What Pinoys expect from SONA

MANILA, Philippines - “Kayo ang boss ko! (You are my boss).”

Those were the words spoken by President Aquino, referring to the people, during his inauguration speech last June 30.

With only a month in office and his first State of the Nation Address today, what do people expect of him to improve their lives?

For entrepreneurs like Mike Sochan and Ana Co, they want the President to eliminate red tape at the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs.

“There’s already a culture. I hope he (Aquino) can do something about it. Economically, we were quite stable actually during the previous administration. So, hopefully it will continue to grow,” said Co.

“During President Arroyo’s term, there has been so much improvement. So now, I hope there will be more in this administration because time is flying already. I hope it will continue to grow. And President Noynoy said he will not steal so that we expect that the economy will grow,” said Sochan.

Ana Santos, writer, reproductive health advocate and mother, said she wants to hear about Mr. Aquino’s stand on health issues.

“I want a firm stand on exactly what he means when he said ‘responsible parenthood.’ We’re all hoping he means support for the Reproductive Health bill and maybe that’s what he means.”

“But I’d like a categorical statement plus funding to show that he can put his money where his mouth is.”

Santos’ sentiments were also echoed by Paula Capati, a 26-year-old pre-med student.

“I really want to hear his stand on the RH bill, health care priorities and the education system,” she said.

Street vendors Cha Chyrel and Manang Besing said they hope Mr. Aquino would not demolish squatters’ settlements without any warning.

“If they will relocate them, the house should be near the city,” said Chyrel in Filipino.

Manang Besing added: “Yung mga squatter na ni-relocate, walang hanap buhay kasi. (Squatters were relocated without jobs).”

“He should increase funding of consulates and embassies so they can better serve Filipinos overseas. Our embassies look so pitiful. If the buildings look bad, what about the service,” said Worley Pamilaran, a teacher based in Indonesia.

Pamilaran added that Aquino should work for the protection of OFWs, especially when it comes to their rights as well as concrete jobs for OFWs returning home so they can establish businesses. “I haven’t really heard of such programs.”

Whether it may be education, health, economy or social issues, Mr. Aquino has a lot of work ahead of him.

Will his slogan “kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap” prevail?

Only time will tell as he prepares to buckle down with the task ahead of him.