BACOLOD CITY, July 24 — City officials here were found the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte comprehensive and straightforward as he presented the concerns and issues during his more than two-hour report to the Filipinos.
The Chief Executive stated the country’s real present situation, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said.
Familiaran said he believed the plans presented by President Duterte, particularly on peace and order, tax reform law, health, corruption and charter change for federalism, were doable and achievable within his term.
For his part, Councilor Wilson Gamboa said the President’s SONA showed the Duterte style of rhetorics.
“He was sincere, straightforward, brutally frank, pissed off, disappointed, dared, and not backing off which endeared him more to the people,” Gamboa added.
Councilor Caesar Distrito said the President’s speech was really comprehensive, giving emphasis on massive infrastructure known as “build, build, build,” among others.
Distrito also noted the President’s focus on the lifting of the temporary restraining order for reproductive health as well as the effort to run against tax evaders like cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corp.
The councilor also welcomed mentions on the smoking ban in public places, free Wifi connectivity, healthcare, military welfare hospital modernization, streamlining against bureaucratic red tape, rejection of increase of bonuses and allowances for government-owned and -controlled corporations, education of the youth, and recognition of the role of overseas Filipino workers.
Distrito, however, raised concern on the President calling out media outlets ABS-CBN and Rappler.
“Democracy safeguards free press. An attack to press is an attack to democracy,” he added.(Nanette L. Guadalquiver/PNA)
