Reaction Paper

About
Second
SONA 2017
Submitted to:

Ms. Maricel Ilag

UCSP Teacher

Submitted by:

Dan Guillo

G12 SILVER
 Reactions on President Duterte's Second SONA

The second SONA highlighted the government's accomplishments especially on war

against drugs and criminalities. Duterte during the election campaign period promised to resolve
these in just six months but failed to bust and requested for extension saying he was shocked
by the extent of the drug problem.

Same with previous SONA, thousands of protesters and militant groups rallied near the
Batasan to denounce the recently approved extension of Martial law in Mindanao until
December 31 and to assert that the presidents promise of change has not been realized.
Protests meanwhile was peaceful and orderly.

Some activists claims Duterte's first year was a major flop in addressing the pressing
economic and social imbalances only to be highlighted by blood and gore.

While the president also emphasized his plans for a tax reform program to raise the
national budget, it must be studied thoroughly as it is branded as regressive and anti-poor by
certain groups. For instance, House Bill 5636 for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), will come
with a P10-per-liter tax. This will apparently dissuade consumers from purchasing SSBs.
According to the Philippine Association of Store and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), the
imposition of SSB tax will result to 3% to 200% rise in prices.

The president also showed his eagerness to stop violence and rebellion in Mindanao
and said that Mighty Corporation's P25 billion tax settlement can be used for the rebuilding of
Marawi. However, he did not mention the immediate actions to settle the issue.

It is interesting to note that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was certified as urgent by
Duterte administration. "BBL is key to just and lasting peace."

While there's a lot of issues that need to be resolved, Filipinos are hopeful that Duterte
will deliver his promised change during the course of his presidency. This is evident of the
excellent trust rating he received in the latest Pulse Asia Research's June 2017 Ulat ng
Bayan survey, 82% nationwide.
 "Believe me, it is easier to build from scratch than to dismantle the rotten and rebuild
upon its rubble. Let us work together and lay a new foundation in which a better Philippines can
be reconstructed. Help me build a better tomorrow," Duterte ended his speech.