Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte held his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today since assuming office in 2016.
In true Duterte style, the president managed to threaten erring government agencies to shape up while giving a round-up of what his administration has achieved in the last year and what he hopes to accomplish in the next three years.
The president arrived at the Batasang Pambansa Complex about 55 minutes late and only started his speech at 5:15 instead of the planned 4pm. He started his SONA with the usual pleasantries, thanked his supporters for the landslide victory of administration candidates in the May mid-term elections, and bragged that he only has a three percent disapproval rating.
“I hope that the members of Congress, you are not included in that three percent,” he joked in a mix of English and Filipino.
Much like his other speeches, the one today was quite long and clocked in at about an hour and a half. For those who missed it — or did not have time to sit through the whole thing — here are some highlights.
Illegal drugs
Duterte, of course, jumped right into the topic of illegal drugs and how it continues to be a problem. He used this as a segue to ask Congress to bring back the death penalty, which he has been pushing for.
“I respectfully ask Congress to reinstate the death penalty for heinous crimes related to drugs as well as plunder. It is a sad commentary that we can’t distinguish our need from our greed, our principles from prejudices, the real from the fake, and the truth from lie,” he added.
Boracay rehab
Duterte also touted some of his administration’s achievements, including the controversial rehabilitation of Boracay which he called a success.
“I am proud to say that it has been restored close to its original pristine state. Boracay island is just a beginning,” he said.
This, even though the popular beach destination is still mostly under a state of repair that authorities say could last until 2021. The island also just recently became submerged in floodwaters.
His signature sexist remarks were also featured when he said that the women on the island can be a come-on for tourists.
“And the girls there, the foreigners, are waiting for you gentlemen to visit the place. They are all on the beach sunbathing.”
The West Philippine Sea
Duterte also spoke about the West Philippine Sea and said that his administration recognizes it as part of the country’s territory but wants to avoid conflict with China.
“If I send the Marines to drive away from the Chinese fishermen, I guarantee, none of them will come back alive. But let me assure you, the West Philippine Sea is ours, no ifs and buts. But we have to temper it with the reality we face today,” he said. “I will do it in a peaceful way, mindful of the fact that it is [our] national pride and territorial integrity at stake.”
Duterte also said that he will discuss the West Philippine Sea issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping before his term ends.
Duterte was the subject of criticism after he downplayed the West Philippine Sea incident that occurred last month, where a Filipino boat was slammed and sunk by a Chinese-owned vessel near Recto Bank (aka Reed Bank) in Palawan. Duterte called it a mere maritime incident that’s not worth declaring war over.
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ROTC
In his speech today, Duterte called for the return of a mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in senior high school.
“You know, if there’s a war, 10 out of 10 they (students) don’t know how to hold a gun. I think military training will be good for everybody.”
Slow government offices
He also slammed government agencies like the Land Transport Office (LTO), the Social Services System (SSS), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Land Registration Authority (LRA), and the Pag-Ibig Fund for being slow and told them to improve their services and cut down on red tape.
“Simplify. May I, are you here? Simplify. Just like the others, you can do it electronically. You don’t have to go to the office. I have been asking that from you since 3 years ago,” he said. “If you still fail to do it now, I will really kill you. I am really getting annoyed.”
The president also asked mayors to make it easy for businesses to complete all transactions like getting permits, which he said should be completed within 3 days.
At present, the search terms “SONA2019,” “State of the Nation Address,” and “President Duterte” are trending topics on Philippine Twitter.
Some netizens commented on the SONA’s late start.
“[F]ilipino time as always,” @imarvinajesta said, referring to how many Filipinos have the habit of arriving late at events.
filipino time as always #SONA2019
— arvin (@imarvinajesta) July 22, 2019
@nikkosugoi, on the other hand, created a list of the number of times Duterte mentioned some key terms, such as “shabu,” “China,” and “West Philippine Sea.”
Update 🙂 #SONA2019 pic.twitter.com/yqWB7syHsH
— 💣 (@nikkosugoi) July 22, 2019
Some people criticized Duterte’s West Philippine Sea stance.
Gideon Lasco (@gideonlasco) slammed Duterte for what he described as the president’s defeatist attitude towards China when the West Philippine Sea is concerned.
“Duterte doubles down on his surrender to China on the basis of the latter’s military might and the inevitability of war – never mind the fact that there has not been war between China and the much-more assertive Vietnam,” he wrote.
Defeatism is not good diplomacy. Duterte doubles down on his surrender to China on the basis of the latter’s military might and the inevitability of war – never mind the fact that there has not been war between China and the much-more assertive Vietnam. #SONA2019
— Gideon Lasco (@gideonlasco) July 22, 2019
“The fundamental flaw in Pres. Duterte’s policy on the West Phil Sea & China is his belief that ANY diplomatic/legal move to preserve our rights leads to war. Thus, his inaction & submissiveness. This is a policy unique to his administration and is not shared by any other nation,” wrote former solicitor general and senatorial candidate Pilo Hilbay.
The fundamental flaw in Pres. Duterte’s policy on the West Phil Sea & China is his belief that ANY diplomatic/legal move to preserve our rights leads to war. Thus, his inaction & submissiveness.
This is a policy unique to his administration and is not shared by any other nation.
— Pilo Hilbay (@fthilbay) July 22, 2019
Some netizens, however, commented on SONA attendees.
Journalism teacher Ivy Lisa Mendoza made fun of a Duterte supporter, named Gemma Santos, who wore a Filipiniana dress with Duterte’s faces printed all over it.
“Someone has won — for sucking up,” Mendoza wrote.
Also touching on today’s wardrobe choices was @paulcgalcantara, who wrote about Senator Imee Marcos’ gown.
“Gold on top, blood on the bottom. Perfect way to showcase a Marcos,” she said.
Gold on top, blood on the bottom. Perfect way to showcase a Marcos. #SONA2019 https://t.co/WA2yKXledn
— Paul 🤖 (@paulcgalcantara) July 22, 2019
@SuperficialGZT made fun of former presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Joseph Estrada, both of whom have been accused of corruption.
“Visitors to the Batasang Pambansa for the #SONA2019 were reminded to watch their cellphones, wallets, and other valuable items after two thieves, both former prisoners, were spotted in the area,” it said.
JUST IN: Visitors to the Batasang Pambansa for the #SONA2019 were reminded to watch their cellphones, wallets, and other valuable items after two thieves, both former prisoners, were spotted in the area.#SuperficialGazette #SONAoil2019 pic.twitter.com/IjOgiychI5
— Superficial Gazette 🇨🇳🇵🇭 (@SuperficialGZT) July 22, 2019
What are your thoughts about the president’s SONA? Tell us by leaving a comment below or tweeting to @CoconutsManila.
