Combating criminality and corruption, promoting inclusive economic growth, and tackling the West Philippine Sea issue will likely take the spotlight in the President Duterte’s fourth State-of-the-Nation Address today following a “meaningful” past year.
When he faces a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, the President is expected to highlight his accomplishments in these areas in the past three years as well as plans to “further move the nation forward” for the remainder of his term, according to his spokesman Salvador Panelo.
The President’s speech this year, which has been edited and reduced to less than 20 pages, is expected to last between 45 minutes to one hour.
“On his fourth State-of-the-Nation Address, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will report to the Filipino people the achievements of the administration in the past three years, the present situation of the country, and his plans to further move the nation forward for the three years,” Panelo said.
“We can expect that he will tackle the promises he made on fighting corruption, illegal drugs, criminality, and rebellion,” he said.
Panelo added: “We can also expect that he will speak about other major issues, such as that of the West Philippine Sea, ways to sustain the growth in our economy, as well as his legislative agenda.”
The President will deliver his SoNA amid criticisms from some groups for reportedly allowing Chinese fishermen in the country’s waters as well as a looming United Nations Human Rights Council inquiry on his bloody war on illegal drugs.
Duterte, who continues to enjoy high public trust and approval ratings, had earlier asserted that he has done nothing unconstitutional about his West Philippine Sea policy and intends to “educate” his critics about the matter during the SoNA.
On the UNHRC resolution about the drug war, Duterte maintained that he prefers to face a local court instead of an international tribunal to defend his campaign against drugs and crime.
Malacanang has taken pride that the country has reached a “better and constantly improving state” following the President’s hard work to prove a comfortable life for all Filipinos. Among the President’s feats highlighted by Panelo are the reduced crime rate, lower poverty incidence and unemployment, stable economic growth, improved social service, and infrastructure development.
“The past year has been meaningful and we are all excited for what was prepared for tomorrow’s momentous event,” Panelo said.
The President rehearsed the delivery of his SoNA in Malacanang over the weekend.
According to Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, the President’s has been “hands-on” in crafting and editing the SoNA speeches since 2016. “The President is really hands-on when it comes to his speech. He edits, reads line per line, every word, word for word. You can see how he looks into details in his speech,” he said. (Genalyn Kabiling)
