MANILA, July 28, 2010—Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo believed that the assurance of Philhealth coverage for all Filipinos made by President Benigno Aquino III during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday is doable.

“What made me feel better is the Philhealth coverage and I think it is doable,” the prelate said.

Pabillo said that Aquino should first identify the five million poorest people in the country and provide them the Philhealth coverage for their health needs.

He also added that the administration should give attention to this project for the welfare of the Filipino people.

“Sana pansinin yan para maramdaman ng mga tao na may nangyayari para sa kanila,” Pabillo said.

The bishop, meanwhile, said that in the long run, people will definitely look into the outcome of his speech in terms of benefits; job creation; medicine, and such.

“Kasi itong rhetoric na ito na sinasabi eh in the long run, ang makikita dyan ay kung anong nakukuha namin dyan tulad ng benepisyo; pagkain; trabaho; gamot,” he revealed.

However, Pabillo said Aquino has failed to present his plans on the Freedom of Information (FOI).

“Sana ang inaasahan ko rin sa kanya ay ang mga bills na kanyang isusulong tulad ng FOI o Freedom of Information. Kaya nga maraming tinatago na mga anomalya kasi hindi alam ng bayan. Sana dinikit na rin yan sa freedom of information,” he said.

The prelate also expected Aquino to discuss not only the creation of jobs but creation of permanent jobs.

He also hoped that the Truth Commission may be true to its goals and actions. (Kate Laceda)