"Real life” was occupying my mind and my time as the President was delivering his State of the Nation Address (Sona) at the Batasang Pambansa. The television was blaring, his voice distinct and the applause apparent, but the words failed to register as I grappled with the ever-present deadline and strove to clear my mind of personal anxieties.
To many people, such state of inattention is normal whenever a president of ours delivers his or her Sona. For many years, this important presidential report has gained a reputation built on broken promises, lies of omission and hidden agenda. It is not a delivery welcomed with open arms — or rather open minds — but rather a dose of cynicism and self-preservation. For many Filipinos, a thought reverberates when political speeches are made: never again will we be taken in, taken for a ride and spun to the depths of despair.
As expected, therefore, the comments have come thick and fast. For political analyst Ramon Casiple, there were many holes in President Aquino’s Sona last July 23.  He says, in his column (Parallaxis) that while the Aquino administration continues to believe that its “anti-corruption campaign is the foundation of good governance,” reforms for his next four years were notably missing in the Sona.
Casiple writes: “The Sona failed to address the structural imbalances and injustices that brought about corruption and poverty. The question of asset reforms and wealth redistribution in the economy and the question of eradicating warlordism and empowerment of the people were not even mentioned. Even the more palatable measures such as the Reproductive Health bill, the freedom of information bill, the human rights compensation bill, and the political party development bill were not mentioned.”
As I read the transcript of the President’s Sona, I noted the pride in the improvement in the Philippine economy, as well as the inroads made in education.  “Nagpatupad po tayo ng reporma: tinanggal ang gastusing hindi kailangan, hinabol ang mga tiwali, at ipinakita sa mundong open for business under new management na ang Pilipinas,” said President Aquino.
A depleted budget and debts notwithstanding, Aquino crowed about his administration’s ability to manage and forge ahead. By reminding us of the transgressions in the past that had deeply scarred the nation, he is saying that instead of strides and leaps we will be making small, sure steps forward.
“Nitong first quarter ng 2012, ang GDP growth natin, 6.4 percent; milya-milya ang layo niyan sa mga prediksyon, at pinakamataas sa buong Southeast Asian region; pangalawa po ito sa Asya, sunod sa China. Kung dati tayo ang laging nangungutang, ngayon, hindi po birong tayo na ang nagpapautang. Dati, namamalimos tayo ng investments; ngayon, sila ang dumadagsa,” he said.
In a way, Aquino’s third Sona revealed his desire to set the foundations of change toward true and lasting progress. He keeps recalling the past because, the fact is, we are still feeling from the effects of the past. The wrongs and ills in our history may be likened to waste and poison that had solidified and enshrouded our country’s true potentials. It may take years to chip away and clear the debris, but one day we could be free of it. And starting, as we know, is always the most difficult part of this long and arduous process.
Yes, some may say intentions are not enough and that concrete plans are required to pave the way ahead. There are many things yet to be done, it is true, but I, for one, remain convinced that as long as we start removing the ills and righting the wrongs, and supporting each other along the way, then we can find our way out of the darkness and misery long felt by the country’s poor and helpless.
It has also been constantly pointed out that this particular president is not perfect either. Compared with other leaders now and in the past, his experience and confidence have been questioned, as well as his motives and true intentions. His trusted men and his reactions to some issues in the past have also been held up and examined. Is he strong enough to sweep away graft and corruption and strong enough to resist it? Can he bring about peace and order, economic advancement and social justice to the Filipino people? Will his leadership regain for us the trust and confidence we had lost during the past administration? Can he lead the country forward in spite of threats to our will and sovereignty?
Countless questions remain and doubt keeps springing up in spite of the facts, figures and applause.  But the answer has always been there, and was echoed in this latest Sona: “Subalit kung may isang bagay mang nakatatak na sa ating lahi, at makailang ulit na nating pinatunayan sa buong mundo: Walang hindi makakaya ang nagkakaisang Pilipino.”