We are pleased to provide the salient points or the highlights of the 2012 SONA speech of President Benigno Aquino III delivered at the Batasang Pambansa on July 23, 2012.
These are taken from credible sources on the web; from netizens in social networking sites Facebook and Twitter, websites, blogs, and other online fora; and from the author’s personal thoughts.
- President Aquino mentioned perks for GOCCs, PAGCOR ‘coffee scam’, and secondhand helicopters sold to PNP as brand-new.
- Aquino cites economic achievements, including the P1 billion loan the Philippines granted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
- Free eduction - 4.57 million students who could not go to school before due to poverty are now able to study.
- 85% of Filipinos are now Philhealth members.
- Gov't expanding health services; PhilHealth extends coverage on cancer and leukemia patients.
- More than 30,000 nurses deployed to over 36,000 barangays.
- DOST Secretary Montejo and DOH Secretary Enrique Ona for the success of mosquito traps in bringing down the number of dengue cases in the country.
- Congress urged to to pass sin tax reform bill to raise taxes on cigarettes and liquor.
- Backlog of over 2 million chairs to be addressed b2 2012; backlog of over 66,000 classrooms to be addressed by 2013.
- The president received applause, standing ovation upon mention of responsible parenthood (RH Bill).
- State universities and colleges will received a 43.61% budget increase in 2013.
- TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva commended for reforms and effective implementation of programs.
- Inherited 8% unemployment rate has reduced to 6.9%.
- During Aquino’s term, 3.1 million jobs were created.
- Construction of Bohol airport in Panglao, Legaspi airport in Daraga, and Laguindingan airport in Misamis Oriental in 2016 mentioned.
- LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project has started in June 2012.
- NAIA-3 structural defects to be addressed.
- SLEX-NLEX connector to be completed by 2015.
- Better implementation of bidding process at DPWH cited; infrastructure being improved without raising taxes.
- Target of 4.6 million tourists for 2012 set.
- Pres. Aquino hopes that country can export rice in 2013.
- Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program cited.
- 1,520 sitios have been provided with electricity within 90 days.
- When he assumed office, 45% of policemen had no guns; 74,600 new guns to be added for the police force.
- On the AFP modernization: Hi-tech and better quality patrol and war ships; new helicopters, radio and communication equipment, frigates, light aircraft will be acquired.
- VTRs of housing and Conditional Cash Tranfer (CCT) beneficiaries shown during the SONA.
- No more cash advances allowed in government agencies.
- Voters list cleaned up; no more ghosts voters; officer-in-charge Governor Mujiv Hataman commended for reforms in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
- DOST/PAGASA’s Project NOAH cited, disaster preparedness in the country has improved.
- By 2013, 600 rain gauges and 422 water level sensors will be installed at 18 main river basins.
- 1.5 million hectares of trees to be planted by 2016.
- Executive Order on mining cited.
- Illegal loggers warned: “Kayong mga isinusugal ang buhay ng kapwa Pilipino: maghanda na kayo. Tapos na ang maliligayang araw ninyo.”
- Pres. Aquino assures government workers of provision of benefits; unveils ‘performance based incentives’ for state workers.
- Bonus of goverment workers this year will be based on achieved targets.
- Old-age and disability pensioners will receive at least P5,000 per month.
- Progress will continue with fairness, consistency in governance.
- Territorial dispute with China particularly in the West Philippine Sea mentioned.
- Aquino says Philippines will protect its sovereignty and territory.
- “Forgive and forget ang lahat ng atraso ng mga naglubog sa atin sa bulok na estado? Ang magpatawad, maaari; ang makalimot, hindi.”
- Filing of plunder charges against former-president Gloria Arroyo and the selection of the next Supreme Court chief justice also mentioned.
- Pres. Aquino lauded Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales for fighting graft.
- PNoy called on Congress to pass amendments in the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA).
- President Aquino tackled electoral reforms for the 2013 polls.
- Aquino: Filipinos made change possible; change comes from the citizenry.
