SONA (State of The Nation Address) or also known as Talumpati sa Kalagayan ng Bansa is the speech or address by the President of the Philippines to a joint session of the congress of the Philippines which happens yearly. The SONA is a constitutional obligation, required by Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution: The President shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular session.Moreover, Article VI, Section 15 prescribes that the Congress shall convene once every year on the fourth Monday of July for its regular session held at the Plenary Session Hall of the Batasan in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, Metro Manila.
It is a very significant event to the President, to its administration and to the people that the President is serving for it is the only formal way to inform and educate the people of the improvements that the country has experienced during the current administration. All dimensions of governance is being discussed from economics, safety, education up to social miscellaneous aspects. This happens when the President will going to reel off what he has done for the constituents his country, including of his failures too.
During the 23rd day of July, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivered his third State of The Nation Address that only lasted for about 48 minutes "About 2 years ago, I solemnly took my oath as a worker of the national gov't. I was inspired to institute real changes for the greater good of the Filipino people," President Duterte opened his speech. On this short period of time, the President was able to mention different cases of problems that the country is currently struggling right now.
First of all, he first mentioned about the "war on drugs campaign" which refers to the drug policy of the Philippine Government which is being criticized for the number of deaths resulting from police operations and allegations of extrajudicial killings. During his SONA, he said that it will be "relentless" and "as chilling as the day it began" Slams human rights groups for criticizing the anti-drug campaign.
Another topic that he was able to discuss is the corruption, which is defined as “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain”. Corruption can be classified as grand, petty and political, depending on the amounts of money lost and the sector where it occurs. He then gave thanks to the Congress for passing the "Ease f Doing Business Act" It seeks to make the environment more conducive to business by simplifying procedures on the national and local levels.It also mandates the adoption of a unified application form for local tax and building clearances and sanitary and zoning clearances, among others. Saying all agencies must make all the processes simple and cut red tape. Also, he added that he had to fire "friends" due to corruption.
Also, he mentioned about the Mindanao promise which he pledged that a "significant increases" will happen immediately in Mindanao's budget.
The Bangsamoro law was also discussed by the President promising to sign the Bangsamoro Organic Law within 2 days after Malacañang will be able to receive Congress' approved version.
Next one is the Marawi siege in which he recognized the soldiers and police who died fighting in Marawi City. Saying government welcomes with open arms the terrorists who will surrender to Authorities.
Moreover, he also tackled the Foreign policy vowing to pursue an "independent foreign policy." Mentions ties with Southeast Asian countries but spends bulk of this portion on benefits of "reenergized" ties with China and commitment to "defend our intesests in the West Philippine Sea."
Another significant topic is the Overseas Filipino denouncing the abusements and deaths of the outnumbered OFWs suffered by from the hands of foreign employers. Concluding OFW rights to be his administration's "foremost foreign policy concern."
The Contractualization topic was also mentioned saying to pass prohibiting all forms of contractualization after admitting his executive order won't suffice.
Another topic that the President was able to mention was, the Cocont Farmers' Trust Fund.
Telecommunications internet, Bong Go, Boracay closure, Land use act, Disaster Management, Warning to miners, Tax reforms, are the other important topics that the President was able to discuss.
And of course, one of the significant issues is Health. He then calls on Congress to pass the "Universal Health Care Bill" Mentioning the Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, author of the bill when he was Kabayan representative, by name.
Lastly, the Federalism and during the said event, he gave thanks to his Consultative Committee for their draft federal constitution Insists that Filipinos will support the shift to a federal system of government.
The President concluded the said event with his words, "I will not bore you with a list of projects completed. Daghang salamat.”
As constituents of your current administration, we are giving you our whole expectation that all of your promises will not only remain as it is. May these promises become real through your actions. As the saying goes by, "Leadership is action, not a position. "
References:
https://www.rappler.com/nation/208050-duterte-sona-2018-philippines-summaryhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Drug_War
https://www.thesummitexpress.com/2018/07/president-duterte-sona-2018-highlights-review-reaction-paper.html
(Google Images)
(https://i0.wp.com/www.thevolatilian.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/SONA-2018-v2a.jpg fit=800%2C400&ssl=1)
https://www.thesummitexpress.com/2018/07/president-duterte-sona-2018-highlights-review-reaction-paper.html
No comments:
Post a Comment