Several Cebu business leaders were impressed with the President’s address to the nation.
Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ma. Teresa Chan rated the President’s speech with an eight out of 10, saying the President’s honesty has proven effective and has benefited the country so much.
Chan said she was moved to tears by the President’s speech: “We need an honest government. A government for the people, by the people. That’s exactly what he was able to deliver.”
“The most important achievement was the restoration of public trust. What we need from him for the next two years is to implement the projects they have set,” she said.
Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry immediate past president Philip N. Tan said he was unable to watch the SONA but still said that the President’s achievements are good enough.
“Setting aside political issues and focusing on the results. His achievements are okay, not that great but at least we’re not deteriorating. In fact, we’re still experiencing a momentum and we in the business sector are very happy with that already,” said Tan.
Tourism leader Jay Aldeguer, CEO of Islands Souvenir the President covered the important points.
“There were two basic points, the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) projects and the Yolanda rehabilitation programs. I think the people are just getting impatient because implementation has taken longer than expected,” said Aldeguer.
Aldeguer said the biggest setback of the President’s SONA is his report on the government’s post Yolanda efforts which he said were indeciscive and not comprehensive. “Because of that, my rating for the SONA is only 7.5,” he said.
MCCI president Jerry Roa said the President was focused.
“His message was actually simple – that his administration has a program for reform and transformation. And that’s where it is focused. So expect more changes in systems where everyone can benefit – this one’s important and which we will be looking out for,” said Roa.
CCCI past president and Cebu Bankers Club director Prudencio Gesta said the SONA failed to mention more directions ahead. “He has reported in length the summary of his accomplishments but President Aquino has notdiscussed well the economic plans for the next remaining years, about labor and pending FOI bill and other priority issues.”
“He should have more categorical plans about what to do for the remaining years of his terms.He focused more on the big infrastructure projects in Metro Manila and Central Luzon. Visayas and Mindanao areas were not given a proportionate share of big projects to improve its local economy,” he said.
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