The State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered last Monday, July 28, drew mixed reviews from the business and industry community, with some hailing it as satisfying and “inspired” and others expressing disappointment over what it failed to say.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Alfredo Yao expressed satisfaction with the President’s commitment to continue reforms and to programs ensuring economic development.
Yao also supported the President’s call for Congress to pass a supplemental budget to continue programs and projects that will benefit the people.
Philippine Exporters Association (PhilExport) president Sergio Ortiz-Luis said that the SONA was well-prepared, inspiring and emotional but failed to address the pressing problems of the business community.
He said he had hoped to hear more concrete solutions to the power crisis, a clearer private partnership program and the port congestion. He conceded, however, that the speech covered many points, especially the gains and achievements of the past year.
Manila Business Club (MBC) executive director Peter Perfecto observed that President Aquino gave the people a full account of what have been accomplished amid allegations that some promises have not been kept.
The SONA “gives us all hope that the reforms will continue, that good governance will continue and that inclusive growth will continue to be pursued,” he added.
American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (Amcham) senior adviser John D. Forbes said the SONA described specific project and program accomplishments and only a handful of legislative proposals.
“We expect his reforms to continue until his last month in office. The 3.5 per cent of GDP level spending on infrastructure is a good move toward the 5 per cent target by 2016.”
He commented, however, that there was not enough discussion on the power situation and that “he could have listed more bills he intends to prioritize.”
For his part, Employers Conferation (Ecop) president Edgardo Lacson thought that the President was able to deliver his message clearly.
“The central message is his continuing commitment to better the lives of Filipinos as he seeks a higher national budget for 2015. This time he hinted that he will henceforth observe budgetary procedures as he seeks Congress approval for supplementary budget,” Lacson added.