In his Analysis column, titled “Sona: Aquino hostage to trickle-down effect” (Opinion, 7/26/13), Amando Doronila commented on my statements on the State of the Nation Address (Sona) thus: “MAP [Management Association of the Philippines] president Melito Salazar was more scathing. He said the Sona was an ‘exhausting speech.’ I am not sure what he meant. Maybe he made a slip of the tongue and might have meant an exhaustive scope of the President’s inventory of his achievements. Salazar explained derisively that the ‘message was loud and clear—gains (were) made because of good governance, less of good performance’ in economic management.”
In his usual and continuing attempt to paint the Aquino administration in a bad light, Doronila selectively quoted from my texted statement to the reporters and even depicted my statements as scathing and derisive. Reading my full statement, one can immediately see how far from the truth Doronila’s interpretation is.
My statement: “It was an exhausting and exhaustive speech. But the message was loud and clear—gains made because of good performance; less than good performance means departure of officials concerned; determination to demand better performance or else; infrastructure improved and more for the future.
Would have wanted the president to identify areas where the public could do their share. A call for national discipline and following rules and regulations especially traffic rules would have been good. I believe (President Aquino) sounded the need for faster and better results knowing the few remaining years in office. Overall, I am satisfied with the speech. I just hope the rest of the government, especially the judiciary and legislature, follow his lead. Would have also wanted him to prod other branches—judiciary and legislature to do their share—good governance.
Also good he mentioned amendments on Cabotage Law and fiscal incentives but would have wanted him to also push for the other legislation sent to him by the business groups.”
—MELITO SALAZAR JR.
president, Management Association of the Philippines