He showed growth figures, and testimonials from individuals who had been aided by projects and programs that his administration had undertaken.
Critics raged that President Benigno S. Aquino attacked the previous administration of Gloria Arroyo-Macapagal again in showing his five-year administration accomplishments. But one has to compare in order to dramatically present the glowing differences.
Aquino won in his SONA 2015 ; his figures looked impressive. For instance in the education field, his administration wiped out classroom deficiencies almost 100%.
In all other areas, health, energy, road and infrastructures, flood control, local and foreign investments, figures spoke volumes and displayed the country's economic growth, the highest in 40-60 years.
Certain sectors and politicians, and even some people interviewed talked about the wealth of the nation not trickling down to the majority of the masses. Where do they base this assumption?
President Aquino mentioned a Gallup Poll taken just recently which said that the Filipinos are the most optimistic people in the world when asked " how do you feel about the prospect of finding a job?"
I feel that when people who say they belong to the poor class (C/D/E) are asked if they are better off with the Aquino administration, and when they reply that they do not feel the economic growth which the administration boasts of, that these people will say this line over and over no matter who the President of the Philippines will be. And why is that?
The people who are mostly being interviewed are pedicab drivers, jobless people, and those who refuse to work - individuals who do not take advantage of other job opportunities and who refuse to improve their education or experience.
Take for instance a pedicab driver. This guy would drive the pedicab and pay a boundary (fixed amount) to the owner of the vehicle, and pocket the remaining money. No matter who the President is, this pedicab driver would drive 8 - 10 hours a day, eat the same number of meals, and if he is married, feed the same number of children. The fare may increase from year to year, but boundary will also increase from year to year, and gasoline will increase or decrease, negating any fare increases. So basically, the pedicab driver will feel unchanged economically, unless he decides to seek another type of employment, save enough money to buy his own pedicab so he keeps all income to himself, or train for another job that will pay higher wages.
The maid who thinks working as a full-time maid (more in demand in the Philippiens) is demeaning and opts to be a stay-out-maid will soon find out that her salary is shrinking, no matter who the President is, because she gets to pay for house, utilities, and other bills that living out requires.
Those who engage in small businesses, (sari-sari store or convenience store, ambulant food operators, and other small scale business owners) when interviewed said they felt the improvement in their economic situation under the Aquino administration. This is believable because national economic growth spells growth in consumer demand, and all that domino effect comes into play.
Mr. Aquino mentioned about the rising car ownership in the Philippines, which I also noticed months and months ago; young people working in the BPO industry are the avid car buyers. In shopping malls across Metro Manila, one will see car sales almost every month. The down payments are affordable and so are the monthly amortizations; lending and financial institutions had been easing on their car loans.
Aquino's political opponents will deny to high heavens the accomplishments of his presidency; but growth, statistics
Mr. Aquino said it right, " the 2016 Presidential elections will be a referendum on his administration."
With people's confidence and optimism, I think Aquino's choice for President in 2016 will win.
