Archbishop Cruz to Arroyo: Tell real state of the nation

Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan Oscar Cruz called on President Arroyo yesterday to "tell the truth" when she delivers her State of the Nation Address before a joint session of Congress today.

"The precarious situation of the country makes mandatory the telling of truth, the presentation of reality," he said.

"This is the imperative of reason. The demand of sanity. These are the best times for sincerity, the worst time for dishonesty. There can be one and only true state of the nation. Any other should be but all falsehood or half-truths. An either is a marked disservice to the people."

Cruz said Mrs. Arroyo must tell the nation about the setbacks and defeats of her administration, not just wallow in its accomplishments and triumphs.

"Even for once, it would be refreshing to listen to a State of the Nation Address that contains both lights and shadows," he said.

"Plus signs as well as minus factors. It would be both enlightening and encouraging if the President would this time tell the people the state of the nation as it is —in terms of her victories as well as defeats."

Cruz said Mrs. Arroyo must avoid making motherhood statements and empty promises at this time of political and social unrest.

"During these times of deep political divisions, grave economic difficulties and serious social unrest, there is no more room for big empty promises, devious maneuverings, motherhood statements, dead and dry statistics, unrealistic projection," he said.

"There had been one too many promising State of the Nation Addresses. And yet, they are presently too many depressing features in the country. It is time to be told in reality and truth what the state of the nation is — for a change."

Cruz said it would be better for Mrs. Arroyo to resolve the nation’s problems, particularly those facing the poor like lack of employment opportunities. — With Eva Visperas