State of the

Nation
Address 2017

Fider, Roxan S.

IV-LEG

Dr. Edgardo Lumbo, DPA

Professor
 SONA is an annual report of the President of the Republic of the Philippines to the
Filipino citizens. This will be the SONA of our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte after the first one
year of his term. The main focus of the SONA is the Martial Law Declaration and Extension in
the whole Mindanao Island due to Marawi City internal conflicts made by the terrorist group
called Maute Brothers, an ISIS sympathizer and also War on Drugs campaign of the
administration. When Maute group started to terrorize Marawi City, all of the Filipinos were
waiting of what will be the precautionary actions of the newly elected Pres. Duterte. But no one
anticipated that he will impose and declare Martial Law in the whole Mindanao to control the
situation in it. Until now, the battle is still continuing and clearing operations is still happening.
We cannot say it is over already since there were a lot of bombs or IEDs according to the the
AFP spokesperson were implanted in the houses of Marawi Settlers to inflict injuries to our
Armed Forces the other is War on Drugs Campaign.

As our President gained his office, he keeps on talking about how much he hates drugs.
Since the campaign before the National Election last May 9, 2016, until he seated as the official
president of the Republic of the Philippines. Now, lots of controversies have been gaining by this
campaign. There were few famous people had been killed because of anti-drug operations? First
is Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa that was killed inside his cell and Ozamis City Mayor
Aldo Parojinog. Many criticisms were gained by this campaign that leads to the brutal endings of
the suspected drug pushers, drug users and drug lords.

But, behind every bad news is a good news. Duterte Administration is now aiming for the
improvement of our infrastructure projects for the benefit of our economy by means of creating
and improving our roads, transportation system and establishing business corporations with the
help of our neighboring countries. This is what they called Dutertenomics which is one great
idea that the previous administration had never done. This could be achieving by means of
improving our tourism advertisement, security improvement and political stability. Disaster
Resilient Metro Manila is one hell of a priority for now since our security now is on the verge of
danger because of the expecting 8.0 magnitude earthquake or what they called The Big One
may hit the heart of the Philippine Islands. Additional building projects like the establishment of
additional airports to accommodate more tourists and to encourage them to visit our notable
tourist spots. Additional rehabilitation center for the people whose are willing to be rehabilitating
after they caught in Tokhang Operations. Bangsamoro expansion for our Muslim brothers and
sisters, Medicines and hospitals for our military and at the same time, Equitable Healthcare for
all the Filipinos, Investment for the improvement and continuance of Higher Education Program,
securing the rights of our Overseas Filipino Workers. The implementation of National Smoking
Ban, so on and so forth, this are the few things that our president has been discussed during his
SONA. Only for the improvement of the lives the Filipino people which is a sign of good
governance and leadership. But still, we should watch out with our President Actions and
decisions, because once it is already done and implemented, there is no turning back and it is our
country, the Philippines, will be at risk.