A CRITIQUE ON THE PRESIDENT’S SONA FOR 2018

The SONA for this year 2018 by the Honorable President somehow put a spotlight on
his address stressing his “concern for human lives and not on human rights” - a
statement that does not undermine his concern for the delivery of basic services, in
fact, it basically aimed at realizing the basic needs of every Filipino, and that alone is
equitable to the fulfillment of human rights.

As every Filipino is entitled to his right, the President capitalizes on “fighting crimes,
drug addiction, terrorism and most especially corruption” in his governance.

In his 3rd SONA, he shared important accomplishments that highlighted his 2-year
regime so far. The following are among the important points of his State of the Nation
Address:

 His advocacy in fighting “corruption in order to improve the delivery of basic

services” is a must. He reminded his friends in politics never to be involved in
corruption as this might affect their relationship, and further deepen the difficulty
of achieving the prime goal of the government - to serve, to deliver. He also
reminded them to instead help him in his political cause.
 He also expressed that “project funds are mostly coming from Mindanao.” Thus,
the government must give or capitalize and prioritize major projects due for
further development not only of the people in Mindanao but the “land of promise”
that is Mindanao.
 He prayed for the Constitutionalization of the Bangsamoro Organic Law which
can help in realizing the dreams and ambitions of our Muslim brothers. This is
somehow a rather positive statement than a spark of hope, as this can become
one of the major components in the realization of the Federal form of
government.
 He also stated that the Philippines and China has a re-energized relationship and
thus drawing a good cooperation between two countries, and this could be a big
help in building a stronger economy for the Philippines.
 He regarded for the improvement of the telecommunications services as this will
help in fasttracking of socio-civil services, communication to and fro every
company, family, society and each individual - not only in domestic level but also
in the international scale.
 He also expressed admiration for OFW being today’s modern Filipino hero. This
gives a positive and inspiring feels for the OFW as they feel protected by the
current administration, despite of the worst experiences some of them
encountered. He also stressed that he despise the crimes done against the OFW
abroad and he is bold to state that he will further strengthen the law against all
kinds of oppression against OFWs.
 He vowed to protect workers’ rights to security of tenure by signing ENDO law
that somehow regularized a number of contractual workers.
 He said that the Free tertiary education act is a way for every Filipino to achieve
better education. Thus, there is no more excuse for them not to go to school.
 He pushed for enactment of proactive laws towards the rehabilitation of the
environment. He reminded for the people, companies, business establishments
to adhere to practice environment- friendly operation and principle in their
businesses.
 He wished for the people to strengthen their resiliency to natural calamity but he
also stressed for the local government to provide, practice and present to the
people the rules and regulations towards disaster risk reduction.
 He warned mining companies to adhere to Responsible mining. His opposition to
open pit mining is a must as this will not only destroy the environment, but will
also instantly destroy the lives and limbs of the people in a much larger scale.
 He also reminded all other companies to include in their operational philosophy
the adherence to “Inter-generational responsibility” and to promote corporate
social responsibility.
 His promised TRAIN law is apparently of good effect to the people of lower
income. However giving them a bitter pill of increased price of goods, price hikes
on oil, gasoline and all sort of basic commodities.
 Also, the No Balance Billing Policy in hospitals helped a lot. Poor patients are
grateful of this scheme as they do not feel pressured and wretched in dealing
with hospital bills.

Overall, the SONA gives a rather positive reaction than negative reactions from the
majority of the citizens.

As to the oppositions, leftist, anti-government forces, they surely had their negative
and even worst sentiments.

BUT THE OBVIOUS IS NEVER NOT OBVIOUS.

THE OBVIOUS IS “THE PRESIDENT DUTERTE TRULY DELIVERS.”
AND HE IS ONE POLITICIAN WHO HAS “A POLITICAL WILL, AN IRON HAND”