Duterte delivers 2nd State of the Nation Address

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President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City last July 24.

In front of around 3,000 lawmakers and guests, President Duterte delivered his speech with the theme, “A Comfortable Life for All” that lasted for 2 hours and 6 minutes. SONA, an annual constitutional obligation, is delivered by the President of the Philippines every fourth Monday of July.

In his annual report to the country, Duterte mentioned some issues in his administration particularly on his promise of change. He opened his speech saying: “I want to make good on my promise of change. Let the change be done from the bottom. Genuine change is what this country need.”

According to some reports, it was the first time in Philippine history that the president discussed his administration’s proposed national budget on the day of his SONA. Duterte proposed P3.767-trillion for the national budget in 2018 with education, infrastructure development, and health care as main priorities of the said budget.

Issues like war on drugs, death penalty, mining, Reproductive Health Law, K to 12, and tax reform was discussed in his speech. He also tackled West Philippine Sea and Federalism issue and mentioned the need to prepare for the “Big One” urging the Congress to pass the Disaster Response Bill.

Duterte also slammed ABS-CBN and Rappler for their alleged biased stories about him. Although known for his no-holds-barred statements, the president’s trust rating remains “excellent” according to reports by latest Pulse Asia Research’s June 2017 Ulat ng Bayan survey, garnering 82% nationwide.

Before ending his speech, Duterte emphasized: “Let us work together and lay a new foundation in which a better Philippines can be reconstructed. Help me build a better tomorrow.”