President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in the 2009 State of the Nation Address (SONA full text) delivered before the Congress on 27 July 2009, mentioned certain "facts" relating to the Philippine economy. Here are some of the assertions in PGMA's 2009 SONA:

* In 2008 up to the first quarter of 2009 we stood among only a few economies in Asia-Pacific that did not shrink. Compare this to 2001, when some of my current critics were driven out by people power. Asia was surging but our country was on the brink of bankruptcy.

* Since then, our economy posted uninterrupted growth for 33 quarters; more than doubled its size from $76 billion to $186 billion. The average GDP growth from 2001 to the first quarter of 2009 is the highest in 43 years.

* We have a strong economy and a strong fiscal position to withstand global shocks.

* We built new modern infrastructure and completed unfinished ones.

* Our economic plan centers on putting people first. . .The economy is more fair to the poor than ever before.

* We are building a sound base for the next generation.

Let's have a poll -- Are you convinced with the economy-related statements in the 2009 SONA of the President? The poll is found at the left side of this site. Update/Results: The poll ran from 28 July 2009 to 28 August 2009, with the following results:

No (not convinced): 68.9% (126 votes)
Yes (convinced): 22.4% (41 votes)
Don't care: 8.7% (16 votes)

Now, some say that the statements of the President are fairly accurate (other than the statement about the economy being more fair to the poor). Others say that these claims come straight from Wonderland. But that's what they say. This time, let's hear what YOU have to say. Comments are welcome below.