Aquino in ‘high spirits’ before 5th SONA

MANILA, Philippines – A day before President Benigno Aquino III faces Filipinos for his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA), Malacañang said the President is unfazed by the recent political controversies rocking his administration.

In a press briefing on Sunday, July 27, Palace Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said the President is in “high spirits” as he prepares to report on the government’s achievements and efforts to fulfill its “social contract” with the Filipino people. 

His address, which will be broadcast nationwide on Monday, July 28, comes after the controversy over the government’s Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), Aquino’s combative stance against the Supreme Court ruling on the DAP, and impeachment complaints filed against him 

Despite a drop in Aquino’s public approval ratings – the lowest since he assumed the presidency in 2010 – Coloma said the President is committed to pursue reforms.

“The President is determined to implement his programs. His commitment to deliver reforms to his bosses, to fulfill the priority initiatives of the Philippine Development Plan has not wavered. He continues to remind his Cabinet members of their assignments,” Coloma added.

Coloma also said the President’s speech will come with a technical report, a comprehensive report detailing the programs and accomplishments of different government agencies and departments.

The SONA technical report will be uploaded on the Official Gazette after the President’s speech.

Describing the SONA as the government’s grading period, Coloma said a “report card,” which shows the administration’s progress on the programs of the Philippine Development Plan, is available on the website of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB)

Coloma said the highlights include the government’s gains on improving the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), the lowering of fiscal deficit, and job creation.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to deploy 10,000 personnel to provide security for the SONA. – Rappler.com