Here are the highlights of the President’s fifth SONA 2020.
President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday afternoon, July 27, 2020, at the Batasang Pambansa.
A few hours before this SONA started, Philippine National Police already began arresting protesters who allegedly violated community quarantine rules. Four of which are those on board a jeepney carrying a flag of transport militant group PISTON.
Before 1 pm, 6 Malacanang personnel tested positive for COVID-19 that prompted the organizers to decide whether to hold the SONA in Batasan or Malacanang.
By 3:58 pm, President Duterte landed in Quezon City via chopper.
The program started precisely at 4 pm with a prayer followed by the Lupang Hinirang. It lasted for 1 hour, 40 minutes, and 45 seconds.
Here are the highlights of the Duterte’s SONA 2020:
- COVID-19 pandemic
“We live in a troubled time. Our dream of prosperity for our country was suddenly snapped by a pandemic virulent virus,” President Duterte said.
Duterte also thanked COVID-19 frontliners, “who courageously put their lives on the line to serve the people and the country.”
“We share the grief of their family, and no amount of tears can compensate for their great losses,” Duterte said.
- Special mention to Drilon, ABS-CBN
Duterte made a special mention toSenator Franklin Drilon in his SONA for defending the “oligarchs” owners of ABS-CBN, the Lopezes.
According to the President, Drilon “took advantage of a preoccupied government.”
“Media is a powerful tool in the hands of oligarchs like the Lopezes who use their media outlets in their battles with political figures,” Duterte said.
“I am a casualty of the Lopezes during the 2016 elections,” he added.
Duterte also accused Drilon of being involved in ACCRA Law office that drafted the controversial water concession contracts during previous administrations.
- Illegal drugs
“The amount of shabu valued at millions of pesos seized during police operations speaks volume of enormity and the weight of the problem that we bear,” he said.
“They cannot outrun the long arm of the law,” he added.
Duterte said that “human rights” is freedom from illegal drugs, criminality, and terrorism.
The President also revived the idea of bringing back the death penalty by lethal injection for drug offenses.
- Calling out telecommunication companies
Duterte threatened Smart and Globe to improve their services. “Kindly improve your services by December. I want to call Jesus Christ in Bethlehem,” he said.
- West Philippine Sea
Duterte said the country could not afford to go on war against China.
Also read: Duterte confident China will be first to invent COVID-19 vaccine
“We have to go to war. And I cannot afford it. Maybe some other president can but I cannot. Inutil ako diyan. Talagang inutil ako diyan. Walang magawa [I’m useless when it comes to that. Really, I’m useless to that. I can’t do anything]. I cannot,” the President said.
“China is claiming it, we are claiming it. China has the arms. We do not have it. So, it’s as simple as that. They are in possession of the property…so what can we do?” he added.
The President ended his speech abruptly with, “I am through!”