UP Ibalon Bicol: GMA lauds her government for “strong” economy in SONA, but critics disagree

GMA lauds her government for “strong” economy in SONA, but critics disagree

7/28/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

In spite of high joblessness that hovers to 27.9% and a hunger index of 23.7 percent of household (2008 SWS Survey,) the rising pressure for Filipinos to seek jobs abroad, and a poor rating in governance, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo (GMA) told her people that the country enjoys a strong economy under her leadership.

The president's State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered last Monday, July 27, 2009 left the public thinking if what they heard was what they had been living. There had surely been gains in her leadership, but the stark economic hardship of Filipinos remained. GMA blamed her critics for the lack of appreciation to her accomplishments.

Praising the president in her last SONA was Speaker Prospero Nograles who according to the Daily Tribune, said, “The President’s Sona is tough in refuting her critics but it is also solidly based on real and factual achievements. Her Sona is undeniable proof that of all the Presidents that have come and gone, her administration is probably the most accomplished in the actual delivery of all her commitments in each of her Sona in the past nine years."

Nograles’ opinion was quickly junked by former Pres. Joseph Estrada saying, "Are we better off today than in 2001? In terms of moral recovery, we are now number 1 most corrupt in the world. In terms of economics, our foreign debt stands at P4 trillion, our farm output is half of what it was in 2000. We are now the biggest importer instead of exporter of rice" and "in terms of peace and order, there has been zero progress under Arroyo," he said, stressing that her achievements are in making the Philippines the most corrupt country; the second most dangerous country for journalists; a shabu exporter and the top importer of rice.---Source: Daily Tribune, (07/28,2009, Baldo, G.; Manalo, C.)

Theere is a widely disparate assessment by Arroyo and those who don't agree with her. It appears someone is lying again when a rosy picture of the country is put forth, while at the same time, others experience the opposite in their life. What is certain is the public can’t escape truth. Improvement of economic life, advancement, and prosperity remain unreachable to many Filipinos.

Manila Archibishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales warned the president to tell the truth. If only the “good news” GMA brought to the people was as truthful as the pompous dress she wore---like those of the lady senators' attires, perhaps, many would believe what they heard in the SONA was credible. (Photo Credit: Sunnexfor2; TCO3) =0=

RELATED BLOG: GMA told to tell the truth in SONA Posted by mesiamd at 7/27/2009

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Labels: economy, GMA, hunger, joblessness, politics, powerty, SONA, Totie Mesia

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GMA lauds her government for “strong” economy in SONA, but critics disagree

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