Pres. GMA vows no extension of term and no martial law in her last State-of the Nation Address (SoNA).

Good assurances for national stability — and personal peace.

***

Saying the nation enjoys a “strong economy” the president also recites a list of her achievements on infrastructure, national security, education and social services in the last eight years despite economical challenges and political intrigues.

Her SoNA was also a SoNAta of Love for her presidency.

***

But many senators criticize the President for painting a picture of a prosperous Philippines, which they say is far from reality.

Translation: A fairytale from yonder.

***

Senators Loren Legarda and Chiz Escudero say PGMA’s speech contradicted the reality that corruption cost the country up to trillions in lost funds, millions of Filipinos are still poor, going hungry and leaving in droves to seek better opportunities abroad.

Just like singing an old ,hurting song: Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie.

***

Loren adds that the President’s SoNA “continued to be a hit-and-miss affair”.

But Madam, wasn’t the Powerpoint presentation superb?

***

Speaker Prospero Nograles, a known ally of PGMA, however says that the SoNA was “tough but accurate and full of substance.”

Whisper: Speak well of me till the end, my comrade, and nobody will grab thy golden chair…

***

But as the President reports on poverty alleviation, the Social Weather Station (SWS) releases survey saying that the number of Filipino families experiencing hunger increased to 3.7 million households from 2.9 million families, or by 20 percent, in the past three months.

Survey says Silang Walang Subo (SWS) increasing, tsk-tsk.

***

The President, however, bares several more bills that she wants passed before her term ends in 2010.

“Three is much more to do to the very last day,” she stresses.

***

PGMA says poverty alleviation measures would include the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) for five years and a R1-billion budget for fisherfolk..

Alay sa mahal kong Tatay: Those who have less in life should have more in Glo.

***

The President also calls for new “sin taxes” to boost government’s capacity to reduce poverty and pursue growth.

Sorry, smokers and alcoholics. Here comes price hikes!