SAN PABLO City, July 26, 2011?A Laguna priest said President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) is only “good in form but no substance,” but expressed pleasure that he did not push the issue on RH Bill and Divorce Law as priority matters in Congress.
Fr. Jerry Oblepias of San Pablo City said there is nothing new that PNoy mentioned in the SONA. “Puro (all) accomplishments yet he never mentioned the true state of our nation kung ano ba ang kinakaharap natin (what state are we really facing).”
However, the priest, who is the Director of the Diocesan Family and Life Ministry, said he was pleased that the issue on Reproductive Health (RH) Bill was not pushed. This would signal that the bill may no longer be priority matter of the Aquino administration.
He also commented on PNoy’s special mention of Cardinal Rosales and Cebu Archbishop and incoming CBCP President Jose Palma as kind of expressing reconciliation with the Church Hierarchy. “I guess that was his intention, to appear good and clean to the Church.”
Meanwhile, a professor in Sta. Cruz town has observed that the SONA was generally good but he observed some inconsistencies in some of PNoy’s statements.
Professor Richard Ampo said in a text message that the SONA was clear on the accomplishments and plans of the government but he felt that the president is keeping plenty of hatred inside his heart.
“He said, we will end the culture of negativism but he kept on saying bad things against his enemies. Is this not negativism?” Ampo said.
Ampo expressed displeasure that the president boasted on his housing projects for the AFP, the PNP, BFP, BJMP but there was no mention about land reform particularly on the issue on Hacienda Luisita.
Fr. Raul Matienzo of Calamba City parish re-echoed Ampo’s observation. “I did not hear any mention about Hacienda Luisita,” and about land reform. But he was pleased that PNoy did not push the RH Bill.
Matienzo however, praised PNoy for his consistent campaign against the “Wang-wang” mentality of some Filipino motorists. “I hope this will be totally eradicated.” (Fr. Romy Ponte)
