No one will argue that there was no curruption in the former governance of the Philippines and it's likely the new administration can not locate and dispose all of it - especially as the unites have different autonomy and public officals different class and income (how to stop a small offical from seeking bribes just to finance the education of his children or similar). But at least they address this problem (ok, it was already one of his big points in the election campaign). Reduce bureaucracy is interconnected to that.
In addition, it will be hard to find reliable, quick and efficent working private partners for infrastructure, tourism, education e.g. for almost every branch.
It's worthily that he adresses education, health and social help as well as the attitude of everyone wanting to change, to be righteous and altruistic, especially the one who have status and wealth already. Here he appeals to the media for throrough research and promised to guard them and their voice or at least investigate the killings of media people (which increased under the former government and was often connected with a view against the former gorvernment or allies of the former government 2 3 and negligent laws). Next to the welfare of the people this is a very important point for me, where in Germany the media has and (mis-)uses a lot of power, upright or investigative journalism (as well as pacifists and similar) seems to be lethal. Most of the
Sure he states, what was achieved already or what the last government has done wrong (finding documents about corruption in companies connected to the government, wasted money, investigate extra-judical killings, provide assistence after the typhoon more quickly than expected).
In the end you have to be aware, that on the one hand the pledges of such a speech always refers to the ideal future and may fail, but on the other hand the president has to state them in order to build up his path and as to address every topic that's connected to the well-being of the people or the interest of the lobbies. (I agree to Paul Eckman when he's saying such statements are not a lie, as long as the politician means it and as people anticipate exaggeration with politicians.)
Let's see what happens to this promises. But - as the election showed - at least better be idealistic and fail than never try.
Here is the English Translation from ABS-CBN News and the original Tagalog transcript from GMA.And this is where you can watch, listen to the full coverage by SunStar (the speech starting after 15 minutes). This one is in better quality but only the speech Part 1 and Part 2 by GMA.
In contrast you can download last years SONA 2009 deliverd by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, which is even read more catching and personal, I have to admit. But you can try to figure out what sounds good and what crumbles when Noynoys statements are right.
Twitter here and there gives a glimpse of how others received it.
And in this context maybe it's interesting: Here is the history and text of the National Anthem.
