Is PGMA serious in not extending her term?

Is PGMA serious in not extending her term?

These are only one of the questions raised from the minds of Davao del Sur folks after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, delivered her ‘State of the Nation Address’ (SONA) in the joint session of Congress and Senate on July 27.

Arroyo in her speech throws challenging words to all her critics especially those who cast stones on her.

“To those who want to be president, this advice: If you really want something done, just do it, do it hard, do it well, don’t pussy-foot, and don’t say bad words in public,” she said.

“I never declared martial law, I will defend democracy. I never expressed the desire to extend myself beyond my term,” this line of the President now becomes the talk of the town, as many people are not convinced that an election will be held next year.

Some of the people here, like Belen Mancera, a rice trader, said she did not felt that the economic growth was established in the country.

She said rice becomes an unaffordable even if the government had supplied more rice sacks through the National Food Authority.

Telma Amor is also commenting PGMA’s word “We created 8 million jobs” because according to her, she was now tired of hunting jobs from everywhere.

“I think only those who were back-up by prominent people were hired and find a stable job,” Amor said.

Some politicians in the province admitted they missed the SONA, while they were too busy in attending the needs of their local constituents.

Governor Douglas Cagas explained he missed the SONA due to his visit in Barangay Kasuga, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur.

“I missed SONA because I am with the people there,” he said adding that he was convinced the President will extend position beyond her term.

Even the town mayor and vice mayor Jess Lumanog and Arthur Davin of Magsaysay town, said they did not heard what PGMA’s message, like Cagas they were also attending another business.

But In Digos City, Vice Mayor Joseph Peńas, said he was not satisfied with what Arroyo has saying.

"Lahat promises (all is promises. No new things na nabago, I felt Filipinos in general is not satisfied," Peńas said.

Like other officials Malita Mayor Benjamen Bautista and Bansalan Mayor Edwin Reyes also admitted they have not seen the last SONA of the President for different reasons but they did not elaborate.

Majority of the folks in the province said they really believed all the contents in PGMA’s report to the nation if the 2010 election comes.