A Glimpse of the SONA of President Rodrigo R. Duterte

By Teri Dalman, Intern for Media & Communication, MSU Marawi City

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

Manila - President Rodrigo Duterte has successfully delivered his first State of the Nation Address last July 25, 2016 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. The president’s speech ran at round 1 hour and 30 minutes long thus highlighted the different issues occurring on the environment, climate change, traffic and transportation, peace talks, the territorial dispute and its relentless  fight on drugs and war.

In the onset of his speech, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte acknowledged the presence of the different governing bodies; Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, members of the Senate, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and the members of the House of Representatives, Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, President Fidel V. Ramos, President Joseph Estrada, President Arroyo, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, and justices of Supreme Court, His Excellency Papal Nuncio and members of the diplomatic corps. Along with it would be the Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the members of the Cabinet, His fellow workers in government and countrymen.

“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” Pres. Duterte started his message.

The speech highlighted through an exemplary explanation on the importance of eliminating the blaming of the failures that the government has experienced in the past under the different system. With these mistakes encountered would be the lessons learned and the present system is primarily concerning with and preparing for the different possibilities enticed in the future.

On his speech, the President mentioned the different concerns and thus included the facts, figure, plans, programs, and solution that are travelling along the way. Given are the important matters that are highlighted on his speech,

Pres. Duterte assured to the religious bishops, leaders, priests, pastors, preachers, imams that while he is a stickler for the principle of separation between churches and state, he strongly believes that there should never be a separation between God and State.

The fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained which he had highlighted during his inauguration last June 30, 2016. Through calling the attention of the Philippine National Police, the barangay chairmen, the Mayors, and Governors and all those occupying seats of power and authority, not to lower their guard and if possible to double or even triple their efforts until the last drug Lord, the last financier, and the last pusher have surrendered or put behind bars or below the ground. 

He ordered the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to hasten the conduct of investigation and adjudication of administrative cases against police officers involved in criminal activities and illegal activities and prescribed policies on lifestyle checks for PNP members.

The DILG is also directed to strictly monitor how LGUs perform their supervision functions of the police and those found not performing will be sanctioned including the loss of police deputation from the NAPOLCOM. Thus, the president warned not to do drugs for they will be the solution to the drug crisis that has engulfed the nation. The Inter-Agency Committee on Illegal Drugs that will integrate efforts and strengthen the partnership of all stakeholders will be created.

The reservists will be mobilized for information campaign against drug use and the dissemination of information regarding drug rehabilitation programs being offered by the government along with it would be the strengthening of the ROTC Program to instill love of country and good citizenship.

The rehabilitation of drug users will be prioritized through increasing the number of residential treatment and rehabilitation facilities in all regions of the country which will be spearheaded by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will facilitate the preparation for the use of military camps and facilities for drug rehabilitation.

The administration will pursue the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable and social justice, even as the rule of law shall at all times prevail. The State shall be sensitive to the obligations to promote, and protect, fulfill the human rights of the citizens, especially Human rights must work to uplift human dignity and not merely used as a shield or an excuse to destroy the country.

The full force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be applied to crush the criminals who operate under the guise of religious fervor and will enhance its capability to search and engage these rogues and lawless elements  in response to the existence of the continuing confrontation with the internal security threats aggravated by the existence and activities of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.

Strengthening the countries coordination with Indonesia and Malaysia to suppress the kidnappings in the waters of the neighboring countries including the amending of the various laws on human terrorism, terrorism financing and cybercrime through strengthening the counter- terrorism programs.

Addressing global warming shall all will be the top priority, but upon a fair and equitable equation and not stymie the industrialization, this is  in response to the challenges of the global developments non-traditional threats, transnational crimes and fanatical terrorism. Nations sharing common interests and concerns with the Philippines; maintain and sustain bilateral and multilateral consultations and dialogues will be endeavored to develop and in corporate partnership. 

The expansion on the cooperation on human assistance, disaster response, maritime security and counter terrorism will continue and there will be deepen security dialogues with other nations to build greater understanding and cooperation.

With regard to the West Philippine Sea otherwise known as South China Sea, the country strongly affirm and respect the outcome of the case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration as an important contribution to the ongoing efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of our disputes.

The Philippines shall remain committed to work under and with international partners achieving lasting peace and progress in the country on the aspect of peace processes relating to the country’s engagement with the international community.

The grievances not only of the Bangsamoro, indigenous peoples and other groups for security, development, fair access to decision-making and acceptance of identities will be vigorously addressed. The President addressed to the Muslim brothers, the Moro country, and the members of the CPP/NPA/NDF that the country expresses its willingness and readiness to go to the negotiating table, and yet it load the guns, fix the sights, pull the trigger and thus, both ironic and tragic only leads to sorrow that cuts across every stratum of society and thus, all wants peace, not the peace of the dead, but the peace of the living. The President reaches out to all, to the Muslim brothers, to end the centuries of mistrust and warfare. 

To the CPP/NPA/NDF, to end the decades of ambuscades and skirmishes. President Duterte announces a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP/NPA/NDF effective immediately to stop violence on the ground, restore peace in the communities and provide enabling environment conducive to the resumption of the peace talks  and calls on the Filipinos in the National Democratic Front and its forces to respond accordingly. Striving hard to have a permanent and lasting peace before his term ends is the ultimate goal and dream of the President. 

On the macroeconomic management, the administration will continue and maintain current macroeconomic policies, and even do better that can be achieved through prudent fiscal and monetary policies that can help translate high growth into more and better job creation and poverty reduction which will lead to an economy that is much stronger, characterized by solid growth, low and stable inflation, dollar reserves, and robust fiscal position.

On taxation, the administration will pursue tax reforms towards a simpler, and more equitable, and more efficient tax system that can foster investment and job creation through a lower personal and corporate income tax rates and relax the bank secrecy laws.

At the household level, there must be sufficient income for all Filipinos to meet the basic food and non-food needs for their families. This can be done through a continuous attraction on investments that will generate thousands of jobs each year, jobs that are suitable for the poor and less skilled members of the workforce.

The implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law will be put into full force and effect so that couples, especially the poor, will have freedom of informed choice on the number and spacing of children they can adequately care and provide for, eventually making them more productive members of the labor force.

In extremely rural neighborhoods, entrepreneurship will be advocated. Local business environment by addressing bottlenecks in business registration and processing, streamlining investment application process and integration the services of various government offices will be enhanced. Government Financing Institutions (GFIs) shall come up with out-of-the box financing packages to capacitate our small and medium entrepreneurs.

In the field of tourism, the construction to more access roads and tourism gateways to service centers and tourist sites will be done. Providing modern agriculture, infrastructural by expanding and improving the construction and rehabilitation of roads and the irrigation, and establishing modern harvest and post-harvest facilities to minimize losses will complement on the Road Development Project.

A nationwide soil analysis to determine areas most suitable for rice farming to optimize production with the use of effective soil rehabilitation and fertilization will be conducted. Fisheries laws, particularly on illegal fishing and promote aquaculture along river banks and in backyards will be strictly enforced.

Infrastructure spending by improving national roads and bridges and implementing the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network and other road network master plans will be accelerated and inter-island linkage projects will be pursued.

Structural mitigation measures to address of the perennial flooding in Metro Manila and neighboring areas will be implemented and new pumping stations in strategic places will be put up. The revival of the operation of the Pasig River Ferry Service System is a viable option for the severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila and serves as an alternative mode of transportation for passengers particularly those coming from the east side of Metro to reach specific destinations within the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Taguig, Marikina and Quezon City.

The anti-colorum campaign and out-of-line apprehension including the removal of terminals will be intensified and will be done immediately. Usage of existing roads will be maximized through need cooperation and coordination with LGUs to map out secondary routes and to consult various stakeholders, including the public transport operators will be addressed on the lack of infrastructure in Metro Manila.

The President assured for a clean government and advised to maintain a federal system, a parliament but also to be sure to have a President citing the France Federal government.

Processing time in issuing permits and licenses shall be reduced to the barest minimum, in Davao city, it is always three days for local governments. That will bind the Office of the President down to the last barangay elect for three days.

The President  will be establishing 8888, only for dedicated to corruption. For the driver’s licenses, its effectiveness will be extended from the current 3-year period to 5 years.

To reduce queuing time at ticketing stations, tickets of the train will be made readily available and easily accessible to the riding public. Passenger capacity congestion shall be addressed by increasing the number of running trains from the current 16 trains with a total of 48 cars per hour, to 20 trains with a total of 60 cars per hour. You increase the train speed from 40 [kph] to 60 [kph]. The operating hours for the LRT shall be extended from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. and to absorb more passengers, delays in the procurement of additional trains shall be addressed soonest.Rail projects in Metro Manila and the major key-points in the country including the Mindanao Rail Project will be pursued.

President Duterte has signed the Executive Order of the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI).

Different approaches are also being considered to decongest NAIA including the possible transfer of general aviation. The Clark Airport can be utilized to shift some operations of the domestic and international airlines. Moreover, a one-stop shop will be established within the civil aviation complex for the benefit of the Overseas Filipinos.

In the area of environment, the military is directed to intensify its support role against illegal logging, illegal mining and other destructive practices that aggravate the devastation of the natural resources.

The Laguna Lake shall be transformed into a vibrant economic zone showcasing ecotourism by addressing the negative impact of the watershed destruction, land conversion and pollution and the poor fishermen will have priority in its entitlements.

Adequate disposal facilities for the Metro Manila Garbage, the final closure and rehabilitation of the Carmona Sanitary Landfill shall be pursued while the adoption of appropriate waste-to-energy facilities will be explored.

In the area of governance, there is a need to strengthen our efforts along this line: President Duterte addressed to Congress to create the People’s Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), replacing PTV-4, the government-run TV station, which now aims to replicate international government broadcasting networks to better managed public information and to observe editorial independence through innovative programs and intelligent treatment and analysis of news reports, as well as developments of national and international significance.

The government’s Bureau of Broadcast Services, better known as the Radyo ng Bayan, shall undergo upgrading to make it financially viable and dependable for accurate and independent, and enlightening news and commentary. Radyo ng Bayan will be integrated with the PBC. The PBC will also put up broadcast hubs in the Visayas and Mindanao. Davao City will also be the first site of the first Muslim channel, to be called Salaam Television, and the first Lumad channel.

The PCO, in coordination with the Office of the Executive Secretary, is drafting the Administrative Order on the Task Force on media killings.

To address backlogs and low prosecutorial effectiveness and efficiency, the investigation and case management processes shall be streamlined including those for illegal drugs and heinous crimes. To eradicate the prevalent cultures of fear and silence that have hounded in the justice system, the Congress was asked to enact the Whistleblower Protection Law while the present Witness Protection Program shall be strengthened.

The number of lawyers and support staff in the PAO — that is the Public Assistance Office — regional and districts shall be increased to provide indigents with more access to counsels.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) was directed to undertake nationwide information and campaign on federalism in partnerships with various alliances and with LGU, civil society, grassroots and faith-based organizations.

On the clamor of our citizens for timely issuance of Philippine passports, the government shall work towards amendment of the 1996 Passport Law to lengthen the validity of the passports from the current 5 years to 10 years. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was ordered to streamline documentary requirements and passport applications and open additional Consular Offices in strategic places to decongest Metro Manila sites and avoid queues that have caused hardships and suffering to passport applicants.

The newly- created DICT, Information and Communication Technology was directed , to develop a National Broadband Plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed. Wi-Fi access shall be provided at no charge in selected public places including parks, plazas, public libraries, schools, government hospitals, train stations, airports and seaports.

All government agencies are instructed to enable their clients to submit applications for coordination to other agencies combined.

The government shall intensify the war against human traffickers and illegal recruiters that prey on the migrants.

A mandatory financial education for all migrants and their communities will be pursued with incentives to encourage entrepreneurship among them and this will help to ensure that the hard-earned money of the Filipinos overseas are put into productive use.

The Congress was asked to consider drawing up bills consolidating and merging agencies and offices having to do the Overseas Filipino to have a department that shall focus on and quickly respond to their problems and concerns.

Utilities like Meralco and electric cooperatives were urged to exercise their social corporate responsibility by making direct connections to relocation sites and depressed areas to help avoid squatter- like conditions in relocation sites. There will be no demolition without relocations.

The concerned regulatory agencies were directed to prioritize the issuance of required permits for power development. Pres. Duterte stated that the country needs to industrialize and that along the power needed would be the emission to be considered.

The government will intensify its protection programs, so it can use its resources, expertise to make a dent in the country’s poverty levels this is needed to strengthen the delivery of social services.

A genuine reduce of the vulnerabilities of the people, build resiliency and empower individuals, families and communities is what the government needed. The beneficiaries of 4Ps shall be made to become independent and self-reliant after they have graduated from the program and thus aim to present it with other forms of assistance, so that they can stand on their own two feet. The DSWD was decided to directly provide the rice subsidies to the poorest of the families, to at least provide them food every month.

An increase expenditure on basic education and incorporate mandatory education about the evils of drugs were planned. The Alternative Learning System programs will intensify and expand. The government will also provide universal health insurance for all Filipinos Benefits. The professional competence and operational capabilities of government hospitals and health facilities will be strengthened.

The administration vows to protect women’s rights and human rights abuses against women in consistent with the country’s international obligations in keeping with national mandates through ordering all agencies and oversight bodies and local government units down to the barangay level to fully implement the Magna Carta for Women.

The government has issued to the Lumads the Ancestral Certificates Domain Title covering vast tracts of land especially in the Island of Mindanao including the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples to protect and to assist them.

The enormity of the problem of drug addiction has been made manifest by the number of surrenderees which grows by the hundred each day that passes. Since July 1, there are   already 3,600 related drug arrests, 120,000 drug dependents have already surrendered and 70,000 of them are pushers.

At the end of his speech, President Duterte has stated that people should not despair. He said that the country shall continue to fight the difficult times through helping each other in order to rise from the sorrow and pain and thus after, all will prevail. With reports by Jun Enriquez