To
the Congress of the Philippines
[This is an English translation of
the SONA delivered at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives,
Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, on July 22, 2013]
Vice
President Jejomar Binay; Senate President Franklin M. Drilon; Speaker Feliciano
Belmonte Jr.; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and the eminent Justices of
the Supreme Court; former Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito
Estrada; distinguished members of the diplomatic corps; honorable members of
the House of Representatives and of the Senate; our leaders in local
government; members of the Cabinet; members of the military and police in
uniform; my fellow public servants; and, of course, to my Bosses, the Filipino
people, a pleasant afternoon to all.
This
is my fourth SONA; only two remain. Almost four years have passed since I was
approached by various camps to urge me to run for the presidency. They said:
“We know that our country’s problems cannot be solved in the blink of an eye,
in one year, or even within the six-year term of a President. But just begin,
and we will be one with you in nurturing change.”
Even
then, I was aware of the significant problems that I would have to face. From
being a candidate, to being President, or even after I step down from office,
the difficulties I will have to face are no joke. Widespread transformation of
society is my objective, and I am aware that there are many things and many
people I would have to confront in order to achieve this. But I was not raised
by my parents to back down in the face of challenges. I would not be able to
live with myself if I had refused the chance to alleviate the suffering the
Filipino should not have to endure.
We
have answered the call, and those who have been with us from the start have
only grown in number. I believe that if what I have been doing is right, then
our allies will only grow. Just this May, I asked you, Boss, are we going in
the right direction? Your reply: “Yes, and let us accelerate the transformation
of society.” I asked for allies that would help steer the country in one
direction, and you delivered. The truth is, not only the majority, not even
nine of twelve, but nine of the top ten senators are individuals that I
recommended to you. The message of the past election is clear: Yes, let us keep
going, let us add to the 8,581 sitios that we have electrified; let us add to
the 28,398 families who were once informal settlers but who finally have, or
will soon have, decent homes; let us increase the not less than 40 billion
pesos in additional funds that go to education, health, social services, and
many others because of the right and more efficient collection of taxes; we
feel all the other tangible signs that society is truly changing. I have become
even more optimistic because of your message; it is clear that I am not alone
in carrying these responsibilities. How can I not be encouraged, when even the
likes of Mr. Niño Aguirre are helping shape our future? Just think: Though
unable to walk, he climbed all the way to his fourth-floor precinct, just so
that he could vote and contribute to true social transformation. Thank you, Mr.
Aguirre.
There
is no shortage of Filipinos who are ready to pitch in, and this is the source
of the change we now experience. The strategy—maximize opportunities for all,
especially for those most in need. We are not content to wait for the
trickle-down effect; we cannot leave their fate—their receiving the benefits of
progress—to chance. What we call inclusive growth—this all-encompassing
progress—is the principle that drives every initiative, every action, and every
decision of your government. The only ones who will be left behind are those
who chose not to venture onwards with us, simply because they did not seize the
opportunity.
The
basis for this principle: Widespread opportunity is the key to comprehensive
and sustained progress. Let us not forget that these opportunities are but
seeds. We must water them with diligence, nourish them with determination, and
cultivate them with dedication. Let us take a look at our TESDA-DOLE scholars.
Of the 503,521 people who have graduated from their programs, an estimated six
out of ten have found jobs. Before this, according to studies conducted by the
DBM from 2006 to 2008, only 28.5 percent of TESDA graduates found jobs. Last
year, under TESDA’s IT-BPO program, 70.9 percent of the graduates found
employment. Under the electronics and semiconductor program, the percentage of
employed graduates reached 85 percent. It is clear: You are the ones who will
shape this growth, you are the ones who will determine whether the fruits of
our labors become sweet and ripe for the picking, or if you will let them rot
away and waste the chances that this new chapter in our history has given us.
Let
us go through everything one by one. Our objective to expand the reach of the
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program: achieved. The over 700,000 household
beneficiaries we found upon coming into office in 2010 have now grown to almost
4 million households in the three years of our administration.
There
is more: According to research conducted by the Philippine Institute for
Development Studies, compared with those who only finished the elementary
level, the income of high school graduates is 40 percent higher. Is it not
right that we maximize the help we give these families, so that our young
beneficiaries can finish high school, thereby helping them make the most out of
the benefits of this program? That is why next year, families with children up
to 18 years old will be included in this program so that their children will be
able to finish high school.
Let
us move on to education. Our goal is to raise the quality of learning that our
children undertake, so that once they finish their schooling, they can seize
the opportunities now opening up in society: accomplished. We have finally
erased the backlog we inherited in books and chairs, and if Secretary Armin
Luistro continues to demonstrate true grit, even the backlog we inherited in
classrooms will also be erased this year. And there is even more good news:
Now, we also have the ability to prepare for the additional needs that the
implementation of the K to 12 program will require.
The
problems that plagued Brother Armin in the DepEd are no laughing matter. Just
think: One textbook used to be priced at 58 pesos; since he assumed office, the
price of the exact same textbook has gone down to 30 pesos. What would have
happened if we had been paying the proper price from the beginning? If we had
saved the difference of 28 pesos for all the books bought, at five textbooks
for each of the estimated 20.7 million students in our public school system, the
equivalent would amount to almost 2.9 billion pesos. These savings alone could
have funded our plans to repair and rehabilitate around 9,502 classrooms.
If
Brother Armin didn’t have strength of will, he could have just left this
culture of negligence in his agency for his successor to deal with. He could
have also left the backlog, as well as the growing gap of needs because of the
rising number of enrollees each year. But instead of being content, instead of
saying, “This will do. My job is done,” Brother Armin will build even more
chairs and classrooms, and will buy even more books, to ensure that even the
needs in future years will also be met.
Regarding
the strengthening of our agricultural sector, this has also been achieved. Just
think: According to the NFA, in 2010, the country imported more than 2 million
metric tons of rice. In 2011, this fell to 855,000 metric tons. In 2012:
500,000 metric tons. And now in 2013, the maximum we, including the private
sector, will import will be the minimum access volume of 350,000 metric
tons. This includes the 187,000 metric tons of reserve buffer stock in case
typhoons arrive one after the other; in all likelihood, even the private sector
will no longer have to import rice because we are still on track to becoming
self-sufficient in rice. In addition to that, we have begun exporting
premium-quality rice. We have truly come so far from those days when it was
said that we could not even feed ourselves.
The
proof is in the data: This sector grew 3.3 percent in the first three months of
2013. This is triple the 1.1 percent growth it recorded in the same time period
in 2012. That is why we continue to sow initiatives that will certainly bear
the fruits of even greater progress for our farmers.
For
example, the coconut sector. According to research conducted in 2009, coconut
farmers make up one of the poorest sectors in the country. Let us look at the
process of growing coconuts: Once planted, farmers wait seven years for the
coconut tree to bear fruit; but after this, two generations will be able to
benefit without doing anything else apart from harvesting the fruit. We have
the potential to vastly increase the income of this sector if we can foster a
culture that truly encourages hard work and productivity. The solution: intercropping.
The
government will help you to strengthen your coconut farms; but in exchange, you
will be required to sow different kinds of seeds in between the rows of coconut
trees. Doing so will raise the frequency of crop harvests, and depending
on what they plant, their income will also increase. If they grow only
coconuts, the farmers would earn about 20,000 pesos a year per hectare. But if
they add coffee, they could reach about 172,400 pesos a year; if they add
bananas, they could earn 102,325 pesos, while adding cacao would give them
89,000 pesos. Isn’t that such a huge difference?
We
have already begun laying down initiatives for this: In 2012, we were able to
use 5,500 hectares of land for intercropping in 90 different locations
throughout the country. This program covered 10,000 farmers. Our target for
2013: an additional 434 sites for coconut intercropping.
We
are also now steering our fishermen towards more productive waters. Think about
it: our fishing industry contributed 193.65 billion pesos to our economy in
2012. In spite of this, based on a study last conducted in 2009, 41 percent of
our fisherfolk still live below the poverty line. They are the ones who catch
the fish, but all they have on their dinner tables are fish bones.
That
is why various government initiatives are in place to help free our fisherfolk
from the broad net cast by poverty. An example would be our initiative for
Bataraza in Palawan. The waters here brim with fish. But because the fish
cannot be brought to the merchants on time, still fresh, the fishermen end up
having to dry the fish and sell tuyo instead. It is such a waste, because every
three kilos of lapu-lapu is only equivalent to one kilo of tuyo. What if the
freshness of the fish could be preserved in a cold storage facility? You could
go to the merchant and still sell your catch at full price. You would exert the
same amount of effort, but you would receive the right compensation for it.
That is why the cold storage facility in Bataraza is already in the works. In
addition, we are also constructing new piers in strategic areas to raise
productivity and income. We are constructing and adding new roads, bridges, and
other kinds of infrastructure, including various services, for our fisherfolk.
The
DILG, BFAR, and Coast Guard are also tightly monitoring irresponsible and
unrestrained forms of fishing; this I ask of our fishermen: allow our fish to
repopulate. I ask for your solidarity in caring for your own livelihood. As you
no doubt see, the state has already opened up opportunities for you, but the
result is in your hands.
If
there is one topic my name is often associated with, that would have to be
Hacienda Luisita. I would like to inform you that back in February, in
compliance with the decision of the Supreme Court, the Department of Agrarian
Reform has completed the list of qualified beneficiaries for the land in
Luisita. According to Secretary Gil de los Reyes, the process to determine the
beneficiaries’ lots began last week, and the turnover of these lots will begin
in September of this year.
As
for other large tracts of land: We have long tasked the DAR, DENR, LRA, and
Land Bank to develop a framework for speeding up the parceling out of land. I
would like to remind everyone: Correct data is the first step to the orderly
implementation of CARPER. But we inherited a land records system that is
problematic and defective. This is why, from the start, the DOJ, LRA, DENR, and
DAR have worked to fix this system, and now we are at a point where we can guarantee
that in the next year, all notices of coverage will have been served for lands
covered by comprehensive agrarian reform.
It
is clear: The state was established to serve you. If you have health problems,
the government must care for you; in times of illness, it should be there to
give aid and support. What has our government done in this regard?
Our
goal to extend PhilHealth coverage to more of our countrymen has been achieved.
When we began, 62 percent of Filipinos were enrolled; now, that number stands
at 81 percent. The remaining number still not on our lists are those we are
seeking to identify, including those in the informal settlers’ and indigenous
people’s sectors. We are counting on the cooperation of our local governments
to ensure that all of our countrymen are enrolled in the system.
It
is not just PhilHealth’s roster of enrollees that is growing: so is its scope
of services. The past year saw the launch of the Z Benefit Package. This past
February, this was upgraded with the Expanded Z Benefit Package. The poorest of
the poor can now avail of free medical care at public hospitals for more
medical conditions than ever before. Last year, breast cancer, prostate cancer,
and acute leukemia were included on the list of covered conditions; today, coronary
bypass, and corrective surgery for holes and defective blood vessels in the
heart, are also included in the package.
All
these health benefits would go to waste if our health care facilities are
substandard, or inaccessible to our countrymen in the provinces. This is why we
have gone all-out in funding health care infrastructure projects: These past
three years, we have budgeted a total of 33 billion pesos for the improvement
and modernization of 4,518 hospitals, rural health units, and barangay health
stations nationwide. Among these are Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City,
which has successfully completed five kidney transplants in the last year; the
Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi; the Vicente Sotto
Medical Center in Cebu; and the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de
Oro, which, according to Secretary Ike Ona of the DOH, now have the capacity to
perform open heart surgery due to upgraded facilities and equipment. There is
also the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City, the first cancer center outside
Metro Manila.
Regarding
disaster preparedness: Our goal to develop mechanisms to protect the Filipino
people from natural calamities, we have also achieved. Among these are the
effective services brought about by the joint forces of the Geohazard Mapping
and Assessment Program and of Project NOAH of the DOST. This past year, we
completed a multihazard mapping of the 28 most vulnerable locations in the
country. A similar endeavor for the Greater Metro Manila Area will be completed
by 2014. Geohazard maps for 496 cities and municipalities have also been
completed. The remaining 1,138 covering every last corner of the country will
be finished before the end of 2015. Not only have these maps increased in
number, they are also more detailed and refined, which is why we will be able
to more accurately identify high-risk areas.
From
the time Project NOAH was launched, a total of 525 automated water level
monitoring stations and automated rain gauges have been installed in 18 major
river basins throughout the country. We also continue to modernize our weather
detection technology, with Doppler radars, tsunami detectors, and alerting
sirens.
But
simply distributing high-tech equipment and new technology is not enough. We
also need to train the end-users of this equipment in understanding, using, and
disseminating the information gained. When the weather is bad, they no longer
rely solely on wind speed for their forecasts; they can also predict the volume
of rainfall, and they can provide correct and timely warnings so our
communities can prepare accordingly.
We
are also remedying the problem of flooding in Metro Manila. Imagine: When
Ondoy hit, an estimated 3,600 cubic meters per second of rainfall flowed down
from the Sierra Madre. But the capacity of the channels through which these
flowed can only support 1,000 cubic meters per second. Where would the
difference of 2,600 cubic meters per second go? These are the sudden torrents
of water that overflow into low-lying areas and become flash floods.
Haven’t
we all heard before that “waterways are inalienable?” What this means is that
the channels through which water passes should be for that purpose alone. The
problem is, in addition to the lack of adequate drainage, certain structures
are built, obstructing these drainage systems, a situation compounded by the
trash of those living around it. To solve this problem, we are coordinating
with our LGUs to safely and successfully relocate our informal settlers. In
addition, a legal team led by Secretary Leila de Lima is preparing to file
cases against those who have closed or obstructed our waterways.
We
are not content with simply passing the blame and pointing fingers. Our action:
an allocation of 6.2 billion pesos to prevent flooding throughout Metro Manila.
This includes the construction of the Blumentritt Interceptor Catchment area.
The entire project is 3.3 kilometers in length; and once it is completed, it
will be able to catch the equivalent of 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water.
When the rains hit, the rainwater now has somewhere to go, and will no longer
accumulate on our streets. This project was started in March, and we aim to
complete it by next year.
Government
has been fulfilling its obligation to the people, but let us ask ourselves: How
have I contributed to the solution? If someone dumps trash into a river,
confront them; if you see a building being built obstructing an estuary, report
it to the correct authorities. We will only drown in our problems if we do
nothing.
Even
after the storms have passed, our work to restore normalcy to the lives of
calamity-struck families does not end. Through the cooperation of the
government, and the private sector, 9,377 houses have been erected for the
victims of typhoon Sendong. An additional 4,374 homes will be built before the
end of the following year. We ask for patience and understanding, the process
has been delayed because of the complex process of land acquisition; in truth,
if discussions on other tracts of land go well, we will be able to construct an
additional 2,719 houses.
We
also aim to turn over a total of 53,106 homes to our countrymen who were left
homeless by the onslaught of typhoon Pablo. We began to hand over houses in
May; and we will complete another 17,609 homes by the end of the year. And by
the time we finish the 35,447 homes still to be completed by 2014, all the
families who felt nature’s wrath will once again find shelter under their own
roofs.
Still
on the subject of housing, this time for our men and women in uniform: More
than a year ago, we had already built 21,800 housing units for our police force
and soldiers. For Phase II of this project, we have already built an additional
26,050 homes out of our target of 31,200, and the rest will be completed by next
month.
Apart
from housing, livelihood projects are being implemented for the benefit of our
troops. Several thousand hectares of land in three of our military
camps—namely, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Camp Kibaritan in Bukidnon, and
Camp Peralta in Capiz—will be the venues for these livelihood projects, which
will give our soldiers additional income through plantations of bamboo, coffee,
cacao, and palm oil. If before, soldiers were concerned solely with defending
us, now, even military retirees can participate in improving our economy.
But
our quest to find solutions to all the other problems we inherited regarding
national defense does not stop here. Consider this: In 1986, there were an
estimated 250,000 policemen and soldiers protecting a total of 55 million
Filipinos. Today, we still have an estimated 250,000 policemen and soldiers,
who protect 95 million Filipinos. Our population has almost doubled, while the
number of our protectors has not changed.
We
are sure to have critics who will say “Is this really a problem? Just add more
policemen and soldiers. You can even reduce unemployment that way.” If only it
were that simple. Let us look at the situation. The common pension scheme works
like this: both members and employers contribute to the pension. Their
contributions serve as capital for reinvestment, and the gains of these
investments will in turn fund the retiring members’ pensions. But what is the
true situation of the AFP and PNP pensions? No contributions have been made,
but there are payments to make. Apart from this, the pensions of retirees have
been indexed to the salaries of active personnel. This means that if the
salaries of those in the service increase, so too will the pensions received by
retirees or qualified families. Yearly, there are more and more men and women
retiring, so, naturally, the obligations that must be paid out also increase.
What is worse is that funds from the national budget are being used for these
growing obligations: In 2012, 54.48 billion pesos were spent on soldiers’ and
policemen’s pensions. This year, that figure will rise to 61.29 billion. By
2016, it will be at 80.64 billion. Our pension deficit will keep growing and
growing and growing, eating into the budget allocation for other social
services. How then do we add more servicemen, given such a context?
We
need a system that fulfills our civic obligations to our policemen and armed
forces; and it is likely that we will request the assistance of the GSIS in
this regard. We are currently studying the feasibility of using reclaimed land
to generate funds that will form part of the solution. After all, we cannot
surprise the GSIS and ask them to account for the entirety of our needs, which
is why an even more thorough study will be conducted to create a fair, sustainable,
and clear mechanism for the pensions of PNP and AFP personnel. I call on
Congress today: Let us review PD 1638 and RA 8551 to ensure that these pensions
are timely, and balanced against national needs.
We
see an equivalent solution for the problems that the SSS pensions will soon
face. Consider that, since 1980, across-the-board pension increases occurred 21
times, but actual pension contribution increases only occurred twice. As a
result, the SSS has accumulated an estimated 1.1 trillion pesos in unfunded
liability. According to a study done in 2011, this shortfall will increase by 8
percent per annum, eventually resulting in the complete consumption of the fund
28 years from now. If this happens, the next generation is certain to suffer.
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 141 billion pesos from the
unfunded liability of the SSS. If we begin to invest in our future today, no
further problems will be handed down to the next generation of Filipinos.
When
it comes to our national police, our goal to strengthen their capabilities so
that they may better fulfill their mandate: accomplished. Beginning this 2013,
30,000 policemen will finally be able go back to doing police work because we
will be hiring civilian personnel who will focus on administrative work. After
all, the skills and abilities of our police would be put to waste if we keep them
imprisoned in the four corners of an office.
At
the start of July 2013, we began distributing new 9mm Glock 17 pistols to our
police. This is just the beginning: We are slated to distribute a total of
74,879 firearms among our police force, in keeping with our goal of a
one-is-to-one police-to-pistol ratio.
These
investments in our national police will yield abundant benefits, especially
since this redounds to more efficient and reliable public service. Is it not
true that we have gotten used to news of violence during elections? Oplan Katok
directly addresses this. The goal of the program: track down loose firearms,
which ensures that the guns we have licensed are in the possession of those
authorized to do so. The police have knocked on a total of 491,929 front doors
for the renewal of licenses. This contributed greatly to our campaign for
Secure and Fair Elections, which yielded a 63 percent reduction among private
armed groups—from the 112 during the 2010 elections, to just 41 this 2013. And
from the 189 incidents of violence recorded in 2010, we have recorded only 77
confirmed incidents for the recently concluded election.
Let
us use ARMM as an example. Governor Mujiv Hataman has said that he could not
remember a time in his life when Lanao del Sur did not suffer a failure of
elections. We should note that this was the first time that the ARMM elections
were synchronized with the national elections. This means that, in the past,
the full force of the State was focused on just one region, and yet it still
had to call for a failure of elections. This 2013, because our uniformed forces
had to safeguard elections across the entire country, there were those who
thought the situation in ARMM would only get worse. But we have seen how vastly
it has improved: ARMM successfully held a clean, safe, and fair election; votes
were counted, and those whom the people charged with new mandates were
proclaimed. Because of the diligence of our police force and of our soldiers,
and the coming together of the nation, the 2013 elections were more peaceful.
But
there are still incidents that sully our police force’s honor. We know of what
happened to the members of the Ozamiz Gang—Ricky Cadavero and Wilfredo
Panogalinga—who were caught, only to be killed. As with our investigation of
the Atimonan incident, we will ensure that those at fault will be held
accountable—regardless of their rank. Whoever masterminded all of this: prepare
yourselves. I am close to learning who you are.
Despite
these incidents, my confidence in and hope for our police remain high. They
have never wanted for exemplars like PO3 Edlyn Arbo, who, despite being
off-duty and unarmed, bravely confronted a mugger who embarked on the jeep she
was on, and pursued him. There are also those like PO3 Felipe Moncatar, who has
received countless commendations because of the growing list of criminals he
has put in jail. I heard you’ve just apprehended another member of a
syndicate—including members of carjacking syndicates and some of the most
wanted in Bacolod. You may have also heard about PO2 Dondon Sultan. A car broke
down along Quezon Boulevard, and PO2 Sultan stopped and offered his assistance.
He did not just change a tire; he also helped bring the car to a mechanic. As
thanks for his service, PO2 Sultan was offered 1,000 pesos—an offer he
declined. He said, and I quote, “Our job is to help our countrymen.” We salute
those of you who truly serve the public. You are proof that honest and capable
policemen are not an endangered species. I have already instructed Secretary
Mar Roxas of the DILG and Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the DND to ensure that
those like you in our uniformed services reap the appropriate rewards.
Add
to these our disaster relief workers from many branches of government, as well
as volunteers from the private sector. I know that it is not easy to battle
floods, dig through mud, and confront calamities. I will not tire of
recognizing your contributions to our society; I salute the way you have
offered yourselves to help in lessening the suffering of our countrymen.
Peace
is also within reach in a region that has long been torn apart by conflict. In
October of the previous year, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was
signed. In truth, just nine days have passed since the signing of the second
annex of the agreement. We are confident that we will not have to wait long
before hearing more good news on the development of the peace process.
I
am sure everyone is aware that the building of consensus is not an easy task;
fortunately, both sides are ready to listen, willing to compromise, and willing
to reach a meeting of the minds. We know, too, the consequences of impatience
and haste. What is clear to me: Every word we utter must result in an action
that would benefit all. Every line that we craft in the agreement we are
forging must be set in stone and not merely written on water, only to be
forgotten by history. My father raised me to be true to my word, and I can tell
our brothers and sisters of the Bangsamoro: Whatever agreements we come to will
be fulfilled by the national government.
Trust
is vital to the peace process. It does not come automatically, perhaps because
of the long history of conflict. Now, the desire of both sides to reach an
agreement is palpable, and we are truly proving ourselves trustworthy. To those
seeking to sow discord and doubt: Can you really say that you are a Filipino
that has compassion for his fellow Filipinos?
I
am hopeful that every Filipino will contribute towards our goals for the
Bangsamoro. We will prove that they did not make a mistake in choosing the path
of peace; we are ready to lend the strength of the entire nation to lift up the
provinces of Muslim Mindanao, who are among our poorest. What we aim for is the
triumph of all; we will not allow any of our countrymen to be left behind,
while others surpass them. Once again, I call on Congress: The Transition
Commission that will craft the Bangsamoro Basic Law has already been created.
Once their task is completed in keeping with the principles of the peace
process, I ask you to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law before the end of 2014.
This way, we will have ample time to prepare for the election of a new
Bangsamoro government come 2016.
We
have accomplished whatever change we are experiencing today because we refused
to be satisfied with the status quo in the government we inherited. Let me ask:
How many of you have used what they call the Telepono sa Barangay? I wouldn’t
be surprised if no one has. According to the DOTC, more than 5 billion pesos
would have been earmarked for a program that would distribute landline phones
to far-flung areas. Would this not have been a grave waste of funds, because in
such a short time after its implementation, the number of Filipinos with
cellphones just grew and grew? Who would take notice of the 6,000 landlines
they would have installed, when we have 100 million cellphones in the
Philippines?
Here
is another example of the kind of thinking we’ve had to eradicate from
government. Eight combat utility helicopters were bought for what they claimed
to be “the more efficient deployment of our soldiers.” The problem: The guns
the helicopters were equipped with were mounted at the door; requiring their
removal in order to enable people to pass. If you are a soldier entering the
fray at the height of battle, what use is a machine gun that is set aside and
unable to fire? Did no one think about this before the contracts were signed?
Why was this even approved in the first place?
We
have to be more discriminating buyers. We cannot rely on the sales talk of
suppliers alone. We have tasked the DOST to assemble a body of experts who can
critically assess suppliers’ pitches, especially on big-ticket items. Our
operating principles: the right identification of the root of the problem; the
careful study and deliberation, grounded on correct methodology, to arrive at
the best solution.
This
was also the rationale and the driving force behind our response to the issue
of informal settlers in Metro Manila. This is why we are already fulfilling our
goal to remove from harm’s way those who crammed themselves into high-risk
areas of the city. After all, I do not think anyone will disagree with us when
we say the current situation cannot be allowed to persist. In the general
welfare clause of our Constitution—Article 2, Section 5—it says, “The
maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property,
and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the
people of the blessings of democracy.”
Here
we have proven that the Filipino listens to reason. If it is clear that
compassion is your bedrock principle, then we will be more eager to work with
you. Before roofs were dismantled, before walls were demolished, we explained
how we came to our decision: better housing, access to public transport, and,
for the diligent, no shortage of opportunities to earn. We made it clear that
we wanted to provide a refuge to those who were high-risk and most in need—and
not to syndicates. We are aware that whenever the aid given by the state is
abused, the lives of other Filipinos are also put in jeopardy.
After
a batch of informal settlers was moved to the relocation site, they urged their
former neighbors: Join us. It is safer here. This year, our priority is to
relocate more than 19,400 families living along Metro Manila’s major waterways.
The convergence of DILG, NHA, DSWD, MMDA, and DPWH has resulted in a much
clearer solution to one of our most long-standing problems.
Another
example of transformation in government: haven’t vital bills languished in
Congress? In the previous year, the Sin Tax Reform Law and the Responsible
Parenthood Law were finally signed into laws. We thank our partners in Congress
and in the Senate who helped us push for the passage of these laws. We
persevered through the long process of debate and consultation; we were not
cowed by those who tried to sow doubt in the attempt to obstruct our meaningful
agenda. We have fought for what benefits the people, and we are advancing true
public service for the Filipino.
I
would also like to propose to Congress several laws that will help us sustain
and improve on the reforms we have established. Let us amend the Cabotage Law
in order to foster greater competition and to lower the cost of transportation
for our agricultural sector and other industries. Let us likewise enact the
Fiscal Incentives Rationalization Bill, so that the incentives we provide to
businesses become even clearer and more accountable. We also have to focus on
the Land Administration Reform Bill, given the need for convergence among
agencies tasked to oversee our land holdings, and thus ensuring that they can
fulfill their collective mandate with increased efficiency.
Tomorrow,
we are submitting to Congress our proposed 2.268 trillion-peso National Budget
for 2014. I am confident of your support and advocacy for the allocation of
funds which was arrived at after careful consideration. This budget is not only
a continuation of our reforms, but it will also accelerate our momentum towards
long-lasting inclusive progress.
There
are those who insist on upgrading our Armed Forces. I agree with this, but some
of them act as if they want us to invest every centavo of our country into
fighter jets, tanks, and other equipment for warfare. They may not know that
one fighter jet costs 1.58 billion pesos—equivalent to 6,580 houses for our
soldiers and our police force, or nearly 2,000 classrooms for our children. And
what can one jet do? To be truly effective, we would need a squadron—and one
squadron is composed of twenty-four fighter jets. At 1.58 billion pesos per
jet, we would have to devote 37.92 billion pesos of the nation’s coffers just to
assemble one squadron. And what about practice missiles? And it is not as if
jet fuel, a radar system, ground bases, and ground intercept controls are free.
Building a minimum credible defense posture is not something we can take
lightly. Do we follow others who prioritize the possession of a nuclear option
at the expense of everything else? I do not think anyone would agree. We will
balance our needs. We are committed to meeting the needs of our society, while
remaining a good and upstanding member of the community of nations.
We
are well aware that, in the past, decisions were made based on politics.
Leaders did everything they could just to keep a firm hold on their power—at
the expense of the suffering of present and future generations of Filipinos. Let
us look, for example, at the consequences of refusing to raise passenger fares
for the LRT and MRT.
Each
trip that one passenger makes on the LRT is estimated to cost 40 pesos. What
does each passenger pay? 15 pesos. This means that the government subsidizes
the remaining 25 pesos. As for the MRT, the true cost of one trip is 60 pesos:
15 pesos paid by passengers, 45 pesos by the government—in the end, each and
every Filipino pays a share of the subsidy. Whether you live in Mindanao or
Visayas, and not once have you ever stepped onto the LRT or MRT, you help to
fund this.
What’s
worse: because past leaders gave away our commercial development rights, each
peso that we can earn from the posters and billboards in the stations goes to
private companies, instead of going to the government. What we could have used
to subsidize the cost of maintenance and operations was given away.
Perhaps
it is only reasonable for us to move the fares of the MRT and LRT closer to the
fares of air-conditioned buses, so that the government subsidy for the MRT and
LRT can be used for other social services.
You
are my witnesses: We have no plans to hand down problems to our successors. In
truth, projects that were left to decay in the past are now truly benefiting
the people. Let us look at the Ternate-Nasugbu Road. This road, connecting
Cavite, Batangas, and Metro Manila, is only six kilometers long, but it still
took almost 20 years to finish. We already opened one part of this road, and
when the sections requiring slope protection are completed, the benefit this
road will bring to motorists will be complete.
We
also have the Aluling Bridge in Ilocos Sur. The plans for its construction were
first laid down on paper in 1978. And we made certain that our successors would
not merely inherit sheets of paper. The bridge was finally completed in March.
Last month, we also began the operation of the Laguindingan Airport—a project
that took one generation to make the leap from idea to implementation.
There
is also the semiconductor industry, which waited decades for a laboratory that
could compete with facilities of other countries. We did not allow them to wait
much longer. In May of this year, under the leadership of DOST, we inaugurated
the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL). Before,
products manufactured here had to be sent to other countries to undergo
testing. We were unable to maximize profits in this industry; we were unable to
maximize the potential of our semiconductor industry to attract even more
investments.
Because
of ADMATEL, products will now be manufactured and tested here, and we will be
able to take even greater advantage of the skills of Filipino workers in the
electronics sector. And we have every expectation that this industry—one that
contributed almost 44 percent to our exports in 2012—will grow even stronger.
With
the help of our Big Man in the Senate, Senator Franklin Drilon, the more than
fifty-year wait of Ilonggos has come to an end; the implementation of the
Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II in Iloilo has started. How will this help
us?
First,
an estimated 24,000 farmers across Iloilo will benefit from year-round
irrigation. As a result, the harvests of rice farmers may double. Let me make
it clear: The 31,840 hectares of land that will be irrigated will yield an
additional 146,013 metric tons of rice. This amount is equal to almost 80
percent of the buffer stock of rice that we will import for 2013.
This
does not include the other benefits that this project will bring. For instance,
preventing widespread flooding in Iloilo, and adding 6.6 megawatts in
hydropower to the energy requirements of the province. This project will also
contribute to the supply of water for some parts of the province, and to the
development of its ecotourism industry. Apart from all these, the Jalaur River
Project will create around 17,000 jobs; and once it becomes fully operational,
an estimated 32,000 Filipinos will be given decent livelihoods. This project
was first conceived in 1960—the same year I was born.
We
are aware that many of our countrymen are excited to see the fruits of our
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. We likewise know that there are
those who have grown impatient waiting for them.
Let
us put things into context. Back in 2010, when our administration came into
office, we were left with only 6.5 percent of the programmable budget for the
year, or just around 100 billion pesos; 93.5 percent of the budget had already
been allotted by my predecessor. This is precisely why we approached the
private sector. We told them: “We do not have the funds, let us partner with
one another to build the necessary infrastructure.”
Apart
from this, we faced other difficulties when PPP began. The studies on which the
projects were based were outdated; and the bureaucracy lacked the sufficient
knowledge to implement them. Not to mention the public, who seemed to have lost
confidence in the contracts the government undertook.
Nevertheless,
whatever the situation may be, our principle is that anything worth doing is
worth doing right. We have no plans of entering into questionable contracts
today just to bequeath problems to the next administration. Each project has to
go through the correct process to ensure that our taxpayers’ hard-earned money
will be spent the right way.
As
early as now, we are seeing the effects of the honest, transparent, and clear
way we have been going about our PPP projects. Previously, even just the
construction of a single airport already made headlines. Let us compare this to
what we are seeing today: Apart from the Laguindingan Airport, which is already
being utilized, we are upgrading and modernizing the Tacloban Airport, the
Bicol International Airport, the New Bohol Airport, the Mactan Airport, and the
Puerto Princesa Airport all at the same time. The Daang Hari-NLEX link road is
the fastest PPP project that has been awarded in any administration, with no
shortcuts in the processes. All these, and all the other infrastructure
projects that are being and will be constructed, will give rise to a society
teeming with opportunity.
The
problems that we have inherited—and are currently solving—make up a long list;
for example, the recurring, rotating blackouts in Mindanao. From the very
beginning, we have been working on a solution for this—but we are also aware
that a problem that has been ignored for an entire decade cannot be solved
overnight. Right now, we continue to take steps to address the shortages as
well as provide for immediate needs. We have helped electric cooperatives bring
in generator sets that will reduce brownouts; and this will continue until the
plants that will supply the region with more electricity are completed.
But
the critics will never fully disappear. Some are complaining that the price of
electricity will increase with the usage of diesel-fueled generator sets. Hydropower
is abundant now because of the rainy season, so we hear objections to the
generator sets. But come summer, many will once again complain about eight-hour
brownouts.
We
also want more power plants built in other parts of the Philippines. As our
economy grows, so will our consumption of electricity, which means we must
likewise increase supply. Do we really want to wait until our plants are at
full capacity before more plants are built? Power plants do not sprout like
mushrooms—a power plant takes two to three years to construct.
If
anyone has a good suggestion, we are ready to listen. But I also hope that the
kibitzers put the situation in the proper context. The plant in Redondo,
Zambales, is a good example. A TRO was issued against the plant because of the
argument that renewable energy is better. Did they happen to mention that
renewable energy is also more expensive—from the cost of building the plants to
the eventual price of energy? Did they mention that it cannot provide the
baseload—the capacity required to make sure brownouts do not occur? If you put
up a wind-powered plant, what do you do when there is no wind? If you put up a
solar plant, what do you when the sky is cloudy? Let me be clear: I believe in
renewable energy and we support its use, but there should also be baseload
plants that can ensure a steady supply of electricity for our homes and
industries. I wonder if those who are critical of the plants we want put up
will be as noisy when they are busy fanning themselves during brownouts. All I
am really saying is this: Let us help each other find a solution.
Since
we are being frank with each other, let us talk about the renovation of NAIA 3.
This is a complex issue, which has already undergone two arbitrations. We would
have won both of them, but one of the decisions was reversed due to a
technicality. This is why we are now preparing for our case to be heard once
more. And there are added complications because of the issue of warranties for
the completion of NAIA 3—it is not acceptable for us to find defects after
renovations, and then have to spend even more money to fix them. This is why
when we were told that the original contractor was willing to give a proper
warranty, we agreed to the deal. But we want to be certain; we want to fully
and correctly go through the process. So I must ask for your understanding on
this issue.
Today,
it is clear: A single goal is behind each square meter of cement we pour in
building the foundations of a more progressive country; gain for all—and not
politics. Whereas before, roads were constructed based on whims, and bridges
were built where the Mayor enjoyed the friendship of Madam, now, we follow a
nationwide plan. No favorites, no transactionalism, no patronage; each peso is
spent to accelerate our goal of broad-based growth.
What
we can expect in the years to come: airports and ports to facilitate commerce
and tourism; roads to ensure that we all reap the maximum benefit from these
big-ticket projects; power plants that will generate enough energy and fuel the
development of industry. This is the framework from which other initiatives
will branch out, creating even greater opportunities for Juan and Juana dela
Cruz—from the farmer who will have access to adequate irrigation and who will
be able to sell his harvest more quickly, to the construction workers erecting
new buildings; from the continued development of call centers across the
country, to the rise of even more businessmen ready to invest in the
Philippines. We implemented the right projects for the right price; we
completed these projects with the right quality; and we finished, or we will
finish, these projects right on time, because the right people worked on them.
Let
us talk about traffic: Isn’t it estimated that our economy loses an estimated
2.4 billion pesos every day because of Metro Manila traffic? Among the projects
targeted to decongest Manila is the Integrated Transport System. For the buses
that force themselves onto already-crowded roads, we will construct terminals
in areas with less traffic. Our countrymen can already make use of the terminal
in Parañaque, and the ones in Quezon City and Muntinlupa are already lined up.
Provincial buses will be permitted only up to these terminals, so they do not
add to the congestion.
There
is also the two connector roads that will join the North and South Luzon
Expressways. To tell you the truth, there were already plans to construct what
they called the Metro Manila Highway in the seventies. This would have
connected the two expressways, so that traveling from one point to another need
not consume the hours it takes to pass through the entire length of EDSA. The
problem: Mr. Marcos issued laws that favored one of his cronies. And
unfortunately, we are required to follow them: Whoever constructs infrastructure
in those areas must be in partnership with the corporation of Mr. Marcos’
friend. Even worse: every time they add even just another short section to the
original road, their franchise is extended by thirty years. That is not the end
of it: Once the company profited, the development of infrastructure in the area
was left unfinished. Remember that these roads were supposed to traverse
Pangasinan to Quezon… But when the company operated at a loss, they had the
audacity to pass on to the government a multitude of debts. I ask our Congress
today: Let us take another look at Presidential Decrees 1113 and 1894.
Despite
this, our projects continue. We have an eight-kilometer, four-lane elevated
expressway that will connect C3 road to Caloocan, crossing España, up to PUP in
Sta. Mesa. There is also a more than fourteen-kilometer six-lane elevated
tollway extending from Balintawak to Buendia in Makati. The Common Alignment of
these two roads: a five-and-a-half kilometer, six-lane elevated expressway from
PUP in Sta. Mesa, crossing Osmeña and Quirino Avenue, to Buendia in Makati.
Once this road is opened to the public, what once took two hours from SLEX to
NLEX will now take only fifteen minutes. What once was a three-hour drive from
Clark to Calamba will be reduced by almost half to an hour and forty minutes.
Every day, an estimated 55,000 motorists will benefit from this project.
Motorists will save time and gas, pollution will be decreased, and commerce and
tourism will flourish. Is this not a win-win situation?
In
the space of only three years, we have proven that agencies that were once
cesspools of corruption can be transformed into examples of honest and
efficient service. Some of the simple, but effective, reforms that Secretary
Singson implemented in DPWH: no more letters of intent, which bidders once used
in conspiring with each other to inflate costs and gain more profit; simplified
bidding processes, so even more contractors can compete for projects; and
reasonable costs of doing projects. Government also now pays on time,
attracting even more skilled contractors to do their part in raising the
quality of public infrastructure. This kind of honest leadership has allowed
the DPWH to save 18.4 billion pesos, which has been allotted to other
meaningful projects.
As
an example of the dividends of good governance, let us look at the Tagumbao
Bridge in Gerona, Tarlac. In truth, I was an advocate of its construction back
when I was just a Congressman. Back then, some of my constituents had to circle
around two towns just to cross a river that overflowed during the rainy season.
I even told past administrations: you can have my entire PDAF, just complete
the bridge, in installments if possible. But nothing happened and time passed.
The gap separating the banks of the river—and thus, the length of the bridge
that was required—only widened further.
Right
now, we are constructing the Tagumbao Bridge. Now that we are the ones
implementing it, this is the story: Approved funds for the project stand at
around 334 million pesos; but because of good management and prudent spending,
the cost was lowered to 226 million pesos. In the end, we saved a total of over
108 million pesos without sacrificing the quality of the completed bridge. And
even better: The funds that we saved can be used in the construction of a dike
and river training projects for Phase II.
Let
us move on to tourism. According to the Oriental Morning Post, we are the “Best
Tourism Destination of 2012.” And it seems the Shanghai
Morning Post fell in
love with our country when they named us the “Most Romantic Destination of
2012.” Scuba Diving Magazine says that the Philippines is the “Best Diving
Destination.” And Palawan is the “Best Island” if you ask Travel
+ Leisure Magazine. It seems they just stopped short of calling us
paradise.
Given
such resounding praise, it comes as no surprise that in 2012, we registered 4.3
million tourist arrivals in our country—another new record high. This figure is
a 21.4 percent increase from when we assumed office in 2010, when only an
estimated 3.1 million tourists visited our country. When it comes to our
domestic travelers, our previous target for 2016 was 35.5 million tourists. But
we have surpassed this as early as 2011, with 37.5 million domestic tourists.
With the momentum that we are now experiencing, we have full confidence that we
will achieve our new domestic target of 56.1 million before the end of 2016.
A
stronger tourism sector will generate more job opportunities. The DOT estimates
that tourism created 3.8 million jobs in 2011. The truth is, it is not just our
scenic and most famed destinations that will profit from the arrival of
tourists, but also the nearby towns that can be considered tourism support
communities; the places from which resorts and hotels source the food that they
serve, the souvenirs that they sell, as well as other products and services
that provide a source of income for our provinces.
And
I am certain that you have also heard the good news that has recently landed in
our country. Last March, the International Civil Aviation Organization removed
the significant safety concerns they had previously imposed on the Philippines.
This was a fruit of our reforms in the aviation industry, to ensure that
aviation safety in the Philippines meets international standards. And because
of this, just last July 10, the European Union has once again permitted our
flag carrier to resume direct flights to Europe.
Think
about it: What if our aviation industry had already been improved and
strengthened before? Was it not a waste to miss out on tourists whose lack of
enthusiasm for visiting the country can be attributed to this? Missed jobs,
funds, and opportunities—these are the results of the previous system of
governance.
This
is why, from the very onset, we have fought against corruption in all levels of
government and pushed for the transformation of our institutions. The result:
public service that truly benefits our countrymen.
Let
us just look at the depth of transformation taking place in our GOCCs.
Government-owned corporations whose losses were previously subsidized by the
national government are now turning over dividends. Let us take the Philippine
Reclamation Authority (PRA) as an example. In the thirteen years prior to our
term, from 1996 to 2009, the dividends of the PRA amounted to a sum total of
676.82 million pesos. Along the straight path: in 2012 alone, their dividends—1
billion pesos. Is this not a complete transformation?
The
Local Water Utilities Administration is another good example. In 2011, the said
GOCC recorded a net loss of 950 million pesos. But because of prudent
management, they did more than just balance their books; based on their report,
their gross income amounted to 870 million pesos in 2012. Because of this, they
were able to remit 365 million pesos to government for that same year.
Yet
another example: In my first SONA, we exposed the questionable practices of the
MWSS, whose officials were giving themselves excessive bonuses and allowances,
even as their company failed to address the needs of our citizens. This agency
itself reported: The MWSS registered losses amounting to 34 million pesos in
2010. This was completely unacceptable. That is why in 2011, we signed the GOCC
Governance Act, which serves as the standard for integrity, credibility, and
accountability in the management of our GOCCs. Its results: In 2011, the MWSS
earned 333 million pesos, from the 34-million-peso loss of 2010. In 2012, their
earnings totaled almost 2 billion pesos. Consequently, their dividends have
also increased: from 150 million in 2011, these increased to 345 million pesos
for 2012. It is saddening though, that the depth of the reforms planted by the
MWSS leadership is tarnished by the mudslinging of those who want to cling to
the old system.
In
tandem with the increased confidence in our good governance is the continued
resurgence of our economy. The results: two consecutive ten-place jumps in the
global competitiveness index of the World Economic Forum. For the first time in
history, we attained investment-grade status from two of the three most
respected credit ratings agencies in the world, and it is quite possible that
the third will soon follow suit. We have maintained the stability of our
consumer goods prices, and we continue to reduce the portion of our budget
allotted to paying our debts, while increasing the funds allotted to social
services. In a period of lethargic global economic activity, we registered an
astounding 6.8 percent GDP growth in 2012. We surpassed this in the first
quarter of 2013, when we reported growth of 7.8 percent—the highest recorded
GDP in East and Southeast Asia. Special mention must be made of the 28.5
percent contributed by the manufacturing sector to the growth of our economy.
And we anticipate that manufacturing will gain even more traction in the coming
years.
We
are now considered a rising tiger by the World Bank; the brightest spark,
according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, among
other accolades that allude to the transformation that is sweeping our nation.
From the prudent expenditure of funds to the effective collection of taxes;
from infrastructure development to the transparent conduct of business that generates
jobs, our message to the world could not be clearer: The Philippines is ready
to ride the tides of progress.
The
transformation of our society is not just evident in the economy or in
statistics. Now, Filipinos know: Rich or poor, with or without political
connections, when you do wrong, you will pay the consequences. Now, justice is
truly blind. We will not undermine the orders of our Bosses to hold the corrupt
accountable, and to right the wrongs of a system that has long beggared our
country.
In
fact, we are already holding the former leadership of TESDA accountable for his
part in the outrageous overpricing of purchases by the agency. For example: one
incubator jar is priced at 149 pesos. But Mr. Syjuco priced the same jar at
15,375 pesos. The normal price of a dough cutter, 120 pesos. The price
according to Mr. Syjuco: 48,507 pesos. Let’s be clear: This is a dough cutter,
not a Hamilton Class Cutter. Perhaps when he finally has his day in court to
face the cases filed by the Ombudsman, Mr. Syjuco will finally learn to count.
We
have also indicted the former PAGCOR officials who embezzled 26.7 million pesos
just to produce a movie; burned through funds amounting to 186 million pesos to
finance a party-list; and had the gall to use the rice donations allotted to
calamity victims for campaign sorties.
Former
leaders of the PNP are also being made to answer allegations regarding the
131.6 million pesos wasted on seventy-five defective rubber boats, and the
104.99 million pesos spent on the anomalous purchase of secondhand helicopters
from 2009 to 2010. It would actually be better if they are able to
properly answer questions regarding this, so we may discover if there are
others who must also be held accountable.
On
the topics of Cadavero, PDAF, MRT 3, and others: Just because the critics are
not aware of what we are doing, they assume that we are doing nothing about
these issues. If government possesses no data and yet announces who it will
investigate, does that not send a message to the suspects to just hide the
evidence? This is why we go where the truth takes us. The evidence decides our
path.
When
we denounced the “wang-wang” culture, we did not just dismantle the sirens of
those who lord it over the streets; we also uprooted the culture of corruption
that seemed firmly entrenched in our public institutions.
But
let us be honest: Even today, there are still those in government who seemingly
refuse to change. It is disheartening to discover the depth and breadth to
which they have branched out in the bureaucracy; the moment we look away,
someone is sure to be taken advantage of and victimized. The time has come to
name names: we have repeatedly admonished the Bureau of Immigration to improve
their watch over our ports and airports. How then was it possible for the
brothers Joel and Mario Reyes, the principal suspects in the slaying of Gerry
Ortega, to leave the country? How could the escape of the Korean Park
Sungjun—as blatantly seen in CCTV footage—have taken place? He is wanted in
(South) Korea, and their government asked for our assistance in securing his
arrest. How can we face them now, when our own government employees are the
ones who enabled his escape?
The
“make-do” culture at the NIA has also tested our patience. Instead of laying
out plans for new irrigation systems, they are merely content with the
continued rehabilitation of existing irrigation. For them, shoddy repairs are
enough to say they have already done a good job. During their anniversary, I
asked them why only 60 percent of their target was accomplished in 2012, when
they had reached 80 percent in 2011. The next day, I met with their head during
the NEDA Board Meeting. His excuse: 40 percent of the target areas were located
in Mindanao and were devastated by typhoon Pablo, thus the delay. When were we
hit by typhoon Pablo? In the first week of December. Which means that he meant
to complete the remaining 40 percent of his tasks in the span of just three
weeks. This is the kind of leadership we no longer need in the bureaucracy.
And
here we have the Bureau of Customs, whose personnel are trying to outdo each
other’s incompetence. Instead of collecting the proper taxes and preventing
contraband from entering the country, they are heedlessly permitting the
smuggling of goods, and even drugs, arms, and other items of a similar nature
into our territory. The Department of Finance estimates that more than 200
billion pesos in revenue slips through our borders without going into public
coffers. Where do these people get the gall? One can almost hear these public
officials say, “I don’t care if the weapons go to criminal elements; I don’t
care how many lives are ruined by drugs; I don’t care if our fields remain
barren forever; What matters is that I am rich; it’s every man for himself.” Such
practices have no place in government. If you cannot do your job, you do not
deserve to remain in office.
If
you are a good, conscientious employee of the BI, NIA, Customs, or any other
government agency, I hope that you do even more. It is not enough to lie low
and hide inside your cubicle; to prevent wrongdoing is part of your duty. You
are in the right, so there is no need to hide; please make it easy for me to
find people like you; I will raise you up as praiseworthy examples, that we may
fully transform the flawed culture of your agencies.
And
for those employees who refuse to turn their backs on the culture of wang-wang:
my patience has run out. You were given three years to demonstrate your
readiness to change; now, I shall pursue all of you and hold you accountable.
No hard feelings.
And
let us include in these reforms corrupt members of our Civil Service. It was
during my mother’s time when I heard someone say, “So what if Malacañang
ordered this? You will only be there for six years.” It is time to rectify this
way of thinking. I call on our Congress to examine our Civil Service Code and
PD1, so that we can revise these at the earliest possible time. I support the
development of mechanisms that will restore the integrity of public service;
that will ensure that only honest, capable, and principled civil servants will
be allowed to enter and remain in government service.
And
now, let’s allow our countrymen to share the transformations taking place in
their lives:
[Video
starts. The following is a translation of the video transcript.]
“My name is Violeta S. Abuque. We didn’t have [the
Conditional Cash Transfer Program] before. Life was hard, you didn’t have any
money, and you couldn’t approach anyone to ask for help because they didn’t
have anything either.
“We were very happy that when DSWD launched their
program, it covered even those of us living in the mountains. This program will
help me put my children to school. We’ve realized how important it is to invest
in your children’s education; they’ll have a different life from our ancestors
who couldn’t even write their own names.
“I am very thankful for the [Conditional Cash
Transfer] program, and to everyone who has supported this.”
—
Violeta S. Abuque, CCT beneficiary
“Before, my children couldn’t even bring food to eat
in school—but now they can, and they even have breakfast.
“You really have to fulfill the conditions that come
with the program. And, of course, you have to find a way to complement and
augment the help they’ve given you. So every week, my child and I make some
peanut butter and sell it.
“I am very grateful that I’m part of the [Conditional
Cash Transfer] program, because it has been a really big help to my family.”
—
Dulce Panaligan, CCT beneficiary
“I went back to selling balut [fertilized duck eggs]
while I was looking for a job. And then I heard that TESDA was holding
trainings. I read up on these, and I registered. I’m very happy with how the
TESDA program has helped me with my job-seeking. I’ve used what I’ve learned,
so I can get a better life, so I can learn more things—especially applying what
I’ve learned to my job.”
—
Emerson Paguia, TESDA scholar, IT Web Developer
“On 6:45 in the morning of April 2, I was on my way to
the PCCR review center. A mugger entered the jeep, and on the Nagtahan flyover,
declared a robbery. He held me at knifepoint, and when I struggled, he stabbed
me on the thigh, but I got the knife from him. Before he got off the jeep, I
stuck the knife in his back. I chased after him, and we were both bleeding.
This was probably what got the people’s attention, which eventually led to the
mugger’s arrest.
“I’m always aware of the oath I took, to serve our
citizens. To my fellow police officers: Let us always do what is right, and
what is for the good of the country—at the same time, what will reflect well on
what we’re doing as PNP.”
—
PO3 Edlyn Arbo, Philippine National Police
“I was assigned to Police Station 4 from 2006 to 2012.
I was given a spot meritorious promotion by the President, probably because of
my apprehension of some of Bacolod City’s most wanted criminals. Last Saturday,
I used the new gun the President had given me recently, to apprehend notorious
car burglars here in Bacolod City.
“We do our jobs even if it’s difficult, even if we
have to put our lives on the line—we do it so we can serve our fellowmen and
our country.”
—
PO3 Felipe Moncatar, Philippine National Police
“My car broke down along Quezon Avenue, just after the
tunnel. A policeman arrived after fifteen minutes, and he really helped me
out—he even tried to lift the car with his bare hands. So I was thinking that,
eventually, he would ask for a reward. Then the towing vehicle arrived, and
they were about to tow my car. But this policeman said: No, help first before
you haul.
“Out of gratitude, I tried to hand him 1,000 pesos for
his help. But he refused it. He told me: Our job is to help the citizens. There
has been positive change among our police force. To PO Sultan, I salute you.”
—
Armin Punzalan, businessman
“The Navy’s modernization program is not just about
equipment—it’s all about the welfare of our ranks. Everyone can see this—not
just me, but all of my colleagues in the Philippine Navy; we are all very happy
with the reforms we’ve seen.
“We’re experiencing the returns of the President’s
straight and righteous path. We’re happy now, we do not want of anything. I
tell my colleagues: The government has been giving us so much, and we just need
to do our jobs well in return—to give back to the country, to give back to the
people.”
—
Lt. Commander Desuasido, Philippine Navy
[Video
ends]
Our
country has never lacked for people prepared to take a stand and fight for our
country regardless of the enormity of the challenges before them. There is the
courage of Commodore Ramon Alcaraz during the Second World War. In a small
wooden Q-Boat, he took on nine Japanese Zero fighters—then considered among the
most modern planes; three of these, he shot down. In fact, he would have
continued fighting had he not received an order from his superiors to
surrender. This type of bravery is what our soldiers display every day as they
patrol our most remote mountains and our farthest islands; soldiers who
continuously bear the distance from their families, who proudly stand their
ground against anyone who challenges our sovereignty. It is no exaggeration either
when I say that the triumphs we have achieved along the straight path might
still be distant aspirations had it not been for the members of our Cabinet.
When I asked them to join the government, they knew their jobs were not going
to be easy. That they accepted the challenges was a blessing. They took an oath
to help in transforming the country, and from the beginning, they have made
sacrifices every day so that the privilege of serving you does not go to waste.
There
are those like Secretary Albert del Rosario. Going by tradition, a Secretary’s
first official travel outside the Philippines would be to a country with whom
we enjoy strong and peaceful relations. But only a few hours after taking his
oath as Foreign Affairs Secretary, Secretary del Rosario only took the time to
possibly pack a change of clothes before immediately flying to Libya. He went
through more than twenty checkpoints in the middle of crossfire and led the
evacuation of more than 20,000 Filipinos who were caught in the conflict in Libya.
You might also be surprised to hear the nationalities of the men and women we
also ended up evacuating. Truly, the Philippines is different today: From a
country that was always just the recipient of help, we have become a country
capable of providing help.
All
things considered, Secretary Albert could have said “no” to working in
government. He is a successful and respected businessman, and, certainly, he
would be much more comfortable living a private life. He had also already
served as ambassador to America. He could have become disillusioned after being
removed from his position, because he opposed the past administration’s
declaration of a State of Emergency back in 2006. But we asked him to return to
government, and he did. Now, he is contributing even more as Secretary. He is
ready to put himself in harm’s way, because he knows that no one else will save
Filipinos but fellow Filipinos. For continuing to stand up for our rights, I
salute you, Secretary Albert del Rosario.
We
also know that excellent public servants do not just transform a society; they
inspire. Millions of Filipinos grieved when Jesse Robredo passed. For almost
two decades, he served and led Naga with skill, compassion, and humility. These
principles of his are the exact reasons we borrowed him from Congresswoman Leni
and their three children, and from the Nagueños, so that he could become part
of our Cabinet. This is why one of the hardest things I ever had to do as
President was to deliver the news to Leni and their daughters, after the
tragedy.
Apart
from grieving, I could not avoid blaming myself for what happened to Jesse.
Maybe if I had not asked him to join my Cabinet, he would still be alive today.
Maybe if he had remained in Naga, he would still be with us. Maybe there would
still be a Jesse Robredo in public service today.
But
I also know that Jesse would not allow the transformation and righting of
society to end with him. Jesse and I were only given opportunities to serve the
country because of all of you. We cannot have just one face for transformation
and change. We should not have to wait another hundred years before the next
good citizen is born, before the next good Filipino rises to the occasion.
There
are those who always ask: What will happen in 2016? What will happen when you
step down? Will that be the end of good, honest governance? Will we have
reached the end of the straight and righteous path?
My
Bosses, let us remember: where did we begin? If you have doubts now, compare
them with the doubts we all carried in 2010. Were we not happy enough then just
to see the darkness end? Was it not enough for us to be able to replace those
in power?
Now,
we are experiencing change. Change that has sprung from the seeds of kindness,
solidarity, and good will; change that was brought about by the millions of
Filipinos who have, in their own ways, big and small, pitched in and
transformed the country.
And
just look at where working together as one people has brought us: Did anyone
imagine that peace would be within reach for a region that has, for the past 40
years, been torn apart by conflict? Who else could be responsible for this but
the Moros who laid down their arms and said: “Come. Let’s talk. I trust you.”
Who else but the common Filipino citizen who said: “Brother, we are all
Filipinos. Let us put an end to this conflict.”
When
the Pantawid Pamilya program was initially proposed, there were some who asked:
How could we possibly achieve the program’s desired effects; where are the
funds to cover all poor Filipinos? Did anyone imagine that in just three years,
we will have expanded the scope of our project to cover 4 million household
beneficiaries? And isn’t it they themselves who continue to help this program
succeed? Each mother who wakes up early to send her child off to school? Each
child that studies hard?
Did
anyone imagine that from importing millions of tons of rice, we would be 94
percent rice self-sufficient by the end of 2012? Did anyone imagine that a
country known as the “Sick Man of Asia” would, within three years of good
governance, reach investment-grade status? Who would have thought that all the
social interventions the government is providing right now would be doable
without raising taxes, apart from the Sin Tax? And did they not have a part in
this—each accountant, each doctor, each lawyer who now pays the right taxes?
Didn’t we all have a part in this?
Is
there any space left for doubt? Especially now that we are achieving things we
never thought we could achieve; especially now that we have made progress—that
our shared goals are within reach? My Bosses: Is this really the time for
doubt?
For
every Filipino who believes in the strength of small acts of kindness: You made
this transformation possible. This is your SONA.
For
every teacher who wakes at dawn just to teach children in far-flung areas: This
is your SONA. For every policeman who serves and asks for nothing in return:
This is your SONA.
For
every Filipino who, unhappy with the list of candidates in an election, chose
to knock on the doors of your neighbors to say: “We can’t be content. Let us
find a rightful leader together,” this is your SONA.
For
every student who strives to be aware of social issues, and does not just
complain on Facebook but actually proposes solutions: This is your SONA.
For
Brigadier General Ramon Mateo Dizon, the soon-to-retire head of the PSG, who
stood alongside me even in facing coups d’état during my mother’s term: Up
until my presidency, you have protected me, and my first and official family. I
am able to go to different countries and to far corners of the Philippines with
full confidence. Chito, you have done your part in changing our country. You
are truly loyal to your flag, to the Constitution, and to the Filipino people.
Of course, you could not have accomplished all this without your wife Jo-ann by
your side. This SONA is for both of you as well.
And
to all who roused their fellow citizens from apathy, those who challenged the
cynics in our midst, and those who made the stubborn see reason: This is your
SONA.
The
road ahead of us is long; and we never said it would be easy—or that we could
tread this path free of challenge. But I do not doubt our capacity to overcome
any obstacle. We did not achieve our current success by chance. Let us not
allow this transformation to be temporary; let us seize this opportunity to
make the change permanent.
This
is our fourth SONA. When I was a congressman, the people of Tarlac were my
strength. When I became a senator and until now, in my Presidency, the people
of our country have been there. Philippines, you are my strength. As we
continue doing our part—and as we continue placing faith in our fellowmen and
in God—I tell you: It will still be you who will make certain that what we have
begun here will continue; you will be the ones who will make sure that we will
completely eradicate corruption; you will be the ones who will make sure that
we will never again stray from the straight and righteous path.
Once,
I was told: “Noynoy, just begin the change.” So we did, and we can all see how
far we have come. Now, my countrymen, let us continue to stand arm-in-arm.
Together, let us foster, accelerate, and expand the transformation of society.
I am Noynoy Aquino, and I proudly say to the world: I am a Filipino. How
wonderful it is to be a Filipino in these times.
Thank
you.
[This is an English
translation of the SONA delivered at the Session Hall of the House of
Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, on July 22, 2013]
Vice
President Jejomar Binay; Senate President Franklin M. Drilon; Speaker Feliciano
Belmonte Jr.; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and the eminent Justices of
the Supreme Court; former Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito
Estrada; distinguished members of the diplomatic corps; honorable members of
the House of Representatives and of the Senate; our leaders in local
government; members of the Cabinet; members of the military and police in
uniform; my fellow public servants; and, of course, to my Bosses, the Filipino
people, a pleasant afternoon to all.
This
is my fourth SONA; only two remain. Almost four years have passed since I was
approached by various camps to urge me to run for the presidency. They said:
“We know that our country’s problems cannot be solved in the blink of an eye,
in one year, or even within the six-year term of a President. But just begin,
and we will be one with you in nurturing change.”
Even
then, I was aware of the significant problems that I would have to face. From
being a candidate, to being President, or even after I step down from office,
the difficulties I will have to face are no joke. Widespread transformation of
society is my objective, and I am aware that there are many things and many
people I would have to confront in order to achieve this. But I was not raised
by my parents to back down in the face of challenges. I would not be able to
live with myself if I had refused the chance to alleviate the suffering the
Filipino should not have to endure.
We
have answered the call, and those who have been with us from the start have
only grown in number. I believe that if what I have been doing is right, then
our allies will only grow. Just this May, I asked you, Boss, are we going in
the right direction? Your reply: “Yes, and let us accelerate the transformation
of society.” I asked for allies that would help steer the country in one
direction, and you delivered. The truth is, not only the majority, not even
nine of twelve, but nine of the top ten senators are individuals that I
recommended to you. The message of the past election is clear: Yes, let us keep
going, let us add to the 8,581 sitios that we have electrified; let us add to
the 28,398 families who were once informal settlers but who finally have, or
will soon have, decent homes; let us increase the not less than 40 billion
pesos in additional funds that go to education, health, social services, and
many others because of the right and more efficient collection of taxes; we
feel all the other tangible signs that society is truly changing. I have become
even more optimistic because of your message; it is clear that I am not alone
in carrying these responsibilities. How can I not be encouraged, when even the
likes of Mr. Niño Aguirre are helping shape our future? Just think: Though
unable to walk, he climbed all the way to his fourth-floor precinct, just so
that he could vote and contribute to true social transformation. Thank you, Mr.
Aguirre.
There
is no shortage of Filipinos who are ready to pitch in, and this is the source
of the change we now experience. The strategy—maximize opportunities for all,
especially for those most in need. We are not content to wait for the
trickle-down effect; we cannot leave their fate—their receiving the benefits of
progress—to chance. What we call inclusive growth—this all-encompassing
progress—is the principle that drives every initiative, every action, and every
decision of your government. The only ones who will be left behind are those
who chose not to venture onwards with us, simply because they did not seize the
opportunity.
The
basis for this principle: Widespread opportunity is the key to comprehensive
and sustained progress. Let us not forget that these opportunities are but
seeds. We must water them with diligence, nourish them with determination, and
cultivate them with dedication. Let us take a look at our TESDA-DOLE scholars.
Of the 503,521 people who have graduated from their programs, an estimated six
out of ten have found jobs. Before this, according to studies conducted by the
DBM from 2006 to 2008, only 28.5 percent of TESDA graduates found jobs. Last
year, under TESDA’s IT-BPO program, 70.9 percent of the graduates found
employment. Under the electronics and semiconductor program, the percentage of
employed graduates reached 85 percent. It is clear: You are the ones who will
shape this growth, you are the ones who will determine whether the fruits of
our labors become sweet and ripe for the picking, or if you will let them rot
away and waste the chances that this new chapter in our history has given us.
Let
us go through everything one by one. Our objective to expand the reach of the
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program: achieved. The over 700,000 household
beneficiaries we found upon coming into office in 2010 have now grown to almost
4 million households in the three years of our administration.
There
is more: According to research conducted by the Philippine Institute for
Development Studies, compared with those who only finished the elementary
level, the income of high school graduates is 40 percent higher. Is it not
right that we maximize the help we give these families, so that our young
beneficiaries can finish high school, thereby helping them make the most out of
the benefits of this program? That is why next year, families with children up
to 18 years old will be included in this program so that their children will be
able to finish high school.
Let
us move on to education. Our goal is to raise the quality of learning that our
children undertake, so that once they finish their schooling, they can seize
the opportunities now opening up in society: accomplished. We have finally
erased the backlog we inherited in books and chairs, and if Secretary Armin
Luistro continues to demonstrate true grit, even the backlog we inherited in
classrooms will also be erased this year. And there is even more good news:
Now, we also have the ability to prepare for the additional needs that the
implementation of the K to 12 program will require.
The
problems that plagued Brother Armin in the DepEd are no laughing matter. Just
think: One textbook used to be priced at 58 pesos; since he assumed office, the
price of the exact same textbook has gone down to 30 pesos. What would have
happened if we had been paying the proper price from the beginning? If we had
saved the difference of 28 pesos for all the books bought, at five textbooks
for each of the estimated 20.7 million students in our public school system,
the equivalent would amount to almost 2.9 billion pesos. These savings alone
could have funded our plans to repair and rehabilitate around 9,502 classrooms.
If
Brother Armin didn’t have strength of will, he could have just left this
culture of negligence in his agency for his successor to deal with. He could
have also left the backlog, as well as the growing gap of needs because of the
rising number of enrollees each year. But instead of being content, instead of
saying, “This will do. My job is done,” Brother Armin will build even more
chairs and classrooms, and will buy even more books, to ensure that even the
needs in future years will also be met.
Regarding
the strengthening of our agricultural sector, this has also been achieved. Just
think: According to the NFA, in 2010, the country imported more than 2 million
metric tons of rice. In 2011, this fell to 855,000 metric tons. In 2012:
500,000 metric tons. And now in 2013, the maximum we, including the private
sector, will import will be the minimum access volume of 350,000 metric
tons. This includes the 187,000 metric tons of reserve buffer stock in case
typhoons arrive one after the other; in all likelihood, even the private sector
will no longer have to import rice because we are still on track to becoming
self-sufficient in rice. In addition to that, we have begun exporting
premium-quality rice. We have truly come so far from those days when it was
said that we could not even feed ourselves.
The
proof is in the data: This sector grew 3.3 percent in the first three months of
2013. This is triple the 1.1 percent growth it recorded in the same time period
in 2012. That is why we continue to sow initiatives that will certainly bear
the fruits of even greater progress for our farmers.
For
example, the coconut sector. According to research conducted in 2009, coconut
farmers make up one of the poorest sectors in the country. Let us look at the
process of growing coconuts: Once planted, farmers wait seven years for the
coconut tree to bear fruit; but after this, two generations will be able to
benefit without doing anything else apart from harvesting the fruit. We have
the potential to vastly increase the income of this sector if we can foster a
culture that truly encourages hard work and productivity. The solution:
intercropping.
The
government will help you to strengthen your coconut farms; but in exchange, you
will be required to sow different kinds of seeds in between the rows of coconut
trees. Doing so will raise the frequency of crop harvests, and depending
on what they plant, their income will also increase. If they grow only
coconuts, the farmers would earn about 20,000 pesos a year per hectare. But if
they add coffee, they could reach about 172,400 pesos a year; if they add
bananas, they could earn 102,325 pesos, while adding cacao would give them
89,000 pesos. Isn’t that such a huge difference?
We
have already begun laying down initiatives for this: In 2012, we were able to
use 5,500 hectares of land for intercropping in 90 different locations
throughout the country. This program covered 10,000 farmers. Our target for
2013: an additional 434 sites for coconut intercropping.
We
are also now steering our fishermen towards more productive waters. Think about
it: our fishing industry contributed 193.65 billion pesos to our economy in
2012. In spite of this, based on a study last conducted in 2009, 41 percent of
our fisherfolk still live below the poverty line. They are the ones who catch
the fish, but all they have on their dinner tables are fish bones.
That
is why various government initiatives are in place to help free our fisherfolk
from the broad net cast by poverty. An example would be our initiative for
Bataraza in Palawan. The waters here brim with fish. But because the fish
cannot be brought to the merchants on time, still fresh, the fishermen end up
having to dry the fish and sell tuyo instead. It is such a waste, because every
three kilos of lapu-lapu is only equivalent to one kilo of tuyo. What if the
freshness of the fish could be preserved in a cold storage facility? You could
go to the merchant and still sell your catch at full price. You would exert the
same amount of effort, but you would receive the right compensation for it.
That is why the cold storage facility in Bataraza is already in the works. In
addition, we are also constructing new piers in strategic areas to raise
productivity and income. We are constructing and adding new roads, bridges, and
other kinds of infrastructure, including various services, for our fisherfolk.
The
DILG, BFAR, and Coast Guard are also tightly monitoring irresponsible and
unrestrained forms of fishing; this I ask of our fishermen: allow our fish to
repopulate. I ask for your solidarity in caring for your own livelihood. As you
no doubt see, the state has already opened up opportunities for you, but the
result is in your hands.
If
there is one topic my name is often associated with, that would have to be
Hacienda Luisita. I would like to inform you that back in February, in
compliance with the decision of the Supreme Court, the Department of Agrarian
Reform has completed the list of qualified beneficiaries for the land in
Luisita. According to Secretary Gil de los Reyes, the process to determine the
beneficiaries’ lots began last week, and the turnover of these lots will begin
in September of this year.
As
for other large tracts of land: We have long tasked the DAR, DENR, LRA, and
Land Bank to develop a framework for speeding up the parceling out of land. I
would like to remind everyone: Correct data is the first step to the orderly
implementation of CARPER. But we inherited a land records system that is
problematic and defective. This is why, from the start, the DOJ, LRA, DENR, and
DAR have worked to fix this system, and now we are at a point where we can
guarantee that in the next year, all notices of coverage will have been served
for lands covered by comprehensive agrarian reform.
It
is clear: The state was established to serve you. If you have health problems,
the government must care for you; in times of illness, it should be there to
give aid and support. What has our government done in this regard?
Our
goal to extend PhilHealth coverage to more of our countrymen has been achieved.
When we began, 62 percent of Filipinos were enrolled; now, that number stands
at 81 percent. The remaining number still not on our lists are those we are
seeking to identify, including those in the informal settlers’ and indigenous
people’s sectors. We are counting on the cooperation of our local governments
to ensure that all of our countrymen are enrolled in the system.
It
is not just PhilHealth’s roster of enrollees that is growing: so is its scope
of services. The past year saw the launch of the Z Benefit Package. This past
February, this was upgraded with the Expanded Z Benefit Package. The poorest of
the poor can now avail of free medical care at public hospitals for more
medical conditions than ever before. Last year, breast cancer, prostate cancer,
and acute leukemia were included on the list of covered conditions; today,
coronary bypass, and corrective surgery for holes and defective blood vessels
in the heart, are also included in the package.
All
these health benefits would go to waste if our health care facilities are
substandard, or inaccessible to our countrymen in the provinces. This is why we
have gone all-out in funding health care infrastructure projects: These past
three years, we have budgeted a total of 33 billion pesos for the improvement
and modernization of 4,518 hospitals, rural health units, and barangay health
stations nationwide. Among these are Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City,
which has successfully completed five kidney transplants in the last year; the
Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi; the Vicente Sotto
Medical Center in Cebu; and the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de
Oro, which, according to Secretary Ike Ona of the DOH, now have the capacity to
perform open heart surgery due to upgraded facilities and equipment. There is
also the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City, the first cancer center outside
Metro Manila.
Regarding
disaster preparedness: Our goal to develop mechanisms to protect the Filipino
people from natural calamities, we have also achieved. Among these are the
effective services brought about by the joint forces of the Geohazard Mapping
and Assessment Program and of Project NOAH of the DOST. This past year, we
completed a multihazard mapping of the 28 most vulnerable locations in the
country. A similar endeavor for the Greater Metro Manila Area will be completed
by 2014. Geohazard maps for 496 cities and municipalities have also been
completed. The remaining 1,138 covering every last corner of the country will
be finished before the end of 2015. Not only have these maps increased in
number, they are also more detailed and refined, which is why we will be able
to more accurately identify high-risk areas.
From
the time Project NOAH was launched, a total of 525 automated water level
monitoring stations and automated rain gauges have been installed in 18 major
river basins throughout the country. We also continue to modernize our weather
detection technology, with Doppler radars, tsunami detectors, and alerting
sirens.
But
simply distributing high-tech equipment and new technology is not enough. We
also need to train the end-users of this equipment in understanding, using, and
disseminating the information gained. When the weather is bad, they no longer
rely solely on wind speed for their forecasts; they can also predict the volume
of rainfall, and they can provide correct and timely warnings so our
communities can prepare accordingly.
We
are also remedying the problem of flooding in Metro Manila. Imagine: When
Ondoy hit, an estimated 3,600 cubic meters per second of rainfall flowed down
from the Sierra Madre. But the capacity of the channels through which these
flowed can only support 1,000 cubic meters per second. Where would the
difference of 2,600 cubic meters per second go? These are the sudden torrents
of water that overflow into low-lying areas and become flash floods.
Haven’t
we all heard before that “waterways are inalienable?” What this means is that
the channels through which water passes should be for that purpose alone. The
problem is, in addition to the lack of adequate drainage, certain structures
are built, obstructing these drainage systems, a situation compounded by the
trash of those living around it. To solve this problem, we are coordinating
with our LGUs to safely and successfully relocate our informal settlers. In
addition, a legal team led by Secretary Leila de Lima is preparing to file
cases against those who have closed or obstructed our waterways.
We
are not content with simply passing the blame and pointing fingers. Our action:
an allocation of 6.2 billion pesos to prevent flooding throughout Metro Manila.
This includes the construction of the Blumentritt Interceptor Catchment area.
The entire project is 3.3 kilometers in length; and once it is completed, it
will be able to catch the equivalent of 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools of
water. When the rains hit, the rainwater now has somewhere to go, and will no
longer accumulate on our streets. This project was started in March, and we aim
to complete it by next year.
Government
has been fulfilling its obligation to the people, but let us ask ourselves: How
have I contributed to the solution? If someone dumps trash into a river,
confront them; if you see a building being built obstructing an estuary, report
it to the correct authorities. We will only drown in our problems if we do
nothing.
Even
after the storms have passed, our work to restore normalcy to the lives of
calamity-struck families does not end. Through the cooperation of the
government, and the private sector, 9,377 houses have been erected for the
victims of typhoon Sendong. An additional 4,374 homes will be built before the
end of the following year. We ask for patience and understanding, the process
has been delayed because of the complex process of land acquisition; in truth,
if discussions on other tracts of land go well, we will be able to construct an
additional 2,719 houses.
We
also aim to turn over a total of 53,106 homes to our countrymen who were left
homeless by the onslaught of typhoon Pablo. We began to hand over houses in
May; and we will complete another 17,609 homes by the end of the year. And by
the time we finish the 35,447 homes still to be completed by 2014, all the
families who felt nature’s wrath will once again find shelter under their own
roofs.
Still
on the subject of housing, this time for our men and women in uniform: More
than a year ago, we had already built 21,800 housing units for our police force
and soldiers. For Phase II of this project, we have already built an additional
26,050 homes out of our target of 31,200, and the rest will be completed by
next month.
Apart
from housing, livelihood projects are being implemented for the benefit of our
troops. Several thousand hectares of land in three of our military
camps—namely, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Camp Kibaritan in Bukidnon, and
Camp Peralta in Capiz—will be the venues for these livelihood projects, which
will give our soldiers additional income through plantations of bamboo, coffee,
cacao, and palm oil. If before, soldiers were concerned solely with defending
us, now, even military retirees can participate in improving our economy.
But
our quest to find solutions to all the other problems we inherited regarding
national defense does not stop here. Consider this: In 1986, there were an
estimated 250,000 policemen and soldiers protecting a total of 55 million
Filipinos. Today, we still have an estimated 250,000 policemen and soldiers,
who protect 95 million Filipinos. Our population has almost doubled, while the
number of our protectors has not changed.
We
are sure to have critics who will say “Is this really a problem? Just add more
policemen and soldiers. You can even reduce unemployment that way.” If only it
were that simple. Let us look at the situation. The common pension scheme works
like this: both members and employers contribute to the pension. Their
contributions serve as capital for reinvestment, and the gains of these
investments will in turn fund the retiring members’ pensions. But what is the
true situation of the AFP and PNP pensions? No contributions have been made,
but there are payments to make. Apart from this, the pensions of retirees have
been indexed to the salaries of active personnel. This means that if the
salaries of those in the service increase, so too will the pensions received by
retirees or qualified families. Yearly, there are more and more men and women
retiring, so, naturally, the obligations that must be paid out also increase.
What is worse is that funds from the national budget are being used for these
growing obligations: In 2012, 54.48 billion pesos were spent on soldiers’ and
policemen’s pensions. This year, that figure will rise to 61.29 billion. By
2016, it will be at 80.64 billion. Our pension deficit will keep growing and
growing and growing, eating into the budget allocation for other social
services. How then do we add more servicemen, given such a context?
We
need a system that fulfills our civic obligations to our policemen and armed
forces; and it is likely that we will request the assistance of the GSIS in
this regard. We are currently studying the feasibility of using reclaimed land
to generate funds that will form part of the solution. After all, we cannot
surprise the GSIS and ask them to account for the entirety of our needs, which
is why an even more thorough study will be conducted to create a fair,
sustainable, and clear mechanism for the pensions of PNP and AFP personnel. I
call on Congress today: Let us review PD 1638 and RA 8551 to ensure that these
pensions are timely, and balanced against national needs.
We
see an equivalent solution for the problems that the SSS pensions will soon
face. Consider that, since 1980, across-the-board pension increases occurred 21
times, but actual pension contribution increases only occurred twice. As a
result, the SSS has accumulated an estimated 1.1 trillion pesos in unfunded
liability. According to a study done in 2011, this shortfall will increase by 8
percent per annum, eventually resulting in the complete consumption of the fund
28 years from now. If this happens, the next generation is certain to suffer.
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 141 billion pesos from the
unfunded liability of the SSS. If we begin to invest in our future today, no
further problems will be handed down to the next generation of Filipinos.
When
it comes to our national police, our goal to strengthen their capabilities so
that they may better fulfill their mandate: accomplished. Beginning this 2013,
30,000 policemen will finally be able go back to doing police work because we
will be hiring civilian personnel who will focus on administrative work. After
all, the skills and abilities of our police would be put to waste if we keep
them imprisoned in the four corners of an office.
At
the start of July 2013, we began distributing new 9mm Glock 17 pistols to our
police. This is just the beginning: We are slated to distribute a total of
74,879 firearms among our police force, in keeping with our goal of a
one-is-to-one police-to-pistol ratio.
These
investments in our national police will yield abundant benefits, especially
since this redounds to more efficient and reliable public service. Is it not
true that we have gotten used to news of violence during elections? Oplan Katok
directly addresses this. The goal of the program: track down loose firearms,
which ensures that the guns we have licensed are in the possession of those
authorized to do so. The police have knocked on a total of 491,929 front doors
for the renewal of licenses. This contributed greatly to our campaign for
Secure and Fair Elections, which yielded a 63 percent reduction among private
armed groups—from the 112 during the 2010 elections, to just 41 this 2013. And
from the 189 incidents of violence recorded in 2010, we have recorded only 77
confirmed incidents for the recently concluded election.
Let
us use ARMM as an example. Governor Mujiv Hataman has said that he could not
remember a time in his life when Lanao del Sur did not suffer a failure of
elections. We should note that this was the first time that the ARMM elections
were synchronized with the national elections. This means that, in the past,
the full force of the State was focused on just one region, and yet it still
had to call for a failure of elections. This 2013, because our uniformed forces
had to safeguard elections across the entire country, there were those who
thought the situation in ARMM would only get worse. But we have seen how vastly
it has improved: ARMM successfully held a clean, safe, and fair election; votes
were counted, and those whom the people charged with new mandates were
proclaimed. Because of the diligence of our police force and of our soldiers,
and the coming together of the nation, the 2013 elections were more peaceful.
But
there are still incidents that sully our police force’s honor. We know of what
happened to the members of the Ozamiz Gang—Ricky Cadavero and Wilfredo
Panogalinga—who were caught, only to be killed. As with our investigation of
the Atimonan incident, we will ensure that those at fault will be held
accountable—regardless of their rank. Whoever masterminded all of this: prepare
yourselves. I am close to learning who you are.
Despite
these incidents, my confidence in and hope for our police remain high. They
have never wanted for exemplars like PO3 Edlyn Arbo, who, despite being
off-duty and unarmed, bravely confronted a mugger who embarked on the jeep she
was on, and pursued him. There are also those like PO3 Felipe Moncatar, who has
received countless commendations because of the growing list of criminals he
has put in jail. I heard you’ve just apprehended another member of a
syndicate—including members of carjacking syndicates and some of the most
wanted in Bacolod. You may have also heard about PO2 Dondon Sultan. A car broke
down along Quezon Boulevard, and PO2 Sultan stopped and offered his assistance.
He did not just change a tire; he also helped bring the car to a mechanic. As
thanks for his service, PO2 Sultan was offered 1,000 pesos—an offer he
declined. He said, and I quote, “Our job is to help our countrymen.” We salute
those of you who truly serve the public. You are proof that honest and capable
policemen are not an endangered species. I have already instructed Secretary
Mar Roxas of the DILG and Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the DND to ensure that
those like you in our uniformed services reap the appropriate rewards.
Add
to these our disaster relief workers from many branches of government, as well
as volunteers from the private sector. I know that it is not easy to battle
floods, dig through mud, and confront calamities. I will not tire of recognizing
your contributions to our society; I salute the way you have offered yourselves
to help in lessening the suffering of our countrymen.
Peace
is also within reach in a region that has long been torn apart by conflict. In
October of the previous year, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was
signed. In truth, just nine days have passed since the signing of the second
annex of the agreement. We are confident that we will not have to wait long
before hearing more good news on the development of the peace process.
I
am sure everyone is aware that the building of consensus is not an easy task;
fortunately, both sides are ready to listen, willing to compromise, and willing
to reach a meeting of the minds. We know, too, the consequences of impatience
and haste. What is clear to me: Every word we utter must result in an action
that would benefit all. Every line that we craft in the agreement we are
forging must be set in stone and not merely written on water, only to be
forgotten by history. My father raised me to be true to my word, and I can tell
our brothers and sisters of the Bangsamoro: Whatever agreements we come to will
be fulfilled by the national government.
Trust
is vital to the peace process. It does not come automatically, perhaps because
of the long history of conflict. Now, the desire of both sides to reach an
agreement is palpable, and we are truly proving ourselves trustworthy. To those
seeking to sow discord and doubt: Can you really say that you are a Filipino
that has compassion for his fellow Filipinos?
I
am hopeful that every Filipino will contribute towards our goals for the
Bangsamoro. We will prove that they did not make a mistake in choosing the path
of peace; we are ready to lend the strength of the entire nation to lift up the
provinces of Muslim Mindanao, who are among our poorest. What we aim for is the
triumph of all; we will not allow any of our countrymen to be left behind,
while others surpass them. Once again, I call on Congress: The Transition
Commission that will craft the Bangsamoro Basic Law has already been created.
Once their task is completed in keeping with the principles of the peace
process, I ask you to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law before the end of 2014.
This way, we will have ample time to prepare for the election of a new
Bangsamoro government come 2016.
We
have accomplished whatever change we are experiencing today because we refused
to be satisfied with the status quo in the government we inherited. Let me ask:
How many of you have used what they call the Telepono sa Barangay? I wouldn’t
be surprised if no one has. According to the DOTC, more than 5 billion pesos
would have been earmarked for a program that would distribute landline phones
to far-flung areas. Would this not have been a grave waste of funds, because in
such a short time after its implementation, the number of Filipinos with
cellphones just grew and grew? Who would take notice of the 6,000 landlines
they would have installed, when we have 100 million cellphones in the
Philippines?
Here
is another example of the kind of thinking we’ve had to eradicate from
government. Eight combat utility helicopters were bought for what they claimed
to be “the more efficient deployment of our soldiers.” The problem: The guns
the helicopters were equipped with were mounted at the door; requiring their
removal in order to enable people to pass. If you are a soldier entering the
fray at the height of battle, what use is a machine gun that is set aside and
unable to fire? Did no one think about this before the contracts were signed?
Why was this even approved in the first place?
We
have to be more discriminating buyers. We cannot rely on the sales talk of
suppliers alone. We have tasked the DOST to assemble a body of experts who can
critically assess suppliers’ pitches, especially on big-ticket items. Our
operating principles: the right identification of the root of the problem; the
careful study and deliberation, grounded on correct methodology, to arrive at
the best solution.
This
was also the rationale and the driving force behind our response to the issue
of informal settlers in Metro Manila. This is why we are already fulfilling our
goal to remove from harm’s way those who crammed themselves into high-risk
areas of the city. After all, I do not think anyone will disagree with us when
we say the current situation cannot be allowed to persist. In the general
welfare clause of our Constitution—Article 2, Section 5—it says, “The
maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property,
and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the
people of the blessings of democracy.”
Here
we have proven that the Filipino listens to reason. If it is clear that
compassion is your bedrock principle, then we will be more eager to work with
you. Before roofs were dismantled, before walls were demolished, we explained
how we came to our decision: better housing, access to public transport, and,
for the diligent, no shortage of opportunities to earn. We made it clear that
we wanted to provide a refuge to those who were high-risk and most in need—and
not to syndicates. We are aware that whenever the aid given by the state is
abused, the lives of other Filipinos are also put in jeopardy.
After
a batch of informal settlers was moved to the relocation site, they urged their
former neighbors: Join us. It is safer here. This year, our priority is to
relocate more than 19,400 families living along Metro Manila’s major waterways.
The convergence of DILG, NHA, DSWD, MMDA, and DPWH has resulted in a much
clearer solution to one of our most long-standing problems.
Another
example of transformation in government: haven’t vital bills languished in Congress?
In the previous year, the Sin Tax Reform Law and the Responsible Parenthood Law
were finally signed into laws. We thank our partners in Congress and in the
Senate who helped us push for the passage of these laws. We persevered through
the long process of debate and consultation; we were not cowed by those who
tried to sow doubt in the attempt to obstruct our meaningful agenda. We have
fought for what benefits the people, and we are advancing true public service
for the Filipino.
I
would also like to propose to Congress several laws that will help us sustain
and improve on the reforms we have established. Let us amend the Cabotage Law
in order to foster greater competition and to lower the cost of transportation
for our agricultural sector and other industries. Let us likewise enact the
Fiscal Incentives Rationalization Bill, so that the incentives we provide to
businesses become even clearer and more accountable. We also have to focus on
the Land Administration Reform Bill, given the need for convergence among
agencies tasked to oversee our land holdings, and thus ensuring that they can
fulfill their collective mandate with increased efficiency.
Tomorrow,
we are submitting to Congress our proposed 2.268 trillion-peso National Budget
for 2014. I am confident of your support and advocacy for the allocation of
funds which was arrived at after careful consideration. This budget is not only
a continuation of our reforms, but it will also accelerate our momentum towards
long-lasting inclusive progress.
There
are those who insist on upgrading our Armed Forces. I agree with this, but some
of them act as if they want us to invest every centavo of our country into
fighter jets, tanks, and other equipment for warfare. They may not know that
one fighter jet costs 1.58 billion pesos—equivalent to 6,580 houses for our
soldiers and our police force, or nearly 2,000 classrooms for our children. And
what can one jet do? To be truly effective, we would need a squadron—and one
squadron is composed of twenty-four fighter jets. At 1.58 billion pesos per
jet, we would have to devote 37.92 billion pesos of the nation’s coffers just
to assemble one squadron. And what about practice missiles? And it is not as if
jet fuel, a radar system, ground bases, and ground intercept controls are free.
Building a minimum credible defense posture is not something we can take
lightly. Do we follow others who prioritize the possession of a nuclear option
at the expense of everything else? I do not think anyone would agree. We will
balance our needs. We are committed to meeting the needs of our society, while
remaining a good and upstanding member of the community of nations.
We
are well aware that, in the past, decisions were made based on politics.
Leaders did everything they could just to keep a firm hold on their power—at
the expense of the suffering of present and future generations of Filipinos.
Let us look, for example, at the consequences of refusing to raise passenger
fares for the LRT and MRT.
Each
trip that one passenger makes on the LRT is estimated to cost 40 pesos. What
does each passenger pay? 15 pesos. This means that the government subsidizes
the remaining 25 pesos. As for the MRT, the true cost of one trip is 60 pesos:
15 pesos paid by passengers, 45 pesos by the government—in the end, each and
every Filipino pays a share of the subsidy. Whether you live in Mindanao or
Visayas, and not once have you ever stepped onto the LRT or MRT, you help to
fund this.
What’s
worse: because past leaders gave away our commercial development rights, each
peso that we can earn from the posters and billboards in the stations goes to
private companies, instead of going to the government. What we could have used
to subsidize the cost of maintenance and operations was given away.
Perhaps
it is only reasonable for us to move the fares of the MRT and LRT closer to the
fares of air-conditioned buses, so that the government subsidy for the MRT and
LRT can be used for other social services.
You
are my witnesses: We have no plans to hand down problems to our successors. In
truth, projects that were left to decay in the past are now truly benefiting
the people. Let us look at the Ternate-Nasugbu Road. This road, connecting
Cavite, Batangas, and Metro Manila, is only six kilometers long, but it still
took almost 20 years to finish. We already opened one part of this road, and
when the sections requiring slope protection are completed, the benefit this
road will bring to motorists will be complete.
We
also have the Aluling Bridge in Ilocos Sur. The plans for its construction were
first laid down on paper in 1978. And we made certain that our successors would
not merely inherit sheets of paper. The bridge was finally completed in March.
Last month, we also began the operation of the Laguindingan Airport—a project that
took one generation to make the leap from idea to implementation.
There
is also the semiconductor industry, which waited decades for a laboratory that
could compete with facilities of other countries. We did not allow them to wait
much longer. In May of this year, under the leadership of DOST, we inaugurated
the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL). Before,
products manufactured here had to be sent to other countries to undergo
testing. We were unable to maximize profits in this industry; we were unable to
maximize the potential of our semiconductor industry to attract even more
investments.
Because
of ADMATEL, products will now be manufactured and tested here, and we will be
able to take even greater advantage of the skills of Filipino workers in the
electronics sector. And we have every expectation that this industry—one that
contributed almost 44 percent to our exports in 2012—will grow even stronger.
With
the help of our Big Man in the Senate, Senator Franklin Drilon, the more than
fifty-year wait of Ilonggos has come to an end; the implementation of the
Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II in Iloilo has started. How will this help
us?
First,
an estimated 24,000 farmers across Iloilo will benefit from year-round
irrigation. As a result, the harvests of rice farmers may double. Let me make
it clear: The 31,840 hectares of land that will be irrigated will yield an
additional 146,013 metric tons of rice. This amount is equal to almost 80
percent of the buffer stock of rice that we will import for 2013.
This
does not include the other benefits that this project will bring. For instance,
preventing widespread flooding in Iloilo, and adding 6.6 megawatts in
hydropower to the energy requirements of the province. This project will also
contribute to the supply of water for some parts of the province, and to the
development of its ecotourism industry. Apart from all these, the Jalaur River
Project will create around 17,000 jobs; and once it becomes fully operational,
an estimated 32,000 Filipinos will be given decent livelihoods. This project
was first conceived in 1960—the same year I was born.
We
are aware that many of our countrymen are excited to see the fruits of our
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. We likewise know that there are
those who have grown impatient waiting for them.
Let
us put things into context. Back in 2010, when our administration came into
office, we were left with only 6.5 percent of the programmable budget for the
year, or just around 100 billion pesos; 93.5 percent of the budget had already
been allotted by my predecessor. This is precisely why we approached the
private sector. We told them: “We do not have the funds, let us partner with
one another to build the necessary infrastructure.”
Apart
from this, we faced other difficulties when PPP began. The studies on which the
projects were based were outdated; and the bureaucracy lacked the sufficient
knowledge to implement them. Not to mention the public, who seemed to have lost
confidence in the contracts the government undertook.
Nevertheless,
whatever the situation may be, our principle is that anything worth doing is
worth doing right. We have no plans of entering into questionable contracts
today just to bequeath problems to the next administration. Each project has to
go through the correct process to ensure that our taxpayers’ hard-earned money
will be spent the right way.
As
early as now, we are seeing the effects of the honest, transparent, and clear
way we have been going about our PPP projects. Previously, even just the
construction of a single airport already made headlines. Let us compare this to
what we are seeing today: Apart from the Laguindingan Airport, which is already
being utilized, we are upgrading and modernizing the Tacloban Airport, the
Bicol International Airport, the New Bohol Airport, the Mactan Airport, and the
Puerto Princesa Airport all at the same time. The Daang Hari-NLEX link road is
the fastest PPP project that has been awarded in any administration, with no shortcuts
in the processes. All these, and all the other infrastructure projects that are
being and will be constructed, will give rise to a society teeming with
opportunity.
The
problems that we have inherited—and are currently solving—make up a long list;
for example, the recurring, rotating blackouts in Mindanao. From the very
beginning, we have been working on a solution for this—but we are also aware
that a problem that has been ignored for an entire decade cannot be solved
overnight. Right now, we continue to take steps to address the shortages as
well as provide for immediate needs. We have helped electric cooperatives bring
in generator sets that will reduce brownouts; and this will continue until the
plants that will supply the region with more electricity are completed.
But
the critics will never fully disappear. Some are complaining that the price of
electricity will increase with the usage of diesel-fueled generator sets.
Hydropower is abundant now because of the rainy season, so we hear objections to
the generator sets. But come summer, many will once again complain about
eight-hour brownouts.
We
also want more power plants built in other parts of the Philippines. As our
economy grows, so will our consumption of electricity, which means we must
likewise increase supply. Do we really want to wait until our plants are at
full capacity before more plants are built? Power plants do not sprout like
mushrooms—a power plant takes two to three years to construct.
If
anyone has a good suggestion, we are ready to listen. But I also hope that the
kibitzers put the situation in the proper context. The plant in Redondo,
Zambales, is a good example. A TRO was issued against the plant because of the
argument that renewable energy is better. Did they happen to mention that
renewable energy is also more expensive—from the cost of building the plants to
the eventual price of energy? Did they mention that it cannot provide the
baseload—the capacity required to make sure brownouts do not occur? If you put
up a wind-powered plant, what do you do when there is no wind? If you put up a
solar plant, what do you when the sky is cloudy? Let me be clear: I believe in
renewable energy and we support its use, but there should also be baseload
plants that can ensure a steady supply of electricity for our homes and
industries. I wonder if those who are critical of the plants we want put up
will be as noisy when they are busy fanning themselves during brownouts. All I
am really saying is this: Let us help each other find a solution.
Since
we are being frank with each other, let us talk about the renovation of NAIA 3.
This is a complex issue, which has already undergone two arbitrations. We would
have won both of them, but one of the decisions was reversed due to a
technicality. This is why we are now preparing for our case to be heard once
more. And there are added complications because of the issue of warranties for
the completion of NAIA 3—it is not acceptable for us to find defects after
renovations, and then have to spend even more money to fix them. This is why
when we were told that the original contractor was willing to give a proper
warranty, we agreed to the deal. But we want to be certain; we want to fully
and correctly go through the process. So I must ask for your understanding on
this issue.
Today,
it is clear: A single goal is behind each square meter of cement we pour in
building the foundations of a more progressive country; gain for all—and not
politics. Whereas before, roads were constructed based on whims, and bridges
were built where the Mayor enjoyed the friendship of Madam, now, we follow a
nationwide plan. No favorites, no transactionalism, no patronage; each peso is
spent to accelerate our goal of broad-based growth.
What
we can expect in the years to come: airports and ports to facilitate commerce
and tourism; roads to ensure that we all reap the maximum benefit from these
big-ticket projects; power plants that will generate enough energy and fuel the
development of industry. This is the framework from which other initiatives
will branch out, creating even greater opportunities for Juan and Juana dela
Cruz—from the farmer who will have access to adequate irrigation and who will
be able to sell his harvest more quickly, to the construction workers erecting
new buildings; from the continued development of call centers across the
country, to the rise of even more businessmen ready to invest in the
Philippines. We implemented the right projects for the right price; we
completed these projects with the right quality; and we finished, or we will
finish, these projects right on time, because the right people worked on them.
Let
us talk about traffic: Isn’t it estimated that our economy loses an estimated
2.4 billion pesos every day because of Metro Manila traffic? Among the projects
targeted to decongest Manila is the Integrated Transport System. For the buses
that force themselves onto already-crowded roads, we will construct terminals
in areas with less traffic. Our countrymen can already make use of the terminal
in Parañaque, and the ones in Quezon City and Muntinlupa are already lined up.
Provincial buses will be permitted only up to these terminals, so they do not
add to the congestion.
There
is also the two connector roads that will join the North and South Luzon
Expressways. To tell you the truth, there were already plans to construct what
they called the Metro Manila Highway in the seventies. This would have
connected the two expressways, so that traveling from one point to another need
not consume the hours it takes to pass through the entire length of EDSA. The
problem: Mr. Marcos issued laws that favored one of his cronies. And
unfortunately, we are required to follow them: Whoever constructs
infrastructure in those areas must be in partnership with the corporation of Mr.
Marcos’ friend. Even worse: every time they add even just another short section
to the original road, their franchise is extended by thirty years. That is not
the end of it: Once the company profited, the development of infrastructure in
the area was left unfinished. Remember that these roads were supposed to
traverse Pangasinan to Quezon… But when the company operated at a loss, they
had the audacity to pass on to the government a multitude of debts. I ask our
Congress today: Let us take another look at Presidential Decrees 1113 and 1894.
Despite
this, our projects continue. We have an eight-kilometer, four-lane elevated
expressway that will connect C3 road to Caloocan, crossing España, up to PUP in
Sta. Mesa. There is also a more than fourteen-kilometer six-lane elevated
tollway extending from Balintawak to Buendia in Makati. The Common Alignment of
these two roads: a five-and-a-half kilometer, six-lane elevated expressway from
PUP in Sta. Mesa, crossing Osmeña and Quirino Avenue, to Buendia in Makati. Once
this road is opened to the public, what once took two hours from SLEX to NLEX
will now take only fifteen minutes. What once was a three-hour drive from Clark
to Calamba will be reduced by almost half to an hour and forty minutes. Every
day, an estimated 55,000 motorists will benefit from this project. Motorists
will save time and gas, pollution will be decreased, and commerce and tourism
will flourish. Is this not a win-win situation?
In
the space of only three years, we have proven that agencies that were once
cesspools of corruption can be transformed into examples of honest and
efficient service. Some of the simple, but effective, reforms that Secretary
Singson implemented in DPWH: no more letters of intent, which bidders once used
in conspiring with each other to inflate costs and gain more profit; simplified
bidding processes, so even more contractors can compete for projects; and
reasonable costs of doing projects. Government also now pays on time,
attracting even more skilled contractors to do their part in raising the
quality of public infrastructure. This kind of honest leadership has allowed
the DPWH to save 18.4 billion pesos, which has been allotted to other
meaningful projects.
As
an example of the dividends of good governance, let us look at the Tagumbao
Bridge in Gerona, Tarlac. In truth, I was an advocate of its construction back
when I was just a Congressman. Back then, some of my constituents had to circle
around two towns just to cross a river that overflowed during the rainy season.
I even told past administrations: you can have my entire PDAF, just complete
the bridge, in installments if possible. But nothing happened and time passed.
The gap separating the banks of the river—and thus, the length of the bridge
that was required—only widened further.
Right
now, we are constructing the Tagumbao Bridge. Now that we are the ones
implementing it, this is the story: Approved funds for the project stand at
around 334 million pesos; but because of good management and prudent spending,
the cost was lowered to 226 million pesos. In the end, we saved a total of over
108 million pesos without sacrificing the quality of the completed bridge. And
even better: The funds that we saved can be used in the construction of a dike
and river training projects for Phase II.
Let
us move on to tourism. According to the Oriental Morning Post, we are the “Best
Tourism Destination of 2012.” And it seems the Shanghai
Morning Post fell in
love with our country when they named us the “Most Romantic Destination of
2012.” Scuba Diving Magazine says that the Philippines is the “Best Diving
Destination.” And Palawan is the “Best Island” if you ask Travel
+ Leisure Magazine. It seems they just stopped short of calling us
paradise.
Given
such resounding praise, it comes as no surprise that in 2012, we registered 4.3
million tourist arrivals in our country—another new record high. This figure is
a 21.4 percent increase from when we assumed office in 2010, when only an
estimated 3.1 million tourists visited our country. When it comes to our
domestic travelers, our previous target for 2016 was 35.5 million tourists. But
we have surpassed this as early as 2011, with 37.5 million domestic tourists.
With the momentum that we are now experiencing, we have full confidence that we
will achieve our new domestic target of 56.1 million before the end of 2016.
A
stronger tourism sector will generate more job opportunities. The DOT estimates
that tourism created 3.8 million jobs in 2011. The truth is, it is not just our
scenic and most famed destinations that will profit from the arrival of
tourists, but also the nearby towns that can be considered tourism support
communities; the places from which resorts and hotels source the food that they
serve, the souvenirs that they sell, as well as other products and services
that provide a source of income for our provinces.
And
I am certain that you have also heard the good news that has recently landed in
our country. Last March, the International Civil Aviation Organization removed
the significant safety concerns they had previously imposed on the Philippines.
This was a fruit of our reforms in the aviation industry, to ensure that
aviation safety in the Philippines meets international standards. And because
of this, just last July 10, the European Union has once again permitted our
flag carrier to resume direct flights to Europe.
Think
about it: What if our aviation industry had already been improved and
strengthened before? Was it not a waste to miss out on tourists whose lack of
enthusiasm for visiting the country can be attributed to this? Missed jobs,
funds, and opportunities—these are the results of the previous system of
governance.
This
is why, from the very onset, we have fought against corruption in all levels of
government and pushed for the transformation of our institutions. The result:
public service that truly benefits our countrymen.
Let
us just look at the depth of transformation taking place in our GOCCs.
Government-owned corporations whose losses were previously subsidized by the
national government are now turning over dividends. Let us take the Philippine
Reclamation Authority (PRA) as an example. In the thirteen years prior to our
term, from 1996 to 2009, the dividends of the PRA amounted to a sum total of
676.82 million pesos. Along the straight path: in 2012 alone, their dividends—1
billion pesos. Is this not a complete transformation?
The
Local Water Utilities Administration is another good example. In 2011, the said
GOCC recorded a net loss of 950 million pesos. But because of prudent
management, they did more than just balance their books; based on their report,
their gross income amounted to 870 million pesos in 2012. Because of this, they
were able to remit 365 million pesos to government for that same year.
Yet
another example: In my first SONA, we exposed the questionable practices of the
MWSS, whose officials were giving themselves excessive bonuses and allowances,
even as their company failed to address the needs of our citizens. This agency
itself reported: The MWSS registered losses amounting to 34 million pesos in
2010. This was completely unacceptable. That is why in 2011, we signed the GOCC
Governance Act, which serves as the standard for integrity, credibility, and
accountability in the management of our GOCCs. Its results: In 2011, the MWSS
earned 333 million pesos, from the 34-million-peso loss of 2010. In 2012, their
earnings totaled almost 2 billion pesos. Consequently, their dividends have
also increased: from 150 million in 2011, these increased to 345 million pesos
for 2012. It is saddening though, that the depth of the reforms planted by the
MWSS leadership is tarnished by the mudslinging of those who want to cling to
the old system.
In
tandem with the increased confidence in our good governance is the continued
resurgence of our economy. The results: two consecutive ten-place jumps in the
global competitiveness index of the World Economic Forum. For the first time in
history, we attained investment-grade status from two of the three most
respected credit ratings agencies in the world, and it is quite possible that
the third will soon follow suit. We have maintained the stability of our
consumer goods prices, and we continue to reduce the portion of our budget
allotted to paying our debts, while increasing the funds allotted to social
services. In a period of lethargic global economic activity, we registered an
astounding 6.8 percent GDP growth in 2012. We surpassed this in the first
quarter of 2013, when we reported growth of 7.8 percent—the highest recorded
GDP in East and Southeast Asia. Special mention must be made of the 28.5
percent contributed by the manufacturing sector to the growth of our economy.
And we anticipate that manufacturing will gain even more traction in the coming
years.
We
are now considered a rising tiger by the World Bank; the brightest spark,
according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, among
other accolades that allude to the transformation that is sweeping our nation.
From the prudent expenditure of funds to the effective collection of taxes;
from infrastructure development to the transparent conduct of business that
generates jobs, our message to the world could not be clearer: The Philippines
is ready to ride the tides of progress.
The
transformation of our society is not just evident in the economy or in
statistics. Now, Filipinos know: Rich or poor, with or without political
connections, when you do wrong, you will pay the consequences. Now, justice is
truly blind. We will not undermine the orders of our Bosses to hold the corrupt
accountable, and to right the wrongs of a system that has long beggared our
country.
In
fact, we are already holding the former leadership of TESDA accountable for his
part in the outrageous overpricing of purchases by the agency. For example: one
incubator jar is priced at 149 pesos. But Mr. Syjuco priced the same jar at
15,375 pesos. The normal price of a dough cutter, 120 pesos. The price
according to Mr. Syjuco: 48,507 pesos. Let’s be clear: This is a dough cutter,
not a Hamilton Class Cutter. Perhaps when he finally has his day in court to
face the cases filed by the Ombudsman, Mr. Syjuco will finally learn to count.
We
have also indicted the former PAGCOR officials who embezzled 26.7 million pesos
just to produce a movie; burned through funds amounting to 186 million pesos to
finance a party-list; and had the gall to use the rice donations allotted to
calamity victims for campaign sorties.
Former
leaders of the PNP are also being made to answer allegations regarding the
131.6 million pesos wasted on seventy-five defective rubber boats, and the
104.99 million pesos spent on the anomalous purchase of secondhand helicopters
from 2009 to 2010. It would actually be better if they are able to
properly answer questions regarding this, so we may discover if there are
others who must also be held accountable.
On
the topics of Cadavero, PDAF, MRT 3, and others: Just because the critics are
not aware of what we are doing, they assume that we are doing nothing about
these issues. If government possesses no data and yet announces who it will
investigate, does that not send a message to the suspects to just hide the
evidence? This is why we go where the truth takes us. The evidence decides our
path.
When
we denounced the “wang-wang” culture, we did not just dismantle the sirens of
those who lord it over the streets; we also uprooted the culture of corruption
that seemed firmly entrenched in our public institutions.
But
let us be honest: Even today, there are still those in government who seemingly
refuse to change. It is disheartening to discover the depth and breadth to
which they have branched out in the bureaucracy; the moment we look away,
someone is sure to be taken advantage of and victimized. The time has come to name
names: we have repeatedly admonished the Bureau of Immigration to improve their
watch over our ports and airports. How then was it possible for the brothers
Joel and Mario Reyes, the principal suspects in the slaying of Gerry Ortega, to
leave the country? How could the escape of the Korean Park Sungjun—as
blatantly seen in CCTV footage—have taken place? He is wanted in (South) Korea,
and their government asked for our assistance in securing his arrest. How can
we face them now, when our own government employees are the ones who enabled
his escape?
The
“make-do” culture at the NIA has also tested our patience. Instead of laying
out plans for new irrigation systems, they are merely content with the
continued rehabilitation of existing irrigation. For them, shoddy repairs are
enough to say they have already done a good job. During their anniversary, I
asked them why only 60 percent of their target was accomplished in 2012, when
they had reached 80 percent in 2011. The next day, I met with their head during
the NEDA Board Meeting. His excuse: 40 percent of the target areas were located
in Mindanao and were devastated by typhoon Pablo, thus the delay. When were we
hit by typhoon Pablo? In the first week of December. Which means that he meant
to complete the remaining 40 percent of his tasks in the span of just three
weeks. This is the kind of leadership we no longer need in the bureaucracy.
And
here we have the Bureau of Customs, whose personnel are trying to outdo each
other’s incompetence. Instead of collecting the proper taxes and preventing
contraband from entering the country, they are heedlessly permitting the
smuggling of goods, and even drugs, arms, and other items of a similar nature
into our territory. The Department of Finance estimates that more than 200
billion pesos in revenue slips through our borders without going into public
coffers. Where do these people get the gall? One can almost hear these public
officials say, “I don’t care if the weapons go to criminal elements; I don’t
care how many lives are ruined by drugs; I don’t care if our fields remain
barren forever; What matters is that I am rich; it’s every man for himself.”
Such practices have no place in government. If you cannot do your job, you do
not deserve to remain in office.
If
you are a good, conscientious employee of the BI, NIA, Customs, or any other
government agency, I hope that you do even more. It is not enough to lie low
and hide inside your cubicle; to prevent wrongdoing is part of your duty. You
are in the right, so there is no need to hide; please make it easy for me to
find people like you; I will raise you up as praiseworthy examples, that we may
fully transform the flawed culture of your agencies.
And
for those employees who refuse to turn their backs on the culture of wang-wang:
my patience has run out. You were given three years to demonstrate your
readiness to change; now, I shall pursue all of you and hold you accountable.
No hard feelings.
And
let us include in these reforms corrupt members of our Civil Service. It was during
my mother’s time when I heard someone say, “So what if Malacañang ordered this?
You will only be there for six years.” It is time to rectify this way of
thinking. I call on our Congress to examine our Civil Service Code and PD1, so
that we can revise these at the earliest possible time. I support the
development of mechanisms that will restore the integrity of public service;
that will ensure that only honest, capable, and principled civil servants will
be allowed to enter and remain in government service.
And
now, let’s allow our countrymen to share the transformations taking place in
their lives:
[Video
starts. The following is a translation of the video transcript.]
“My name is Violeta S. Abuque. We didn’t have [the
Conditional Cash Transfer Program] before. Life was hard, you didn’t have any
money, and you couldn’t approach anyone to ask for help because they didn’t
have anything either.
“We were very happy that when DSWD launched their
program, it covered even those of us living in the mountains. This program will
help me put my children to school. We’ve realized how important it is to invest
in your children’s education; they’ll have a different life from our ancestors
who couldn’t even write their own names.
“I am very thankful for the [Conditional Cash
Transfer] program, and to everyone who has supported this.”
—
Violeta S. Abuque, CCT beneficiary
“Before, my children couldn’t even bring food to eat
in school—but now they can, and they even have breakfast.
“You really have to fulfill the conditions that come
with the program. And, of course, you have to find a way to complement and
augment the help they’ve given you. So every week, my child and I make some
peanut butter and sell it.
“I am very grateful that I’m part of the [Conditional
Cash Transfer] program, because it has been a really big help to my family.”
—
Dulce Panaligan, CCT beneficiary
“I went back to selling balut [fertilized duck eggs]
while I was looking for a job. And then I heard that TESDA was holding
trainings. I read up on these, and I registered. I’m very happy with how the
TESDA program has helped me with my job-seeking. I’ve used what I’ve learned,
so I can get a better life, so I can learn more things—especially applying what
I’ve learned to my job.”
—
Emerson Paguia, TESDA scholar, IT Web Developer
“On 6:45 in the morning of April 2, I was on my way to
the PCCR review center. A mugger entered the jeep, and on the Nagtahan flyover,
declared a robbery. He held me at knifepoint, and when I struggled, he stabbed
me on the thigh, but I got the knife from him. Before he got off the jeep, I
stuck the knife in his back. I chased after him, and we were both bleeding.
This was probably what got the people’s attention, which eventually led to the
mugger’s arrest.
“I’m always aware of the oath I took, to serve our
citizens. To my fellow police officers: Let us always do what is right, and what
is for the good of the country—at the same time, what will reflect well on what
we’re doing as PNP.”
—
PO3 Edlyn Arbo, Philippine National Police
“I was assigned to Police Station 4 from 2006 to 2012.
I was given a spot meritorious promotion by the President, probably because of
my apprehension of some of Bacolod City’s most wanted criminals. Last Saturday,
I used the new gun the President had given me recently, to apprehend notorious
car burglars here in Bacolod City.
“We do our jobs even if it’s difficult, even if we
have to put our lives on the line—we do it so we can serve our fellowmen and
our country.”
—
PO3 Felipe Moncatar, Philippine National Police
“My car broke down along Quezon Avenue, just after the
tunnel. A policeman arrived after fifteen minutes, and he really helped me
out—he even tried to lift the car with his bare hands. So I was thinking that,
eventually, he would ask for a reward. Then the towing vehicle arrived, and
they were about to tow my car. But this policeman said: No, help first before
you haul.
“Out of gratitude, I tried to hand him 1,000 pesos for
his help. But he refused it. He told me: Our job is to help the citizens. There
has been positive change among our police force. To PO Sultan, I salute you.”
—
Armin Punzalan, businessman
“The Navy’s modernization program is not just about
equipment—it’s all about the welfare of our ranks. Everyone can see this—not
just me, but all of my colleagues in the Philippine Navy; we are all very happy
with the reforms we’ve seen.
“We’re experiencing the returns of the President’s
straight and righteous path. We’re happy now, we do not want of anything. I
tell my colleagues: The government has been giving us so much, and we just need
to do our jobs well in return—to give back to the country, to give back to the
people.”
—
Lt. Commander Desuasido, Philippine Navy
[Video
ends]
Our
country has never lacked for people prepared to take a stand and fight for our
country regardless of the enormity of the challenges before them. There is the
courage of Commodore Ramon Alcaraz during the Second World War. In a small
wooden Q-Boat, he took on nine Japanese Zero fighters—then considered among the
most modern planes; three of these, he shot down. In fact, he would have
continued fighting had he not received an order from his superiors to
surrender. This type of bravery is what our soldiers display every day as they
patrol our most remote mountains and our farthest islands; soldiers who
continuously bear the distance from their families, who proudly stand their
ground against anyone who challenges our sovereignty. It is no exaggeration
either when I say that the triumphs we have achieved along the straight path
might still be distant aspirations had it not been for the members of our
Cabinet. When I asked them to join the government, they knew their jobs were
not going to be easy. That they accepted the challenges was a blessing. They
took an oath to help in transforming the country, and from the beginning, they
have made sacrifices every day so that the privilege of serving you does not go
to waste.
There
are those like Secretary Albert del Rosario. Going by tradition, a Secretary’s
first official travel outside the Philippines would be to a country with whom
we enjoy strong and peaceful relations. But only a few hours after taking his
oath as Foreign Affairs Secretary, Secretary del Rosario only took the time to
possibly pack a change of clothes before immediately flying to Libya. He went
through more than twenty checkpoints in the middle of crossfire and led the
evacuation of more than 20,000 Filipinos who were caught in the conflict in
Libya. You might also be surprised to hear the nationalities of the men and
women we also ended up evacuating. Truly, the Philippines is different today:
From a country that was always just the recipient of help, we have become a
country capable of providing help.
All
things considered, Secretary Albert could have said “no” to working in
government. He is a successful and respected businessman, and, certainly, he
would be much more comfortable living a private life. He had also already
served as ambassador to America. He could have become disillusioned after being
removed from his position, because he opposed the past administration’s
declaration of a State of Emergency back in 2006. But we asked him to return to
government, and he did. Now, he is contributing even more as Secretary. He is
ready to put himself in harm’s way, because he knows that no one else will save
Filipinos but fellow Filipinos. For continuing to stand up for our rights, I
salute you, Secretary Albert del Rosario.
We
also know that excellent public servants do not just transform a society; they
inspire. Millions of Filipinos grieved when Jesse Robredo passed. For almost
two decades, he served and led Naga with skill, compassion, and humility. These
principles of his are the exact reasons we borrowed him from Congresswoman Leni
and their three children, and from the Nagueños, so that he could become part
of our Cabinet. This is why one of the hardest things I ever had to do as
President was to deliver the news to Leni and their daughters, after the
tragedy.
Apart
from grieving, I could not avoid blaming myself for what happened to Jesse.
Maybe if I had not asked him to join my Cabinet, he would still be alive today.
Maybe if he had remained in Naga, he would still be with us. Maybe there would
still be a Jesse Robredo in public service today.
But
I also know that Jesse would not allow the transformation and righting of
society to end with him. Jesse and I were only given opportunities to serve the
country because of all of you. We cannot have just one face for transformation
and change. We should not have to wait another hundred years before the next
good citizen is born, before the next good Filipino rises to the occasion.
There
are those who always ask: What will happen in 2016? What will happen when you
step down? Will that be the end of good, honest governance? Will we have
reached the end of the straight and righteous path?
My
Bosses, let us remember: where did we begin? If you have doubts now, compare
them with the doubts we all carried in 2010. Were we not happy enough then just
to see the darkness end? Was it not enough for us to be able to replace those
in power?
Now,
we are experiencing change. Change that has sprung from the seeds of kindness,
solidarity, and good will; change that was brought about by the millions of
Filipinos who have, in their own ways, big and small, pitched in and
transformed the country.
And
just look at where working together as one people has brought us: Did anyone
imagine that peace would be within reach for a region that has, for the past 40
years, been torn apart by conflict? Who else could be responsible for this but
the Moros who laid down their arms and said: “Come. Let’s talk. I trust you.”
Who else but the common Filipino citizen who said: “Brother, we are all
Filipinos. Let us put an end to this conflict.”
When
the Pantawid Pamilya program was initially proposed, there were some who asked:
How could we possibly achieve the program’s desired effects; where are the
funds to cover all poor Filipinos? Did anyone imagine that in just three years,
we will have expanded the scope of our project to cover 4 million household
beneficiaries? And isn’t it they themselves who continue to help this program
succeed? Each mother who wakes up early to send her child off to school? Each
child that studies hard?
Did
anyone imagine that from importing millions of tons of rice, we would be 94
percent rice self-sufficient by the end of 2012? Did anyone imagine that a
country known as the “Sick Man of Asia” would, within three years of good
governance, reach investment-grade status? Who would have thought that all the
social interventions the government is providing right now would be doable
without raising taxes, apart from the Sin Tax? And did they not have a part in
this—each accountant, each doctor, each lawyer who now pays the right taxes?
Didn’t we all have a part in this?
Is
there any space left for doubt? Especially now that we are achieving things we
never thought we could achieve; especially now that we have made progress—that
our shared goals are within reach? My Bosses: Is this really the time for
doubt?
For
every Filipino who believes in the strength of small acts of kindness: You made
this transformation possible. This is your SONA.
For
every teacher who wakes at dawn just to teach children in far-flung areas: This
is your SONA. For every policeman who serves and asks for nothing in return:
This is your SONA.
For
every Filipino who, unhappy with the list of candidates in an election, chose
to knock on the doors of your neighbors to say: “We can’t be content. Let us
find a rightful leader together,” this is your SONA.
For
every student who strives to be aware of social issues, and does not just
complain on Facebook but actually proposes solutions: This is your SONA.
For
Brigadier General Ramon Mateo Dizon, the soon-to-retire head of the PSG, who
stood alongside me even in facing coups d’état during my mother’s term: Up
until my presidency, you have protected me, and my first and official family. I
am able to go to different countries and to far corners of the Philippines with
full confidence. Chito, you have done your part in changing our country. You
are truly loyal to your flag, to the Constitution, and to the Filipino people.
Of course, you could not have accomplished all this without your wife Jo-ann by
your side. This SONA is for both of you as well.
And
to all who roused their fellow citizens from apathy, those who challenged the
cynics in our midst, and those who made the stubborn see reason: This is your
SONA.
The
road ahead of us is long; and we never said it would be easy—or that we could
tread this path free of challenge. But I do not doubt our capacity to overcome
any obstacle. We did not achieve our current success by chance. Let us not
allow this transformation to be temporary; let us seize this opportunity to
make the change permanent.
This
is our fourth SONA. When I was a congressman, the people of Tarlac were my
strength. When I became a senator and until now, in my Presidency, the people
of our country have been there. Philippines, you are my strength. As we
continue doing our part—and as we continue placing faith in our fellowmen and
in God—I tell you: It will still be you who will make certain that what we have
begun here will continue; you will be the ones who will make sure that we will
completely eradicate corruption; you will be the ones who will make sure that
we will never again stray from the straight and righteous path.
Once,
I was told: “Noynoy, just begin the change.” So we did, and we can all see how
far we have come. Now, my countrymen, let us continue to stand arm-in-arm.
Together, let us foster, accelerate, and expand the transformation of society.
I am Noynoy Aquino, and I proudly say to the world: I am a Filipino. How
wonderful it is to be a Filipino in these times.
Thank
you.
No comments:
Post a Comment