by Mark Kirchner Estrada │
(Photos from Interaksyon, ABC News, & PCOO Facebook Page)
The 5th State of The Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is uncommon, with the current situation of the pandemic and strict health regulations. Unlike his past SONAs, he delivered his recent speech to a limited audience instead of the typical mass of government officials. The Filipino citizens were anticipating reassurance and potential solutions that may save the whole country from dwindling despair and collapse. Although he gave minor relief and proposals to the situation, he outspokenly mentioned other issues that were occupying the public political theatre. The said promises are quite unlikely to attain as the circumstances worsen, yet it welcomes a bright future for the struggling Filipinos. The citizens were constantly demanding immediate and direct resolution and honest optimism in the troubling environment. Instead of giving promises and possible outcomes, present the public with an accountable and reliable solution that reassures the tide of the crisis.
The Philippine President began his speech about the dire situation of the pandemic. He gave utter gratitude to the workers who were risking their lives and gave potential insights to battle against the virus. He gave light to faster and ample quantities, about 1.4 million, of COVID-19 testing kits. He possessed the claim that the government provided a quality response to the masses. He also mentioned that he pleaded with the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, about dispensing an effective vaccine for the Filipino masses, even if the Philippines will be indebted to them from acquiring it.
He proposed projects and possible inputs to revive the coughing economy from its collapse. He gave details such as tax reforms, loans, and other financial needs to support the local economy and families from deprivation. He favored creating a department for the Filipino Overseas workers. He asserted credits for a firm economic position in the midst of the global pandemic. He also stated the future of reviving the local tourism, building infrastructures, and reorganizing the national economy.
Understandably, the president and his administration tried to steer the public concerns by promising to stretch the national coppers and dignity yet failed to satisfy the Filipino hunger of direct and promising solutions. There is an underlying issue between the promises and sincerity of the government’s response since the value and quality of their positions are questionable. If the government wanted to cultivate the public’s trust and pride, they should have given a realist perspective of the rising distress. It is not the time to promote ambitions for the future, and definitely not a good idea to feed the citizens elaborated claims, especially to those who are aware of the incompetence of the government.
He made an image of his administration as a sole entity with a firm and steady grip of the contagious juggernaut, yet behind the grand stature were riddling with doubts and other issues. He conveyed his own insights of other actors and properties of the troubling political stage such as the Philippine sovereignty, national influence, and other political agendas. Although he was very open to express his perception and gratitude of the national stage, he was also inconsistent with his values of the public, his allegiance, and the opposition. He narrated a government with undisputed principles of leading the nation, yet he, as the head of the state, was uncertain or incoherent with his agendas.
He promoted a nation that enjoys the sovereign rights and a nationalistic zeal of protecting the Philippines from foreign opportunists. Yet his patriotic stand is invaded with unclear interests and deals with foreign governments, especially between China and the United States. He rejected a proposed plan to return a key port, Subic Bay, for the Americans. He manifested a submissive stance to the Chinese by not asserting the dominance of the West Philippine Sea and imploring medical assistance from the Chinese president. It is recognized that the president showed a diplomatic disdain with the Americans and allegiance to the Chinese, yet allegiance is not the equivalent of servitude. The Philippines should enjoy its right as a democratic country and playing as a key player in the international field, instead of yielding our freedom to foreign hands.
As the pandemic holds the country’s neck of livelihood and prosperity, human rights are nevertheless in a constant battle with the government’s fervor to eradicate narcotics and criminalities. The president indicated his appreciation of Filipino lives, although he revealed his agenda of applying the death penalty. Ironically, the president encourages the welfare and lives of Filipinos and bids for implementation of the death penalty, which is a similar agreement on protecting the lives of others from criminal syndicates and giving assured freedom with control. However, the president is known for his deviant behavior in terms of violating human rights, especially with the recent implementation of the anti-terrorism bill, there is a concerning matter of his agendas.
The country’s resources dwindle as the pandemic consumes hope from the people. Fortunately, wealthy families are donating to keep the public stable. The administration grants their gratitude to them for their sacrifice. Although President Duterte has acknowledged them, he threatened “oligarchs” who have influences in the government. He specifically indicated the colossal media company, ABS-CBN Corporation, and the owners for “striking” his public image in the 2016 elections. He also gave a negative remark to Senator Franklin Drilon for defending the said company and saying political dynasties must be banned to end the oligarchy. He has an indifferent perspective towards the “oligarchy” of the Philippines, although he is considered as part of an influential family and his political allies who are oligarchs. He gave a mixed perception that makes his account conflicting.
The Philippines is blinded with a hesitant future as the pandemic lasts. The given speech made many Filipinos perplexed with his statements. The president should not state exaggerated claims and conflicting views towards the situation. As Filipino citizens need concise solutions in this troubling time, the government should give comprehensive projects and realistic resolutions. We should not dwell on the possible outcome of the end of the crisis, yet we should perceive what is apparent and manageable to face the adversities. If the government is uncertain of the issue, then it is the people's response to help them. In this democratic country, the key to fight uncertainty is lending each other together as one in a secure direction.
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