SONA focus: Comfortable life for all
In a speech in Davao City last night, President Rodrigo Duterte appealed to the public to give him more time to deliver his promises to fight corruption and practice good governance. PPD/King Rodriguez, File
MANILA, Philippines - He has been the country’s chief executive for more than a year now, but President Duterte is still not used to delivering prepared speeches – the reason he started rehearsing starting Thursday night his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
And he wants the SONA to be a meaningful speech that will focus on the theme, “A Comfortable Life for All.”
In a speech in Davao City last night, Duterte appealed to the public to give him more time to deliver his promises to fight corruption and practice good governance.
“Now, I’m just a government employee for one year. Can I have your patience everybody?” he asked during his speech at the Davao Business Forum.
The President warned anew government officials and agencies that have not embraced his campaign against corruption that he would be relentless in going after them.
While he attacked the Communist Party of the Philippines for their refusal to adhere to his terms during the peace talks, Duterte also appealed to his political enemies.
“Huwag na lang ‘yung Left pati ‘yung mga sa pulitika…those who were displaced, those who were deprived of the power that… really crave for…” he said without completing his statement or elaborating on what he meant.
Duterte called on the public to let him do his job, adding he wants to overhaul the entire government to rid it of corruption. “I am just one year but I’m trying to do my best, the very best. I’ve been to all places,” he said, before dwelling on the government’s battle against ISIS-inspired terrorists in Marawi City.
During his SONA, Malacañang said the theme is focused on “A Comfortable Life for All” supported by the administration’s three key agenda – prosperity for all, law and order, and peace – which categorize the positive changes felt by the people.
The Palace said in a statement the President will also submit his administration’s proposed 2018 national budget, worth P3.767 trillion, on the day of the SONA itself, with the biggest chunk allotted for education, infrastructure development and health care.
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has tapped the award-winning filmmaker Brillante Mendoza to direct the production of Duterte’s SONA.
In a statement, the PCOO is also set to assign sign language interpreter for those with hearing impairment. – Christina Mendez, Edith Regalado, Jess Diaz, Non Alquitran, Helen Flores
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