Worth fighting for

It was not just a SONA but a defining moment in his presidency. It was more than the words he used but the emotion and the sincerity that one could empathize with as we listened to him speak. I have told those who asked my reaction, I can only say that you have to witness the speech to feel the strength and the passion.

I asked some people to share their own personal reactions. Those who have seen the SONA, in person or on television, must have seen the emotional, painful reaction of a family that has experienced so many tragedies and have been asked to sacrifice so much for the Filipino people. Here is the message of P-Noy’s sister, Viel Aquino Dee who replied to my request for her personal reaction:

“I am super proud of my brother and I know our parents are applauding him too! I hope the people felt his sincerity, innate goodness and pure intentions.”

There are now many forces claiming to be champions of change but are actually fighting for a return to the “good old days.” They are either dreaming of a restoration  power lost or are advancing an ideology that has been globally discredited.

Here is the English translation of what P-Noy said regarding those who opposed the struggle to transform Philippine society and eradicate systemic corruption:

“In fact, their attacks began even before we came into office. We have gotten used to being greeted by negative commentaries for breakfast, personal attacks for lunch, insults for dinner, and intrigue for a midnight snack. And even now that I am President, those opposed to change have not changed their ways. To be frank I do not think that they will stop even when I have stepped down from public office.”

One of the most important sectors listening to the SONA was the business sector. Unless we convert our present economic system from a market based economy into socialism or communism, as the militant groups want, the primary engine of growth will be the business sector.

I asked Ramon del Rosario Jr., president of Makati Business Club and one of acknowledged business leaders in this country, for his comments on the SONA. Here is what he said:

“I like it. It was good to remind our people where we came from and how far we’ve moved forward. It was good for it showed P-Noy’s determination to keep the country’s momentum of reforms and progress going. His commitment not to allow his parents’ legacy to be tainted came across as very sincere. And his moves for a supplemental budget and congressional clarifications acknowledge the supremacy of the Supreme Court and also his determination to pursue his programs.”

During the DAP controversy, I quoted former Supreme Court Justice Adolf Azcuna on his legal opinions. Since the Administrative Code issued during the term of President Corazon Aquino was the center of debate, I felt Azcuna was in the best position to explain its constitutional implications because he was the Presidential Legal Counsel of President Corazon Aquino. He is also acknowledged as one of the foremost constitutional legal experts in the country. Here is what Adolf Azcuna said of the SONA:

“I like it especially when he bared his soul. Also he did not argue for DAP or hit the court. He simply recounted what has been achieved. That’s how I wished it would be. Excellent.”

A Cabinet member of President Cory, former DENR Secretary Fulgencio Factoran added his own thoughts:

“I like that the President did not shame anybody; that he did not challenge the Supreme Court decision; that he requested for a supplemental budget. It is just right that he mentioned his parents because his biography is an essential part of his claim to leadership. I really hoped he would talk about the FOI (Freedom of Information).”

But I personally felt that the most inspiring part of his SONA was when he described his vision for the country. Here is the English translation:

“We are forging a system of fairness; where as long as you follow the rules, you can get to where you want to go, where true competition leads to opportunity and widespread progress, where each and every person can take control of his destinies. A society where the least fortunate are cared for is within reach, where each person recognized his or her responsibilities to his fellowmen, where there is an unceasing, untiring ever active participation in collectively increasing the prosperity of society.

The future we desire is on the horizon; one where justice reigns supreme, and where no one will be left behind. These are the results of reform. This is what we have fought for, and this is what we will continue fighting for: not the prevalence of the old ways, but a new system that will benefit all.”

This is the vision of P-NOY. This is the vision worth fighting for.

Remembering Cory

On August 1, 2009, the 76-year-old former President Corazon Aquino died peacefully at the Makati Medical Center at 3:16 a.m. of cardio respiratory arrest. Tomorrow, the world commemorates her fifth death anniversary.

She was an icon of democracy and People Power, not only in the Philippines, but all over the world among those who believe in a democratic way of life. She led the Filipino people in a non-violent movement that ended the 20-year martial law regime of Marcos and restored democracy.

She was the widow of the Filipino hero and martyr Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and had five children – Ballsy, Pinky, Noynoy, Viel and Kris. In 1996, she took up painting as a “mode of keeping her mind active and her sense of humanity intact.”  The Philippine Postal Corporation will issue special rose-scented stamps and souvenir sheets featuring the works of Cory Aquino.

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