me some? I need it, too.)

Thanks the tax and customs collectors. (For not stealing?)

Thanks the armed forces and police. (For not turning on her?)

Thanks the mayors and local government officials. (For not issuing permits?)

Thanks the Filipino people for sacrificing. (But, we're still sacrificing!)

Thank yous have stopped. Not here to talk about politics but wanted to outline progress plan.

Now have funds to:

1) Address social inequity
2) Stamp out terrorism and lawless violence (read: her enemies)

3) Constitutional and Electoral changes, to bring back the power to the provinces and cities
"there must be a better so that those who lose will not make the country pay for their frustrated political ambitions."

4) Finance the Medium-term investment plan

Investment in Super-Regions!

a) North Luzon Agri-Business Quadrangle
investments and infrastructure projects (talk of highways, farm-to-market roads, irrigation and cold chains for vegetables)

b) Metro Luzon Urban Beltway
global competitiveness, investment in five strategies (food affordability, lessen electricity costs, modernize transportation, upgrade productivity technologies and reduce red tape)

c) Central Philippines
tourism development, geothermal power, airports

d) Mindanao
nautical highways, peace process

e) Cyber Corridor
technology, telecommunications, education

All in a little less than 4 years.

22 quarters of consecutive growth!
2 Million out of poverty!
Automate Elections!
Take on the world and win!

Game to old fights but a waste of time.

My final comments (that I have not said before...):

1. Seems that we have a lot of money for all these projects. Where did it come from?
2. Human props...
3. If these are true, then we live in very exciting times. Please don't disappoint us.
4. Finally, I don't know if it is just me, but it sure sounds like division of the spoils...