𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩. 𝐑𝐚𝐥𝐩𝐡 𝐆. 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨
𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑

SONA is not just a throwback moment for the year gone by, but a battleplan on how we can fast-forward to what we hope to achieve.

It is not a mere replay of the past, but a preview of the future, setting a vision so compelling that it inspires and unites the entire nation to work hard for it.

The text of the SONA should be truthful because if not, the people will not be on the same page with the government in the critical days ahead.

It should give equal play to achievements – notable, negligible and neglected. The work in progress is more important than the finished business.

The SONA is not a Wikipedia of every solution to every problem we confront. 

But at the very least, it should satisfy the people on what will be done to things that matter to – and bother – them the most.

These are food on the table, jobs for the skilled, faster commute, streets for their children, care for the sick, comfort for the aged.

It is an opportunity for the President to present the architecture of Bagong Pilipinas where it is hoped that the full potential of the Filipino is harnessed, merit is given chance, and hard work rewarded.

I am not looking forward to spellbinding oratory tomorrow. I am interested about the marching orders.