Mixed reviews for 2nd SONA

MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte’s allies in Congress defended his tougher stance against drugs and criminality in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), while senators were cool to some of his priority legislation and his critics called his presidency a “disappointment.”

In his second SONA yesterday, Duterte warned that his administration’s war against drugs would be unrelenting.

“He said what needed to be said,” Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles said.  

“The President has defined this as a fight for the lives of our children. Critics should heed the call to join forces and use their efforts and moral authority to save lives. Let us join him in seeking the peace of the living,” he added. 

Pangasinan second district Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil also expressed support for the administration’s campaign against criminality.

“The SONA was delivered in a very strong manner, putting once again an emphasis that there will be no letup, no mercy and no toleration on our campaign against illegal drugs and other crimes,” he said.

According to #RealNumbersPH Data on Anti-Drug Campaign of the government, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that 3,200 people were killed in anti-drug operations from July 1 last year to June 30 this year.

The statistics showed nine persons were killed daily in the first 365 days of the Duterte administration.?The government seized 2,440 kilos of shabu with an estimated street value of P12.60 billion and P18.51 billion worth of drug paraphernalia during the same period.

The PNP conducted 63,926 operations and arrested 86,933 drug suspects. More than one million drug personalities surrendered during the same period. The PNP and PDEA also dismantled 159 shabu dens and clandestine laboratories.

‘Classic Duterte showtime’

For Left-wing lawmakers, Duterte’s statement was just a “classic Duterte showtime.”

“Rambling, shouting, warning and bullying his enemies. He knows what issues click, what emojis to use. To be populist than being right. Again no mention of endo, coconut farmers trust fund, other social legislation. Frustrating!” Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin said.  

Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao expressed the same sentiment. – With Paolo Romero, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Sheila Crisostomo, Eva Visperas, Artmeio Dumlao, Ding Cervantes