Reaction to President Rodrigo “rody” Duterte Sona

Reaction to President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte SONA

By: May Ann M. Villegas G21

"I will not waste time dwelling on past sins. Vindictiveness is not in my system" Rodrigo Roa Duterte, 16th President, Republic of the Philippines

        Last July 25, 2016, Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his first State of the Nation Address or commonly known as SONA in Batasan Pambansa in front of Law makers, guests and other government Officials. He’s on seat for 26 days when he delivered his first SONA. His speech lasted for one hour and thirty two minutes the longest first SONA ever delivered by a new president of the country.

        The president’s speech was sincere, entertaining and will awake the patriotism in us. He was clapped 67 times throughout the speech.  The whole speech can be summed up into three words “CHANGE IS COMING.”

        Hearing the president’s speech live I can’t help but clap. I can sense a positive vibe for the country for the next six years.

         President’s speech emphasized his campaign against drugs and he even stressed that he will stake his honor, life and position just to eradicate drugs. In his 26 days in service it was reported that there are 93,000 supposed drug addicts surrendered as of July 22, 2016 according to Duterte himself in his speech in Maguindanao, 702 anti-illegal drug operations were conducted from july1-20 2016 according to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. This proved how serious President Duterte’s campaign against drugs.

        He also made clear his program that will make government service better. He is very particular with the long lines in the government agencies. He wants the process to be faster to avoid long lines and not to cause discomfort to the citizens especially the poor. The Executive Department is launching its 8888 citizen hotline in August in order to give Filipinos a direct link to Malacanang Palace for complaint and concerns about government.

        He has unilaterally declared a ceasefire in the war with the CPP-NPA-NDF effective the day of the SONA. The President’s goal is for everyone to be united.