SONA 2006

SHE VOWED NOT TO TALK about politics but her State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday amounted to what could be a payback for her political supporters --from generals and lawmakers to Church officials and especially local executives -- as she outlined a program creating economic “super regions” to spur development.

In her “feel-good” address, a confident President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she would relinquish the presidency “after three years, eleven months and six days with much, if not all, that I have outlined completed.”

She said the real challenge was not to blame but to fix what was wrong in the country and the economy.

Two years after embarking on a fiscal reform program, the government now has the money to address social inequity and economic disparity, stamp out terrorism, fight corruption, and undertake constitutional and electoral reforms, the President said.

“Finally, we have the funds not only to pay interest but to spend for education, better roads and bridges, provide good health services, and create more jobs in the country,” she said.

Ms Arroyo said she was ready to embark on a gargantuan capital investment program for the government after putting in place fiscal reforms two years ago and focusing on providing better social services since last year.(read more....)

Read full text of 2006 State of the Nation Address