IN his 98-minute speech on Monday, July 25, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte made his administration’s agenda clear in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the joint session of the 17th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City.
What was supposed to be a rehearsed 38-minute delivery in English, extended as Duterte opened his speech with informality at the outset. He congratulated fellow Mindanaoans, Senate President Koko Pimentel and Speaker of the House Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, for securing the top seats in Congress. This makes all three of the country’s top elected officials from Mindanao—a first in Philippine history.
“We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back. Finger-pointing is not the way. That is why I will not waste precious time dwelling on the sins of the past or blaming those who are perceived to be responsible for the mess that we are in and suffering from,” the President said as he proceeded with his SONA. Duterte vowed to “extract a lesson or two from its errors, we will not tarry because it is the present that we are concerned with and the future that we should be prepared for.”
Prior to his first SONA, Duterte was already facing political roadblocks and jeers from his critics following a recent spate of killings in relation to his government’s anti-drug campaign.
“During my inauguration last June 30, 2016, I said that the fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained,” Duterte reiterated. “We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier and the last pusher have surrendered or are put, either behind bars or below the ground, if they so wish.”
The President also promised a “a human approach to development and governance” to improve the “people’s welfare in the areas of health, education, adequate food and water, housing, environmental preservation, and respect for culture.”
Duterte then proceeded to deliver a detailed report on how intends to deliver the change he has promised, a positive transformation for the country within his administration. He also gave a stern warning to intransigent government officials and erring agencies to not hamper his goal of an inclusive growth: until his regime is over, more heads will roll and will be held accountable.
The President has prepared the groundwork. But, there is more to be done. The lasting solution for this country’s problems must come from within. From an individual’s sense of responsibility, each family’s structure, and the community’s sense of togetherness.
“While the government is always ready to help you, you must first help yourself. We cannot legislate financial and economic progress for you. It is you and you alone who can do that. You can chart your fate, but do it within constitutional and legal means,” Duterte said.
“We are imbued with resiliency that has been tested and proven. More difficult times As in the past. We have a bond to act together. We have to help each other. For then and only then can we truly prevail. And the Filipino, disciplined, informed, involved, shall rise from the rubbles of sorrow and pain. So that all the mirrors in the world will reflect the face of a passion that has changed this land,” Duterte said as he ended his speech.
In the past administrations, Filipinos were generally disappointed when most promises comprised in the past leaders’ SONA, never saw the light. But in the current government assessment, the nation achieved within the first month: intensified anti-drug campaign, reforms in budget processes, reduced prospects for corruption, increased public vigilance to daunt and defy commission of graft, and improved meritocracy in the public service.
By utilizing this opportunity to speak to the nation and the world, Duterte has captured the real essence of SONA. He was able to go beyond political party divides by highlighting predicaments challenging the country, and instigating policy initiatives to tackle such challenges.
With six years still ahead for Duterte’s presidency, more tangible and reliable results of his leadership are yet to be seen. (AJPress)
