President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III called for national unity to achieve his ambitious goals on poverty reduction and good governance in his frank and no-frills State-of-the-Nation Address (SoNA) on Monday afternoon.

In his address before the joint session of Congress, Aquino presented the problems facing the nation, including shaky public finances, and outlined his vision and plans on poverty reduction, good governance, job creation, education, health care, and judicial reform.

Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, a member of the Presidential Communications Group, dispelled speculations that the President’s SoNA was focused on “Gloria-bashing,” saying there is no attempt to put anyone in a bad light.

While the Chief Executive presented the difficult circumstances facing the nation, Coloma said the President sought the support and cooperation of the legislature, judiciary, and the rest of the public “so we have better hopes to attain our common goals.”

“Unity is one of the important things here because as we start this administration, it would be good to have people aligned with the President, behind with the new national leadership in pursuing national goals,” Coloma said.

President's SoNA focused on telling the truth and depict the “real” state of the nation.

All important aspects of government operations, Coloma said, are based on factual information duly checked by concerned Cabinet officials.

“It is the truth that will make our people aware of the magnitude of problems that we face. It is the truth that will make us aware of the resources available, that we can marshal for implementing the various reform programs of this new administration,” Coloma said.

The President also painted a scenario where people will see their role.

Among the urgent problems facing the Aquino leadership are the poverty, swollen budget deficit, power and water shortages, and peace and order problem in Mindanao.

See also President Aquino's SONA speech in English and Filipino.