CEBU CITY — Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing has praised President Rodrigo Duterte for an “inspiring SONA.”
In a text message sent to the Philippine News Agency on Monday evening after the President delivered his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA), Quisumbing said the President clearly itemized his priorities and policies – which constitutes marching orders not only to Congress but to local government units (LGUs) as well.
“I specially appreciate his continued commitment to stamp out the illegal drug menace for the benefit of the future generations. His vow to go after corrupt officials as well as those who destroy the environment are equally important to the development of our nation,” Quisumbing said.
“I heard his message loud and clear and the City of Mandaue will closely align our goals and policies to those of the national government to ensure that the progress under this administration is uninterrupted and continues to gain momentum,” the Mandaue mayor added.
On the other hand, Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale on Tuesday also praised President Duterte’s SONA especially because not a single expletive was uttered during the entire 48-minute speech, unlike his previous two SONA speeches.
Magpale said she was really happy with the speech since Duterte did not brag about his accomplishments, but instead talked about his plans and the issues that his administration needed to address.
She was also happy that the President stressed the responsibility of LGUs in the protection of the environment.
Magpale said the shutdown of Boracay was already a wake-up call for LGUs to be proactive in taking care of the environment, but she was glad that President Duterte highlighted the particular issue in his SONA.
Magpale, however, said she was a bit “dismayed” because she was expecting the President to also talk about the government’s programs “for the protection of children and women in his SONA”.
“But still it was all okay as he promised to prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people,” she said.
Although Duterte did not specifically mention the issues concerning women, Magpale said it was enough for her that the President said welfare of the “people”, which means everybody — women and children included. (Luel Galarpe/PNA)