Republic of the Philippines

Camarines Norte State College

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Daet, Camarines Norte

Title: State of the Nation Address 2017

Researcher: UMBAO, MARGIELYN T. Date: July 26, 2017
Course: BSA-3 Professor: Corazon S. Fajardo, Ph. D

I. INTRODUCTION

The very first president from Mindanao, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivered his
second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, 24 th day of July, 2017 in front of
more than 3,000 people include lawmakers and guests at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon
City.

President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his speech with the theme A Comfortable Life for
All, which is in line with the administrations three key agenda Prosperity for all, Law and
Order, and Peace which categorize the positive changes felt by the people under the
administration of President Duterte.

The second SONA of Pres. Duterte which started at exactly 4:26 in the afternoon is
considered as longer than the previous SONA due to some remarkable remarks, and lasted
for more than 2 hours and 6 minutes at exactly 6:26 minutes.

II. THE TOPIC

"I want to make good on my promise of change. Let the change to be done from the
bottom. This must be meaningful. Genuine change is what this country need," President
Duterte opened his speech.

Due to his firm and strong personality, Duterte attracted the majority of the votes of
Filipino the reason why he has secured the position being the leader of the country. Aside
from his strength, he is also known for his promise to bring change to this country and on
top of his list ever since is his aim to put an end on the illegal drugs in our country.
In this years SONA, the president reported all the plans he had acted upon and the
plans he had set for next year. Dutertes report stated that for change to come, it has to
start on the people on high position.
Genuine change is what this country needs, the president indicated.
As per the top on his list, his target is to still end the illegal drugs and the criminalities
in the country. The fight against illegal drug will continue for according to him it remained
to be the root of evil. And the fight will not stop until those people involved will cease.
Duterte admitted that he is bully to the enemies of the state. He even thrown some rants to
some news organizations like ABS-CBN and Rappler for the their alleged biased stories
about him.
"Wag ninyo ako takutin. I am willing to go to prison for the rest of my life," Duterte voice out
to his critics in his lengthy speech.

For the first time in recent Philippine history, the President discussed his Administration's
proposed 2018 national budget, worth P3.767-trillion, on the day of the SONA itself, with
the biggest chunk allotted for education, infrastructure development, and health care.
To those the critics of his fight, he said that instead of judging they better help
educate for he will not allow the ruin of the youth and the disintegration of the families. And
to those who tend to ruin the life of the youth, to which the future lies, he will hound them to
hell.
The changes start and the end of it can be found within of each. However, he was
saddened by what happened in Mindanao for it is the pursuit of the living peace he is after
not of the dead.
The rebellion in Mindanao was clear that the extremist has an intention of building up
a caliphate and the reason why he declared the Martial Law because it is the only way he
thought to solve it that would not cost too many lives and properties. And as the president,
he gives his unwavering support to the armies and the militaries for he further added that he
and he alone is responsible. He recognized the heroic acts of the PH troops because of
their valor and sacrifice as they risk their lives on the war so they do not have to fear
because the president got their backs.
He also tackled the food production in the Philippines and he believes that the
resources of the count needed to be utilized. At this point, he does not want exportations
anymore. For these resources just needs to be extremely preserved and protected.
Emphasized that the environment needs to be taken cared of carefully and he has
plans to give the mining businesses and companies a halt. He also plans that all the places
that the mining have affected should be rehabilitated and the people affected more
significantly needed special attention. Upon watching Ted Failons documentation about the
mining, the president realized that he has to do something and he has saluted the
broadcaster for featuring such topic.
He took, for example, is the palayan and the fishing labors who are greatly affected by the
mining to which these fields are the main sources of protein needed by the people. For the
mining companies, he will either raise the taxes to death or restore the virginity of the
sources. The tax will still go back to the rehabilitation of those which and who are affected.
For other generations is waiting and is yet to come. He really gave emphasis how he hated
the mining even the speaker hated the mining. And to the mining companies, they just have
to comply with the rules and regulations and pay the right taxes for failed to do so, he will
do what he has to do.
Going back to the Martial Law, he did it because he wanted to stop the rebellion.
Because as a matter of fact, he does not have any plans of going beyond his term. He also
admitted the except for his salary, he never accepted any money or even allowances.
 And as for the natural distractions such as typhoons and the earthquake, he will
have to empower and sustain the agencies related to it. These agencies should be
prepared for all the disasters that are coming.
However, he still points out that the change he pursues is to still end the illegal
drugs, the criminalities and the corruption. He as well discussed the issue about the West
Philippine Sea and the federalism. He also tackled how the Pinoys are so impressed with
those Western people.
Bakit kayo bilib sa puti? he inquired.
He is willing to protect the people of this country and if what he did just to secure the
people would mean that he will get imprisoned, then he is willing to do so for life.
I dont have to make them happy. If I go to prison, dont worry about me. It talks
about the Capital punishment or the death penalty. Those who committed a crime should
be penalized but then, there is this Positivist Theory. But then, some are afraid to die, the
president said yet he is not afraid to die.
As expected, Duterte wants to reimpose the death penalty on heinous crimes.
Duterte told to critics: "If you want to criticize, condemn the act, stop there. Do not make it
trivial by saying "human rights" and "due process".

Duterte mentioned accomplishments through the President's Hotline or 8888, dedicated to

complaints against fixers, corrupt officials, and poor government services and Hotline 911
for emergency response.

The president said he will never tolerate corruption in his administration.

On Reproductive Health (RH) Law, Duterte lashed out the Supreme Court for putting a
temporary restraining order (TRO), which he believed is a bane of government project's
efficiency.

Duterte also announced that the nationwide smoking ban is now in place after the full
implementation on July 23.

Duterte also expressed gratitude to China for their help on infrastructure projects. He
revealed that we might get money from China for new airports.

On education, Duterte also affirmed his commitment to fully implement the K to 12 program
that highlights skills training, learner mobility, and lifelong learning among Filipinos.
The president believes that there is always time for everything.
III. REACTION/REFLECTION

President Duterte is well known with his colorful triades as started his speech with a
joke about absences and showcased his mastery of public speaking through his no-holds-
barred SONA featuring a fiery statement from the former Mayor of Davao City.
President Duterte delivered his second SONA highlighting his administrations
accomplishments particularly the war on illegal drugs and criminality. Although the
President admitted that during the campaign period he promised to resolve the drugs issue
in just six months but failed because he did not expect and was shocked by the huge extent
of the drug problem in the country.
He emphasized during his speech about his administrations plans for tax reform
program and, and it must be studied thoroughly because it was branded as regressive and
anti-poor by certain groups.
The president also showed his eagerness to stop violence and rebellion in Mindanao
and called the attentions of New Peoples Army and its leaders that he will no longer talk to
the communists. He even revealed during his SONA that the leader of the Communist Party
of the Philippines (CPP), Jose Ma. Sison is having some problems with his health.
During the Presidents SONA it is interesting to note that the Bangsamoro Basic Law
(BBL) will be certified as urgent by the Duterte administrations. BBL is key to just and
lasting peace.
He also revealed that his administration has already settled the problems against
Mighty Corporation with the company to give P25 billion tax settlement which can be used
for the rebuilding of the Marawi City.
The President also called the attentions of government officials including his Cabinet
members to work hard and to streamlined the procurement law in the Philippines for faster
response. He also called the attentions of the Judiciary to end the controversial issuance of
the TRO which hampers the development.
Although theres a lot of issues which needed to be resolved as the countrys chief
executive, Filipinos are more hopeful right now that President Duterte deliver his promised
change and ended the elites dominance of power. The hope of the Filipino people now lies
at the hands of President Duterte and the help of all government units to fulfill the
Presidents vision for the Philippine as one of the most progressive country in the world.

IV. SUMMARY

As expected, the president once again gave his speech in an unconventional but witty
manner. Duterte made his audience at the Batasang Pambansa laugh at almost every part
of his speech, changing the whole atmosphere.
 These are the highlights of President Rodrigo Duterte's 2017 State of the Nation Address.

Martial Law

The president stands firm in his decision to extend the martial law in Mindanao until
December 31, 2017.

Key points:

This enables the military to act against and question suspected members and sympathizers
of the rebellion.
Martial Law is the fastest way to quell the rebellion at the least cost of lives and properties.
Rebellion is happening in Mindanao as a whole, not just in Marawi.
"It is not the peace of the dead but the peace of the living that we seek."
Promised fast rehabilitation for the victims of Marawi siege.

War on Drugs

Despite local and international condemnation, Duterte assured the continuity of war on
drugs.

Key points:

The fight against illegal drugs will not stop until those who are involved ultimately
understand they have to seize.
They have to stop or the alternative is either jail or hell.

Mining

On the issue of mining and its harmful effects to nature, he made it clear that the protection
of the environment must be made a priority.

Key points:

Stop the exportation of mineral resources.

Refrain from the irresponsible destruction of the watersheds and aquatic resources.
Protection of the environment is non-negotiable.
Mining companies must pay proper taxes and declare their incomes accurately.
LGU's must do their job without fear or fervor on the matter of irresponsible mining.

Climate Change and Food Security

Different departments and organizations should look into the impact of climate change in
food security.
Encouraged the passage of the National Land Use Act
Must ensure the rational and sustainable use of land, provided the needs of the people.

Investments
 In his first year in office, the president has generated billions worth of investments from
different countries. Now, he calls on investors to put up factories in the Philippines to
process raw materials into finished products.

Education

One of the top priorities of the Duterte administration is to provide quality education to
Filipino students.

Key points:

Implement and improve the K-12 system

Invest in higher education
Strengthening of the Alternative Learning System (ALS)
Widening the reach of skills training

Red Tape

Under his administration, the Philippines has finally streamlined services by launching
government hotline 8888.

Key points:

Help people to report corruption and any anomalies in government offices

Processing of documents for job application and licenses now made fast and easy
Extension of passport and driver's license validity

Reproductive Health Law

Duterte asked the Supreme Court to lift the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the
implementation of the RH Law.

Key points:

TRO will delay projects for RH Law

Asked DOH Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial to find a way to expedite RH processes as well as
changing procurement procedures or she will get replaced

Communists and the Leftists

The president confirmed that the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA are over.

Key points:

The NPA ambushed the presidential convoy in Cotabato City.

He is done talking with them.
He revealed that Joma Sison has a colon cancer and that the Norwegian government won't
pay for his hospitalization anymore.

Human Rights
Expressing his disappointment with the never-ending accusations against him, Duterte
challenged his detractors to a public debate.

"When you talk in public, carry the proper message," he said. He also stressed that Sen.
Leila Delima's case cannot be connected with due process and human rights because of
her questionable credibility having been involved with drug trafficking.

"Don't try to scare me with the International Criminal Court (ICC). I am willing to go to prison
for the rest of my life," he added.

Miscellaneous

Internet - Plans to improve broadband connectivity, installed free WIFI in public areas.

OFW Welfare - Cash assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers

Government hotlines - Launched the first ever hotlines for emergency (911) and
streamlining of government services (8888).

Death Penalty - Reinstatement of capital punishment in the Philippines

No balance billing - Implementation of "No balance billing" policy in hospitals and health
care

Magna Carta for Women - Passage of the 120-day (extended) maternity leave for women

Balangiga Samar Bells - Asked the US for the return of the Balangiga church bells

China/US - Implementation of an Independent Foreign Policy

Executive Order 26 - Passage of the nationwide smoking ban

Salaam TV - First Ever Muslim-oriented channel in the country

Traffic - Orders MMDA to clear road obstructions

V. REFERENCES
Website
https://www.trending.ph/story/sona-2017-president-rodrigo-dutertes-key-priorities

http://www.thesummitexpress.com/2017/07/president-duterte-sona-2017-highlights-
review-for-reaction-paper.html