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Dennis Lemuel Barriatos July 29, 2014 
English 202 
REACTION PAPER 
President Aquino on Monday, July 22, 2013 delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address 
(SONA). It was PNoy's longest SONA so far but has been applauded less frequently 
compared to last year. 
SONA this year was focused on the achievements of the government such as approval of 
the Sin Tax Reform Law and Responsible Parenthood Law (RH Law), reforms in Education 
System(K-12), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), increase in number of TESDA 
graduates, increase in Philhealth enrolles from 62% to 81% and improved benefits, 
allocation of P6.2 billion for flood control in Metro Manila, completion of 9,377 housing units 
for Typhoon Sendong victims, 63% reduction in number of private armed groups, 21.4 
increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2012 and 7.8% GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth 
during the first quarter of 2013. 
However, it also highlights some of the changes to hike SSS contributions and train fares. 
"We believe that it is time to amend the SSS Pension Scheme. We must establish measures 
that remedy the outflow of funds. If we add 0.6 percent to the contribution rate, it will 
immediately deduct P141 billion from the unfunded liability," Aquino said. 
PNoy said the need to reform pension scheme is necessary to avoid depletion of SSS funds 
in the next 28 years. He also explains that fare hikes in MRT and LRT will be implemented. 
The government subsidizes each passenger's fare by as much as P45 and said to be unfair 
to residents from Visayas and Mindanao who never set foot on the trains but fund the train 
operations. 
But according to critics or analysts, President Aquino did not mention solid agenda on how 
he will lead us to his 'daang matuwid' campaign until 2016. Nancy Binay highlights that Pnoy 
didn't include on his speech ways to improve employment rate in the country. 
Despite the gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2012 and various economic reform 
programs of Aquino government for his three years in the Palace, Philippines is still has the 
worst unemployment rate in Asia. More than 11 million Filipinos are jobless according to 
SWS and IBON Foundation survey results on the first quarter of 2013. 
More promises to track 
It is common that every SONA, the President always make promises. Here are the some of 
the action items of the Aquino government for the next months or year: 
Classroom shortage will be addressed by the Department of Education within the year 
Improve rice self-sufficiency and coconut intercropping to boost agricultural growth 
Complete geo-hazard mapping of Metro Manila by next year
Dennis Lemuel Barriatos July 29, 2014 
English 202 
Pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law in 2014 which will pave way for a Bangsamoro 
Government by 2016 
Repairs and completion at NAIA Terminal 3 
For me his SONA is clear. I would give him a 95% mark. The people needs to be reminded 
about his achievements because, too often, Filipinos have selective memory or amnesia 
altogether. It was delivered with passion as it's coming from his heart. It would be difficult to 
fake an emotion. He was calm and composed, not confrontational, but also had that 
conviction to continue his fight for good governance until the end. I felt he was sincere, 
honest, and hurt also. Who wouldn't be hurt when despite all his efforts there are still those 
who continue to criticize (for the sake of criticizing) that he has not done anything. 
Only God can solve the gargantuan problems of the Philippines in a flash, and the President 
is only human. Some members of the media continues to condition the mind of the public by 
emphasizing the negative and NEVER the positive. Even if this is only a minority; however, 
the actions of these critics are truly hurtful. 
We should have listened, not just with our ears but, with our hearts as well. We should have 
given him credits for what he has done in the short 4 years, and give him the benefit of the 
doubt that he would continue to do more in the remaining months of his administration. 
Let's pray for our President and our country as well.

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  • 1. Dennis Lemuel Barriatos July 29, 2014 English 202 REACTION PAPER President Aquino on Monday, July 22, 2013 delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). It was PNoy's longest SONA so far but has been applauded less frequently compared to last year. SONA this year was focused on the achievements of the government such as approval of the Sin Tax Reform Law and Responsible Parenthood Law (RH Law), reforms in Education System(K-12), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), increase in number of TESDA graduates, increase in Philhealth enrolles from 62% to 81% and improved benefits, allocation of P6.2 billion for flood control in Metro Manila, completion of 9,377 housing units for Typhoon Sendong victims, 63% reduction in number of private armed groups, 21.4 increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2012 and 7.8% GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth during the first quarter of 2013. However, it also highlights some of the changes to hike SSS contributions and train fares. "We believe that it is time to amend the SSS Pension Scheme. We must establish measures that remedy the outflow of funds. If we add 0.6 percent to the contribution rate, it will immediately deduct P141 billion from the unfunded liability," Aquino said. PNoy said the need to reform pension scheme is necessary to avoid depletion of SSS funds in the next 28 years. He also explains that fare hikes in MRT and LRT will be implemented. The government subsidizes each passenger's fare by as much as P45 and said to be unfair to residents from Visayas and Mindanao who never set foot on the trains but fund the train operations. But according to critics or analysts, President Aquino did not mention solid agenda on how he will lead us to his 'daang matuwid' campaign until 2016. Nancy Binay highlights that Pnoy didn't include on his speech ways to improve employment rate in the country. Despite the gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2012 and various economic reform programs of Aquino government for his three years in the Palace, Philippines is still has the worst unemployment rate in Asia. More than 11 million Filipinos are jobless according to SWS and IBON Foundation survey results on the first quarter of 2013. More promises to track It is common that every SONA, the President always make promises. Here are the some of the action items of the Aquino government for the next months or year: Classroom shortage will be addressed by the Department of Education within the year Improve rice self-sufficiency and coconut intercropping to boost agricultural growth Complete geo-hazard mapping of Metro Manila by next year
  • 2. Dennis Lemuel Barriatos July 29, 2014 English 202 Pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law in 2014 which will pave way for a Bangsamoro Government by 2016 Repairs and completion at NAIA Terminal 3 For me his SONA is clear. I would give him a 95% mark. The people needs to be reminded about his achievements because, too often, Filipinos have selective memory or amnesia altogether. It was delivered with passion as it's coming from his heart. It would be difficult to fake an emotion. He was calm and composed, not confrontational, but also had that conviction to continue his fight for good governance until the end. I felt he was sincere, honest, and hurt also. Who wouldn't be hurt when despite all his efforts there are still those who continue to criticize (for the sake of criticizing) that he has not done anything. Only God can solve the gargantuan problems of the Philippines in a flash, and the President is only human. Some members of the media continues to condition the mind of the public by emphasizing the negative and NEVER the positive. Even if this is only a minority; however, the actions of these critics are truly hurtful. We should have listened, not just with our ears but, with our hearts as well. We should have given him credits for what he has done in the short 4 years, and give him the benefit of the doubt that he would continue to do more in the remaining months of his administration. Let's pray for our President and our country as well.