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FOP July 2010

Dear FOP Readers, On July 26, a nation awaits the address of its new leader.  It might have been understandable for many of us that the inaugural speech was merely a montage of issues that the new government would prioritize and promises to keep that were anchored on the anti-corruption, anti- poverty campaign advocacy “Kung walang korap, walang mahirap”.  The crowd applauded to the speech spoken mostly in Filipino that tugged at the people’s hearts.   But the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the first one for President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, is much anticipated for the vision to which the new president can rally the people and the legislature; for the policies and programs he will spell out that may spell a genuine and radical difference for this country. The past presidents had made a big show of the SONA—President Fidel Ramos had Mang Pandoy to symbolize Ramos’ vision of economic progress and President GMA had her “bangkang papel” (paper boat) boys from the urban poor community in Payatas. President Noynoy Aquino may not need such symbols—‘props’ would probably be the more appropriate term.  What is important is for the hope he had inspired to be finally anchored on substantial policy articulations and clearly outlined programs. In this July issue, FOP News Analysis and Features tackles the areas/sectors that had lagged behind in terms of much needed transformation; where a strong political will engendering profound change is needed: education, agrarian reform, conflict in Mindanao and freedom of information. Like the rest of the nation that will be glued on television and radios, we are hoping these issues will be addressed on July 26. Sincerely, Editor News Analysis Agrarian Reform Agenda: Uncertain under P-Noy’s Administration? By Carmina Flores-Obanil and Mary Ann Manahan Confronting Education Woes: Less Politics, More Resource Management Favoring the Poor By Clarissa V. Militante The Limits of Illiberal Colonialism By Herbert Docena What’s at Stake in the President’s Anti-Corruption Crusade? By Herbert Docena Freedom of Information Advocates Appeal to P-Noy By Right to Know Right Now Coalition Feature Story Book Review: To Move Forward: Confront Legacy of Damaged Institutions; Solve Flaws in Systems & Policies

 

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