Bare words

Every third Monday of July is always special for the Philippines, as it is the time when the president joins the Senate and the House for a joint session. It is in this special time that he delivers his speech that happens once a year: the State of the Nation Address. Just like its title, it is expected to explain to us what has happened in the country in the past year and the direction it is heading toward in the next. Many eagerly wait for this special speech, as it sets the tone for the next months.

However, this year felt like bare words coming out from the president's mouth as he left a few sectors and priorities out of the speech. For instance, there was no mention of the increase of wages for workers across all sectors. Except for teachers, who will be paid for their overload and overtime, others were left in the cold. The latter does not even need to be mentioned, as it is their obligation to compensate workers of any profession for their jobs done.

Cebu, which is a powerhouse province, was also out of the picture. Previous presidents almost always laid down their initial plans for Cebu and its major cities. Aside from being vote-rich, it is also a driving force in the economy, being the center in Visayas and a nearer gateway to Mindanao. Unfortunately, this year it only became part of existing programs such as the ?20 per kilo for rice, car-free Sundays, and the free transport dubbed as the "love bus”. It seemed like a missed opportunity.

There could be many reasons why there seems to be a lack of depth for this year's SONA. The political powerplay between the opposing ruling families could have contributed, as well as the current officials who are holding seats after the May elections. We can put it that way or look at it through the lens of misappropriations. The Philippines is having a hard time trying to piece out what the president wants and if that also includes alleviating the lives of the Filipinos.

While we understand that it is difficult to pour a year's worth of work into a speech, good rhetoric would allow for the audience to trust the speaker. As of this time, it is too fluid to say if the Filipino people still believe in the leadership of the president or that they are awaiting the 2028 elections. Even that, which is about three years away, is already starting to take shape. Politics is indeed a game of chess.

Then again, whether or not we are in the eyes of the country's topmost official, we continue to be Cebu. We are a different entity by ourselves. Cebu can always pave the way and create waves despite being outside the capital. We are no different from them; at times, we are even better. May those bare words bear meaning to some, just enough to spark hope once again.