MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE 2) President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III bared in his first State of the Nation Address a series of irregularities allegedly committed by the past administration.
In his speech, Aquino disclosed that millions of pesos went to the pockets of board of trustees of the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System (MWSS) for their salaries, allowances and benefits and billions of pesos wasted by the National Food Authority.
Aquino also bared that of the P108-million calamity fund for Pampanga, the province of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, P105 million went to only one district.
“Of the whole P108 million for the province of Pampanga, P105 million went to only one district while in the province of Pangasinan that was ravaged by Pepeng, only P5 million was given and it was even for typhoon Cosme that hit the province in 2009,” Aquino said in Filipino.
“The funds for Pampanga were given on election month, seven months after Ondoy and Pepeng. What if there is a typhoon tomorrow?” Aquino asked.
Aquino arrived at the Batasan complex at 3:46 p.m., in time for the session at 4 p.m., on board his black Mercedes Benz with plate number 1. He did not use his sirens when his convoy left his family home in Quezon City.
The President went directly to the holding area in the House upon his arrival. He was joined there by newly elected Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte.
Aquino’s sisters – Viel, Pinky, and Ballsy – arrived at the House ahead of the President.
The session hall is packed with lawmakers and guests including politicians, members of the diplomatic community and friends and families of officials.
Ito patikim pa lang ng mga katiwalian, ng nakaraang administration gloria arroyo e makapal apog... he' he'
