ADAO, ARMAN JOSEPH A.

REFLECTION
PAPER
POLGOV August 4,
2017

State of the Nation Address 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his second State of the Nation Address on July 24, 2017 in
Batasan Pambansa, Quezon City. Around 3,000 guests were present, among them are top politicians,
Cabinet members, Supreme Court Justices, members of the diplomatic corps, former presidents and
foreign ambassadors.
As per the presidents order, the motif of the event was formal and simple. The event started at
4:00 pm and lasted for about 2 hours. The Presidents welcoming committee included Senate President
Aquilino Pimentel III, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, House
Majority Leader Rodolfo Farinas, and the secretary-generals of both chambers. Like last year, former
president Benigno Aquino III skipped his successors SONA.
Outside the Batasang Pambansa were thousand of anti-administration protesters and pro-Duterte
supporters. Around six thousand guards were stationed to roads leading to the Batasang Pambansa. It was
noted that this years protection unit was increased to at least fifty percent from the previous years.
Another major difference this year was the absence of batons, shields and helmets of the protection unit.
President Duterte delivered his speech in his usual frank tone with ad libs and scuff remarks here
and there. The theme of his speech this year is A Comfortable Life for All. The goal of his speech was
to emphasize the positive changes his administration has brought the people.
The President started his speech by reminiscing his promises to the Filipino people. He reiterated
that to bring upon meaningful change in the government, it must be done from the bottom cause of the
problem. Thus, the war on drugs will continue regardless of the malicious issues that surrounds it. Duterte
stated that the reason he is being fierce against these criminals is because he values human life as he
values his own.
Wag niyo ako takutin, I am willing to go to prison for the rest of my life - Duterte
Duterte will hold firm to his ways, may it be drastic or seen in contempt for it is, as he believes, the only
way to stop the root cause of evil and suffering in our country.
Dutertes war on drugs has been praised but severely criticized by the people. First to hold their
stand against the presidents campaign were members of the Commission on Human Rights. Claims on
inhumane treatment of criminals and suspects were debated on many incidents. Doubts have also risen
from planted evidences or set-ups on raids that resulted to many casualties.
He also showed his unwavering support to the police force and emphasized that he will provide
social assistance programs for soldiers who have been wounded or rendered disabled from combat.
The circulation of illegal drugs has thinned and involvement of the people to these substances has
lessened but because of the rising casualties of the campaign, people are now afraid that they too may
become victim to the somewhat senseless set ups or sudden raids of the police force. Another issue that
stirred his campaign on drugs is his excessive leniency towards the police force. A form of humor or not,
his nonchalant way of talking about rape issues have angered not only the members of the pro-women
groups but even the those from the religious sectors. When confronted regarding the said matter, he
exclaims that what he said was nothing but jokes and meant no harm.
Although the war on drugs was supposed to highlight his administration, due to negative
feedbacks, the said campaign has drawn flak to his previous ratings.
Regarding the current rebellion in Mindanao, Duterte believes that Martial Law is the fastest way
to quell the rebellion in Marawi.
 Peace of the living is what we seek- Duterte
Duterte will make sure that the peace of the living will be maintained even if it means that he will have to
bring all the criminals to gates of hell. Duterte once again expressed his gratitude and support to the
troops in Marawi.
President Duterte, called on miners and reiterated that they should be responsible for
rehabilitating the lands that they have used. To attain sustainability on our lands, Duterte urged the
legislators to pass the national land use act to ensure the rational and sustainable use of our land resources.
He demanded that if these mining companies will not act and follow his rules he will charge them soaring
taxes. The President said that he will use these taxes to help the people who were robbed of their land,
resources and source of living.
Among the environmentalists he commended was Ted Failon, who in his expose exposed the
effects of mining. He commended DENR secretary Gina Lopez for the strict regulations she imposed on
mining companies.
Unlike ABS-CBN, the online news portal Rappler drew bad comments from the President.
According to Duterte, a news/media outlet in the Philippines should be owned and managed by the
Filipino people. Instigating that Rappler is an American Owned company, thus throwing shade to the
credibility and allegiance of the said news portal.
President Duterte also criticized the United States of America, citing the Balangiga Massacre and
demanded the return of the Balangiga Bells. This act of the President was considered as unprecedented
and rendered the foreign ambassador seemingly uncomfortable.
The administration has also been preparing the Disaster Response Bill for major calamities like
the Big One a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that is expected to hit our country in the near future.
Along with the bills that Duterte wants to be passed immediately was the bill on Death Penalty.
Ironically, he believes that death penalty is a means of retribution for criminals and their precedes the
value of those living in peace.
Duterte has been consistently mowing down corruption in all parts of the government. Updates on
the accomplishments of the Presidents Hotline, 8888, regarding complaints against fixers, corrupt
officials, and poor government services proved useful. The emergency hotline response, 911 is also being
developed to further aid the people.
On July 23, the Duterte administration implemented the nationwide smoking ban on the other
hand the RH law is still under the temporary restraining order of the Supreme Court and wont be
implemented for a while.
Duterte encouraged legislators and government officials to cooperate with him and help him
throughout his campaigns. He expressed his dismay on how some officials hinders his goals and thus
delays the process of helping the Filipino people.
After the end of his speech, President Duterte left the Batasang Pambansa and briefly met and had
a dialogue with the protesters. The said dialogue proved useless as no proper exchange of opinions was
made.
President Duterte expressed his shock and dismay on the extent of the problems our country is
facing and ask the masses to be patient and supportive for he will make sure that change is coming for the
Philippines, it may not be accomplished soon but eventually it will be achieved.
The State of the Nation Address 2017, generally gathered praises from the masses. The
government have accomplished a lot and the promise of better campaigns start anew. The Duterte
administration still holds the support of the majority. Although some issues were left unsolved, the
Filipino people trusts that Duterte will stand true to his words and bring change in the Philippines and
provide significance to the welfare of every Filipino.