BY PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA – A day before President Benigno Aquino III delivers fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Malacañang was still mum on what he would tell the nation.
But Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Aquino may mention the “pork” cases.
Speaking in general terms, Valte said key issues like corruption has always been in the administration’s radar.
“We really want the President to be the one to deliver it in full and for it to receive the impact that it will achieve,” she said.
Valte also said she cannot say how many pages the SONA is, or how long will the President deliver it.
She, however, said that as of Saturday, the President was still working with his speechwriters, the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Office of the Executive Secretary and the Presidential Management Staff.
Meanwhile, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III urged President Aquino to refrain from criticizing the Supreme Court in his SONA today.
The high court declared unconstitutional Aquino’s Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) early this month.
The President would do well to instead outline his plans for his remaining two years in office, Pimentel suggested.
Some lawmakers urged the President to discuss the filing of plunder cases against those involved in the “pork” scam.
“The arrest of and detention of powerful legislators is a necessary consequence of the transparency and anti-corruption efforts of the Aquino administration,” said Rep. Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City.
Calling the prosecution of those allegedly involved in the scam an “achievement”, Treñas told Panay News it also shows the Aquino government’s seriousness in making institutional reforms.
The investigation and prosecution of high profile individuals accused in the pork barrel scam has never happened in the country’s history, the congressman pointed out./PN
