State of the Nation Address (SONA)

of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III

A review to the Speech of President Aquino III

in Relation with the Article 2
of 1987 Philippine Constitution

Camille C. Caramanzana

BSM41

July 30, 2015

REVIEW
The last State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno Aquino III tackled
what he did for the last 5 years being the President of the Republic of the Philippines. As I read
and heard his speech, I relate what he did for the last years in our 1987 Philippine Government
Constitution particularly the Article 2 (Declaration of Principles and State Policies).
Principles
Section 1. The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the
people and all government authority emanates from them.
In this section, it tells us the sovereign power of the Filipino people. The power over the
rulers. Filipinos have freedom to choose and revoke officials. In the SONA, President Aquino III
presented a video on how he decided to run for a President. The video tells us that many
Filipinos wanted Benigno Aquino III to run and of course as an official he granted the will of the
people. President always saying that Filipino people are his BOSS, it shows here our power over
him.
Kung may nagdududa pang tunay ngang nakapiring ang katarungan, maganda po
sigurong ituon nila ang pansin sa tatlong senador na kasalukuyang naka-detain, at sa dating
pangulong naka-hospital arrest. (Aquino III, 2015). In this part of the speech of our President
showed to us our right to revolt any officials whore were injustice and oppressed us.
In the whole speech, I was waiting for the President to tell something about his friends
who were involved for the malicious transactions. Yet, my waiting was not really worthy because
the President always keep silence about this issue.

Section 2. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the
generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres
to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.
In section 2 tells us that the Philippines cannot start a war but it can depend itself from a
war. Our government is trying their best to have good relationships with other nations and also
maintaining peace and order. In the Presidents speech he said Ang ating kabangga, di-hamak
na mas lamang, sa impluwensiya man, ekonomiya, o puwersang militar. Pero sa batayan ng
katwiran at pagmamahal sa bayan, hindi po tayo nahuhuli. Kaya gaya sa lahat ng iba pang
suliranin, pagkakaisa po ang tanging susi para mapangalagaan ang ating karapatan. (Aquino
III, 2015). He was not directly referring what particular county it is but we all know that this is
China. The government had a peace way to fix its conflict to China through international law.
This is the evidence for having peace, justice and cooperation with the other country.
Section 3. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces
of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the
sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.
Section 4. The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The
Government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all
citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal, military or
civil service.
Section 5. 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.

The section 3, 4 and 5 talk about the duty of the Government, the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) and the Filipino people to maintain peace and order in the Philippines.
For the AFP, our President cited the new equipment purchased to be used by the military
for the protection of our territory and especially for the Filipinos. The President showed that he
tried his best to strengthen the power of our military. This also a way of maintaining peace and
order, the protection of life and property. For Philippines National Police, he said that all police
has its own gun.
He said the tragedy in Maguindano last 2009 and he was referring that suspects were
protected by higher officials. Then suddenly I asked how about SAF 44, is there any progress
about this issue? Where is the peace and order here? In relation with this, he said also the
Bangsamoro basic law which is the hope for the unity between our brothers and sisters in
Mindanao. For me, this is not really a solution.
Sa mga hindi nagdalawang-isip na tumulong sa repacking ng relief goods sa panahon
ng sakuna; sa bawat Pilipinong naghandog ng anumang halaga at nagpaikot ng alkansiya para
magdala ng pagbabago (Aquino III, 2015). In this part, the President cited the contribution of
Filipinos. We, as Filipinos we have duty to help especially in times of crisis. Filipinos are not
only to be protected but also we are encourage to protect our rights in our country.
Sa pagpapagawa ng mga kalsada, tulay at iba pang estruktura, iniibsan natin ang
dapat ibsan, at pinapabilis ang paghahatid ng benepisyo. (Aquino III, 2015). Our President
wanted to tell us here the roads and bridges that were done which is really big help for Filipinos.
Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

The family of President Aquino III is known for being religious in his speech in the
SONA, he always mentioned God. For me, the President is not biased for his religion because for
him God gave him inspiration and guidance. Where in fact he mentioned all leaders of every
religion in the country to give gratitude. Sa aking mga tagapayong espirituwal na sina Father
Catalino Arevalo, Sister Agnes, at Father Jett Villarin, [Palakpakan] pati na kina Cardinal
Chito Tagle, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, Ka Eduardo Manalo, Bishop Soc Villegas, Bishop
Jonel Milan, Brother Eddie Villanueva, at sa ating religious sector, at sa lahat ng nagpapatuloy,
nagdarasal para sa atin, maraming salamat po; (Aquino III, 2015). We also knew that Inglesia
ni Cristo indorsed Aquino III last presidency election.
State Policies
Section 7. The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other
states, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity,
national interest, and the right to self-determination.
In order to establish friendly relations with all countries of the world regardless of race,
ideology and religion the government is still active to meet and arranged some beneficial
proposals in order to have good outcome for both countries. .Pangulong Obama at Pope
Francis: Huwag kayong mag-alala, may 21 world leaders pang darating para sa APEC.
(Aquino III, 2015). In this part of speech, it only shows that we have good foreign policy in our
country. He also emphasized the European Union regarding direct travels to Europe countries
which beneficial for the Filipino workers abroad.
Section 8. The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a
policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.

There were no something about nuclear weapon mentioned in the SONA of the President
Aquino III.
Section 9. The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the
prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through
policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard
of living, and an improved quality of life for all.
Section 10. The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.
Section 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect
for human rights.
Sections 9 to 11 enumerate the programs and projects that government should be done for
the Filipino people in order to promote the individual rights and justice.
President Aquino III mentioned about employment in the Philippines. Bagamat may
bagong salta sa merkado, mga balikbayan, at dati nang walang trabaho, ang unemployment
rate, bumaba sa 6.8 percent noong nakaraang taon. Ito ang pinakamababa sa loob ng isang
dekada. Linawin ko rin po: Permanenteng trabaho ang nalikha natin; hindi tayo nag-hire ng
magwawalis ng kalsada tuwing survey period lang, para kargahan ang resulta. (Aqunio, 2015).
He also mentioned that there are many immediate hiring offers. This is very good sign for
poverty problem in our country.
Many programs of the government were also cited like Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino
Program. The resident reported Ngayon, nasa mahigit 4.4 million na ang kabahayang
nakikinabang sa programa. Malayong-malayo ito sa dinatnan nating 786,523 lamang na
kabahayan. Nitong taon, 333,673 ang nagtapos sa high school; kabilang sila sa unang batch ng

ating mga benepisyaryo sa pinalawak na Pantawid Pamilya. 13,469 sa kanila ang tumanggap
ng honors at ibat ibang gantimpala. Iyon nga pong dalawang benepisyaryong nakilala ko,
nakapasok sa quota course na Civil Engineering sa University of the Philippines. (Aquino III,
2015). This is a good sign for the education in the country and yet I still heard some bad news
about this especially for the implementation of K-12. I hope everyone will understood the
benefits of the K-12 program for the competence of Filipino students worldwide. The TESDA
was also highlighted at the speech and many jobs were produce by this agency.
Section 12. The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen
the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the
mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and
duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral
character shall receive the support of the Government.
Section 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall
promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It
shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in
public and civic affairs.
In relation to the sections 12 and 13, according to the speech of President Aquino III he
emphasize the importance of the family and the youth.
Through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the government help the parents to
their children. In Presidents speech he said Sa Pantawid Pamilya, kapalit ng tulong sa mga
benepisyaryo, pangunahin nilang dapat tutukan ang pag-aaral ng mga anak. May paunang
bunga na po ito: Ayon sa pag-aaral ng Philippine Institute for Development Studies, noong

2008, mayroong 2.9 million na out-of-school children sa ating bansa. Lumaki ang ating
populasyon, pero noong 2013, ang natirang out-of-school children, 1.2 million na lang po
(Aquino III, 2015). The government and the parents should be united for the development of the
youth.
The President also gave his gratitude to a girl named Francesca Santiago for she showed
love for her country. The President tells us here that we as youth we should be involved in
country matters.
Section 14. The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the
fundamental equality before the law of women and men.
The President really recognize the women for the nation-building where in fact most he
mentioned in his speech is the women under him. We are also aware that most of the powerful
agency in our county are headed by women. The President gave them gratitude nagtalaga
tayo ng mga taong may integridad at sariling pasya. Ang bagong Ombudsman: si Conchita
Carpio-Morales. Ang bagong Chief Justice: si Ma. Lourdes Sereno. Ngayon, may sapat na
panahon na siyang magpatupad ng reporma sa Hudikatura. [Palakpakan] Pati po sa ibang
ahensiya, nagtalaga tayo ng tapat at matatapang na pinuno. Sa COA, agad nating inilagay si
Chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan. Sa Ehekutibo naman, nag-appoint din tayo ng mga palaban: si
Commissioner Kim Henares sa BIR, at si Secretary Leila de Lima [palakpakan] naman sa
Department of Justice. Wala silang inatrasan sa pagtupad ng kanilang tungkulin. Sa inyong
lahat, isang taos-pusong pasasalamat. (Aquino III, 2015). This is the evidence that men and
women are now equal.

Section 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill
health consciousness among them.
One example that the government is promoting and protecting the right of the people for
health is the PhilHealth. Our President said Dumating tayong 47 milyong Pilipino lang ang
benepisyaryo. Halos dinoble na po natin ito. Nitong Hunyo, pumalo na ang saklaw ng ating
PhilHealth sa 89.4 million na Pilipino (Aquino III, 2015). and he also said para sa
pinakamahirap na 40 porsiyento, libre na ring magpagamot sa mga pampublikong ospital
(Aquino III, 2015). I am hoping that government will continue this because this is really big
health for poor Filipinos.
Section 16. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
Section 17. The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture,
and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote
total human liberation and development.
In the SONA, the President only mentioned his gratitude to the leaders of the agencies
particularly for environment. In the Department of Science and Technology he commended the
contribution of it for the development of the science in our country.
Section 18. The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the
rights of workers and promote their welfare.
I was amazed when the President said Taon-taon, mahigit 800,000 ang mga bagong
pasok sa ating labor force. Idagdag na rin po natin diyan ang naiulat na pagkaunti ng Overseas
Filipinos. Noong taong 2011, nasa 9.51 million ang naitalang Overseas Filipinos ng Department

of Foreign Affairs. Sa huling datos naman ng Disyembre ng taong 2014, nasa 9.07 million na
lang ito. Hindi kalabisang isiping marami sa tinatayang 440,000 nabawas sa kanila ay bumalik
sa Pilipinas, at nakahanap ng trabaho. (Aquino III, 2015) It is really good indication for the
labor force in our country. They dont have to go other place to work. I hope this will continue.
Section 19. The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy
effectively controlled by Filipinos.
One of the highlight of this SONA is the status of the Philippines economy. Ngayon,
ang Pilipinas, nabansagan nang Asias Rising Tiger, Asias Rising Star, at Asias Bright
Spot. Ngayon nga po, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, investment grade na tayo ayon sa mga
pinakatanyag na credit rating agencies.(Aquino III, 2015). This is really a great opportunity for
the continuous growth of our economy. It would also result for job opportunities for the
Filipinos.
I am not really sure if the Philippines economy is controlled by Filipino because most of
the business in our country is owned by foreigners or major investors are foreigners.
Section 20. The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages
private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.
Section 23. The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral
organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.
The government really recognize the role of private sectors and private organizations in
our country when in fact he encourage them for the development of our economy and the
government have this Public-Private Partnerships to make our growth possible. Like for example
the project for Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, Sa atin pong mga sinundan: Halos

magmakaawa ang pamahalaan sa pribadong sektor na lumahok sa mga proyekto. Ngayon sila
na ang sumusuyodito nga po sa MCX, binayaran pa tayo ng premium na P925 million para sa
pribilehiyong itayo ang imprastrukturang kailangan natin. Sa taas din ng kumpiyansa nilang
kikita ang proyekto, sabi ng private proponent, libre na ang unang buwan ng toll sa MCX.
(Aquino III, 2015). Based also in the Presidents SONA that the government still working to
encourage them more. Private sectors is really conducive for our economic growth.
Section 21. The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian
reform.
For this year SONA, there are specific report said by the President about the agriculture
and he only gave his gratitude to leaders of the department of agriculture. He also reported the
development of for NFA issue which is good. I was expecting that the President will report more
about the agriculture since this is the major contributor of our economy and I believe that
agriculture is the really key for our economic growth. Our President only said the issue about
fertilizer scam last administration which for me is unnecessary.
Section 22. The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural
communities within the framework of national unity and development.
It was only mentioned in the SONA that indigenous people were also benefited for
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. I was expecting more about this.
Section 24. The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nationbuilding.
The President only commended the media for their information. Sa mga miyembro ng
media na naging patas sa kanilang pagsipat (Aquino III, 2015)

Section 25. The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.
In the President speech he encouraged the strong relationship between local governments
in order for the progressive development of infrastructure. The President showed here the value
of the local government for he is asking and not the demanding the cooperation of the local
government.
Section 26. The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and
prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.
The President also against to political dynasties where in fact he mentioned this to his
speech. Di tayo makakasiguro kung malinis ang intensiyon ng mga susunod, o kung nanaisin
lang nilang habambuhay na maghari-harian para sa sariling interes. Panahon na para ipasa
ang isang Anti-Dynasty Law. (Aquino III, 2015). I am hoping also for this proposed law and
because it is about time to finish family dynasties in our government.
Section 27. The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take
positive and effective measures against graft and corruption.
In the famous line of our President, Kulang walang corrupt, walang mahirap many
officials were dismissed from their positions due to many issues revealed. He also said Hinabol
natin ang mga corrupt at nilinis ang sistema, na nanganak ng kumpiyansa po sa ating mga
merkado. Katarungan, tiwala, paglago ng ekonomiya, pagkakataon, pag-asenso. Boss, ito
mismo ang diwa ng Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap. (Aquino III, 2015). As reported
by our President corruption seems is not really existing anymore and I doubt about it.
Section 28. Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and
implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.

SONA is also a way for reasonable of full disclosure of all transactions involving public
instruments. The President presented data about his deeds on his administration which is our
right to know and as well as the budget of our government. President also emphasizes the
importance of disclosure of SALN of every officials and he gave an example which is about
former chief justice Ang Punong Mahistradong tila ba may pagkiling sa nag-appoint sa kanya,
ay napatunayang naglihim ng yaman at ari-arian sa SALN, na-impeach ng Kongreso at naconvict ng Senado. (Aquino III, 2015). Although I am still expecting more report for instance
about SAF 44 and pork barrel scam