CLYDE ROGER N.

PATAN-AO BSA-4 JULY 27, 2016

GGOVSOR; 7:00 – 8:30 (MW)

REACTION PAPER
This year’s SONA is one of the most unusual of all the SONAs in history because of the
conversational and informal manner by which it was delivered by the president. While supporters
found this style to be indicative of the President Duterte’s sincerity, integrity, and humility,
critics were quick to bash the president for dragging down the nobility of his office–saying that
the SONA should be delivered with dignity since the Office of the President, as the head of state,
represents the majesty of the people.

The first SONA highlighted the urgency for change for the benefits of the Filipinos. This
includes war on illegal drugs and criminalities, anti-corruption campaign, pushing federalism,
solution on Metro Manila traffic and more jobs for the Filipinos.

However, some issues like lowering of the age of responsibility to 12 (as mentioned by
Duterte early June), anti-contractualization and death penalty to augment war on drugs were not
mentioned.

In summarizing Duterte’s SONA, here would be the following that he pointed out during
his speech of which were important:
Fingerpointing is not the way, No separation between Church and State, Vows to Continue Fight
against Drugs, Human Rights Can't be used as excuse, We strongly affirm Hague Ruling,All of
us wants Peace, Duterte promises Lower Taxes, Government rejects violence against Media,
People's Broadcasting Corporation, Pass BBL minus Constitutional Issue, Free Wi-Fi in certain
Public Places, This admin will protect Women's Rights.

Surely we could say that with the new administration, in terms of policies being
implemented right now, may it be small, it stood a firm message that his administration would
bring change to the country. The SONA alone is a proof that he has the capability to do so.

Duterte's SONA really set change - reduced budget for food and the historic event is no
longer a fashion show of spouses of the legislators and guests as business attire was observed in
all attendees.

As compared to previous SONAs, a peaceful demonstration of the militant groups

happened outside the Batasang Pambansa. The militants from the Left including the lumad from
Northern Mindanao and Caraga have vowed not to march in protest as their tradition, but in
support of the new President.
One thing is sure, and as Duterte promised, "this will be a clean government."