AS EXPECTED, different people latched on to different facets of the State of the Nation Address (Sona).
The law enforcers welcomed his declarations about peace and order, the environmentalists celebrated the pro-environment slant of the speech, and the business sector focused on the announcements on growth and development pursuits.
The common people, however, appreciate most the candidness of the Sona, spoken in a language they understood and welcomed.
Interface Development Interventions (Idis) executive director Chinkie Golle said the statements of President Rodrigo Duterte on protecting the environment are a welcome development.
“This is the first time I heard him issue strong statements addressed to the investors, government agencies and local government units. I am happy that he recognized the destruction brought by the extractive industry like mining to the environment and to the local communities,” she said.
“I hope those investors, government agencies and LGUs will be more responsible, accountable and will act appropriately now that President Duterte mandated them to give extreme care for the environment,” she added.
She underscored that Idis fully supports the passage of National Land Used Act “to rationalize and sustainably manage our resources with integration of risk reduction and management (DRRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA).
For the business community, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Ronald Go said that the underlying message of the Sona was the President's desire to enact change.
"This, being basically his first year, I think all of us should give him a chance," Go said.
He added that the President's economic plans are welcome and lauded.
Davao City Police Office Director Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum also lauded Duterte’s Sona, saying it is straightforward.
“Indeed, we have a lot of things to do (in war against drugs, terrorists),” Tagum said.
Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao regional director Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan, for his part, said he liked most the part where the President reached out to the rallyists outside Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
Chris Ibaos, one of the viewers who availed of the free streaming of the Sona on Monday at Rizal Park, said that he found the Sona very entertaining and very realistic.
" I think that this is the kind of Sona that makes the people especially the masses understand. It is so brainy, it was well rehearsed, it was so scripted, but you know the President when he is talking he will go out of the script and I think that it is the reason that it is helps the common people understand,” he said.
Ibaos said that in his point of view, the realization of the promised projects of the Presidet will take time.
"I would understand, he is really in a troubled time, the Philippines really is in a troubled time, na-timing lang nga during his administration he experienced a lot of problems including this thing in Marawi, and many things, but his ratings are high and good because people are still trusting and hoping for change," Ibaos said.
Arvel Patricio also one of by the bystanders who stood and watched the sona said that as a Filipino he ranks the Sona of the President with 9.2.
"Pranka man gud, from the heart iyang speech although, daghan siyag gusto i-address, dili niya masulti tanan tungod sa kadaghan pero ang iyang main point kagaya sa mga problema sa communism, terrorism, mga basic services sa Pilipino mao ang iyang gihatagan ug importansya, as well as concerns sa mga Overseas Flipino (It is frank, and it is from the heart, although he wanted to address many things, he cannot talk about it all because there are many, but his main points are clear especially in the problems of communism, terrorism, and the basic services to Filipinos, which he had given importance as well as the concerns of the OFW)," Patricio said.
He added that he believes that the projects of president laid down in Dutertenomics will take time to take effect.
"So far it takes time for the people to see, but eventually it will grow," Patricio added.
Rhea Aqui also also one who witnessed the Sona said that she rates the president 10 percent because she can see that almost all of the projects are being realized.
"Lahat ng binitawan ni President, unti-unti nang natutupad," he said.
Davao City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang who joined the public in the public viewing said that the Sona is very natural.
"Very natural, very natural real, it is a speech that is usually done in Davao. It is coming from the heart when he touched all about very particular points, the population problem, that needs the support of the Supreme Court. If you notice, one of the basic problems we are facing, population growth," he said.
Dayanghirang said that the president's assessment and his remarks about rebellion is very clear.
"He gave them a lot of opportunities but it is unfortunate that it seems the otherside is not responding it well but on the other hand in the name of democracy. He allows everybody to have the right of redress, to stop or curtail the freedom of expression. So it is a balance between the right of the government and your right because this is really a democracy," he added.
Meanwhile, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice National Coordinator Ian Rivera issued on Monday, July 24, a statement following the President’s declarations on environmental protection.
"PMCJ welcomes the statement of President Duterte in the Sona emphasizing that environment must be a priority ahead of mining and other activities and reprimand the mining industry.
But the same PMCJ also questioned the plans of the President since it is not reflected I the Philippine Development Plan.
“His vision of developing the minerals value chain in the country might be a significant departure from what is minerals extraction is today. However, it is not reflected in Philippine Development Plan. So how will he do that? President Duterte has to concretely spell out how he will fulfill and realize this statement and for PMCJ that is important. What is on his menu so far is the forthcoming dialogue in Malacanang between mining companies and environmental groups,” the PMCJ statement read.
It also added that some of the President’s statements and proposals need legislative actions and that takes time.
“We will press for those actions. However, the legislature is filled with pro-mining interests. But there are actions that he can do under the purview of the executive function, and that concretely implements what are already in E.O.79. This was what Gina Lopez did in prosecuting violators under EO 79. But the President let go of Gina Lopez. And now he is again complaining when he saw footages shown by Ted Failon. President Duterte should continue what Gina Lopez has started.” the statement read.