Yesterday, June 22, President Benigno
Simeon Aquino III faced the Congress and gave his personal report to his boss regarding the achievements of his
administration and what bills would he need in order to continue the march
towards progressive reforms and what he argues for “inclusive economic growth.”
The Student Council Alliance of the
Philippines acknowledges the vision of the Aquino Administration towards
innovative service and transformative politics. This vision enabled the
Philippines to march forward in terms of economic growth with a 7.8% increase
of the GDP during the first quarter of 2013. Also, the Alliance acknowledges
the Aquino Administration’s action towards battling corruption within the
bureaucracy and of the other branches of government. We admire his stronger
call, within the halls of Batasang Pambansa, for every Filipino to take part
with the daang matuwid and engage with the political
transformation within the system.
It is disappointing, however, that the
Administration did not mention anything about the youth sector and how would
they engage them into progressive change as mandated by the 1987 Constitution
which acknowledges the role of the youth sector towards nation-building.
Even with this fabric of achievements,
there are more things to be done. The Alliance firmly believes that our
economic progress should be inclusive, meaning that it will be felt by all
sectors of society regardless of economic well-being. We challenge the Aquino
Administration to implement progressive policies towards inclusive economic
growth.
Another challenge would be the passing of
progressive legislative reforms such as the People’s FOI Bill (using indirect
initiative), National Land Use Bill, Anti-Discrimination Bill, the Students’
Rights and Welfare Bill and other progressive policies that can empower every
sector within the society especially the youth.
This day marks the start of the midterm
period of the Aquino Administration. The Alliance affirms its challenge to
include the youth within the progressive agenda of the current administration.
It is high time for the 16th Congress to also provide an avenue for
the youth to participate within the halls of government.
Our government is not just a government of
the few, we are within a political system of which every voice is acknowledged
and heard towards social progress within the Philippines, therefore this the
government of all people. This is what believe is democracy, a system of
political engagement towards nation-building of all sectors including the
youth.
