MANILA, Philippines - The Senate minority on Monday expressed support for President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's State of the Nation Address (SONA) this year even while backing greater transparency in government.

In his speech, Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano cited Aquino as one of the stalwarts of the opposition that exposed anomalies in the past administration, adding he hoped the new President would be able to succeed in establishing good governance.

"When we were fighting against the excesses of the previous government symbolized by anomalous contracts that became its hallmark, kasama rin namin si Pangulong Aquino," he said in his supposed counter-SONA.

He said that while the opposition's means may differ, it's goal is similar to that of the administration, which is to have an honest and transparent government.

"That is the legitimate guarantee that our end goals are the same...Sa pagbabagong matagal ng pinagdadasal, sa pagbabagong inaasam-asam, Mr. President, SONA'y ikaw na nga," he concluded.

Constructive criticism

Cayetano said the new Senate minority will offer constructive criticism to the new administration by challenging it to continue to serve the mandate of the people.

Among the issues he suggested that Aquino prioritize are: lessen the drop-out rate among primary and high school students, increase employment, and ensure peace and order in conflict-riddled areas.

He challenged the new President to jumpstart his platform for good governance by certifying as urgent the Freedom of Information bill, which ensures full public disclosure of all government transactions involving public interest.

"We believe that the mechanisms for transparency and cccountability found in the Freedom of Information bill is the great equalizer, which will put a check on transactions and allow every citizen to be a watchdog or a graftbuster," he said.

Transparency in all agencies

He said that while awaiting for the law to be passed, Aquino could already issue an executive order that will ensure full transparency of transactions in all departments and branches of government.

He also noted that Aquino's exposé of the hefty bonuses of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) board of trustees should also be applied to other government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).

"Right now, ilantad na at ilabas ang sahod, bonuses at benepisyo ng bawat opisyal ng GOCCs. Have them submit it to the Palace, to the Senate and to the House of Representatives. Malaman na natin kung lahat ba ng GOCCs o iilan ang ganito ang patakaran," he said, adding that Malacañang should issue guidelines on government executives' pay and privileges.

The Senate minority leader said that while President Aquino is on the right path in moving the country forward, it may take some time before Filipinos can feel the effects.

Long awaited and hard fought

He also warned his former colleague against trusting the people around him too much.

Finally, Cayetano said Aquino should ensure that he is not disconnected with the realities faced by ordinary Filipinos every day.

"If the wang-wang is to be the gauge dahil nasapul at nakita ito ng ating Pangulo at naramdaman ang pulso ng ating kababayan, and then again unless the President of the Republic is constantly reminded of the realities of life, kailangan po naming ipaalala ito parati especially the reality of the lives of common folk that he may not have lived himself," he said.