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PacNet #40 – End of the Honeymoon?

The last week in August showcased the challenges facing the Philippines’ new administration.  President Benigno S. “Noynoy” Aquino III, right on the schedule he promised in his July 26 State of the Nation Address (SONA), submitted his proposed 2011 budget to the Philippine Congress.  This operationalization of the vision laid out in the SONA and his June 30 Inaugural was, however, totally overshadowed by the horrific hostage incident where eight tourists from Hong Kong were slain after a rogue policeman commandeered their bus.  Immediately, the damage done to the Philippines’ international image jumped to the top of the list of challenges faced by the new administration.