P.G. Almendras St.

Danao City

In Partial Fulfillment of the Course

Soc. Sci. 4

[President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s 4th Sona]

Submitted by:

Shelo M. Pasaje

Submitted to:

Ma. Daisyrie Luz L. Vasquez

Continued War on Drugs

Duterte started off his SONA with his administration’s War on Drugs. He requested the
Congress to restore the death penalty in the country as punishment for “heinous crimes
related to drugs” and plunder.

Leo Echegaray was the last prisoner to be sentenced with the death penalty through lethal
injection in 1999 before it was suspended in 2006 in the country.

Corruption in the Government

A month before the SONA, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) was hit
with news related to fraudulent claims. The government-owned and controlled corporation
(GOCC) is responsible for the implementation of universal health coverage in the country.

During his address, Duterte reiterated that he has ordered the National Bureau of
Investigation (NBI) to arrest and prosecute those involved and has appointed a new
PhilHealth president.

He also pointed out how bigger funds can be collected once corruption is eradicated by
highlighting the Php 61B collected from GOCCs, Php 16B of which solely from the Philippine
Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and the Php 585B from the Bureau of
Customs in 2018.

Improvement of Government Services

Duterte called on the government agencies to make sure that their services are responsive,
simplified, and client-friendly. He pointed out the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Social
Security Service (SSS), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Land Registration Authority (LRA),
and PAG-IBIG to be in dire need of service improvement.
He also cited how the government has increased lines for 8888, a hotline meant to serve as
citizens’ complaint center.

Commitment of the Third Telco Provider

Fast forward to a year later and the third telco provider Mislatel eyes to begin its operations
by July. Duterte challenged the company to stay true to its commitment to provide the
Filipinos fast and reliable services.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law

The Bangsamoro Organic Law was still in the works during the SONA last year, but now that
it has been ratified, Duterte hopes that the law will aid in the faster “establishment of a
regional government that will secure and comfortable life” of all those in the Bangsamoro
regions.

The Basic Right to Education

In this year’s speech, Duterte highlighted how more Filipinos are receiving basic education,
with over 27 million enrolled from Kindergarten to Senior High School. He also said that over
823,000 out-of-school youths and adult learners have received non-formal education
through the country’s Alternative Learning System.

He also showed his support for the establishment of the National Academy of Sports.

Suspension of May 2020 Elections

Duterte moved for the suspension of the supposed Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)
elections in May 2020 to October 2022. This is to supposedly give incumbent officials “ample
time to finish their programs and projects” and to review more on the truncated terms.

On Overseas Filipino Workers

Duterte mentioned about the signed Bilateral Labor Agreement with Kuwait in 2018, which
aims to put a stop to the abused overseas Filipino workers experience. He also campaigned
for the establishment of the Department of Overseas Filipinos.

Claims on the West Philippine Sea

Another largely talked about issue against the current administration is the West Philippine
Sea. In his speech, Duterte insists on avoiding conflicting, citing that going into war leaves
catastrophe and destruction.

“Let me assure you, that national honor and territorial integrity shall be foremost in our
mind, and when we may take the next steps in this smoldering controversy over the lines of
arbitral ruling, the West Philippine Sea is ours. There is no ifs and buts. It is ours. But we have
been acting, along that legal truth and line. But we have to temper it with the times and the
realities that we face today,” he said.

Poverty: The Country’s Biggest Problem

Duterte briefly touched on the country’s poverty issue by stating that the country’s poverty
rate has gone down from 27.6% (in the first of 2015) to 21% (in the first half of 2018).

He then urged the Congress to pass the second part of the Comprehensive Tax Reform
Program or TRABAHO Bill and the Salary Standardization Law.

Refining Disaster Risk Reduction in the Country

The Philippines is no stranger to natural calamities and hazards connected to climate change.
Duterte then advocated for the establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience
during his SONA.

He cited the destruction brought upon by the El Nino the country experienced this year,
causing problems in the agricultural sector and water shortage in Metro Manila.

He also moved for the passage of a law mandating a Fire Protection Modernization Program.
On Land and Agriculture

Duterte looks to pass the National Land Use Act (NALUA) within this year to serve the
demands of new investors and to be the basis for crafting development plans and economic
activities of the government.

He also urges for the full implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law, including the Rice
Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, and the utilization of the Php 100M Coconut Levy
Fund.

National Security and Mandatory ROTC

The Duterte government has been vocal about the revival of the Mandatory Reserve Officers’
Training Corps (ROTC) for students in Grades 11 and 12. He also looks into passing the
National Defense Act and the Unified Military & Uniformed Personnel Separation,
Retirement, and Pension Bill.

Duterte looks into achieving a more “comfortable life for all Filipinos” for the remainder of
his presidential term.
Introduction

My insights about the 4th Sona of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is that I wouldn't say that for the
past years had impacted in the most positive ways. I could definitely say that there is still so
much hope for and maybe little to expect. The job of our President is not easy, so we should
trust him in his bravest will. Hoping that he continued about the corruptions of the powerful
officials who seated in the government. The illegal drugs because of this so many lives are
wasted and killed. Death penalty so that all the bad people are scared to do things towards
people. I am looking forward to addressing issues that will not only bring a patronizing sigh
of relief to the upper class, but also some semblance of hope to hold out for the poors.