War on Drugs

The President began his speech emphasizing on his government’s top campaign – the war on illegal
drugs. He said “the illegal drugs war will not be sidelined. Instead, it will be as relentless and
chilling…as on the day it began.”
He also slammed critics of his anti-drug policy stressing on the “terrible harm that they cause to the
people and communities” and the future, especially to the youth. He said human rights advocates
and church leaders criticizing the government on war on drugs are “misdirected.”
“Your concern is human rights, mine is human lives,” the President said.
“You worry about the present; I am concerned [about] both the present and the future. I worry
about the future because I know what crimes can do to the youth of this country. If not stopped,
crimes can make human cesspools of succeeding generations. I will not allow it to happen. Not
during my term,” he added.

Lower price of rice

The President vowed to provide a long-term solution to the country’s rice problems such as rice
shortage and high prices. He said that lowering the price of rice is a top agenda.
As he certified it as urgent, the President asked Congress to prioritize the passage of a rice tariff
system.
“We need to switch from the current quota system in importing rice to a tariff system where rice
can be imported more freely. This will give us additional resources for our farmers, reduce the price
of rice by up to 7 pesos per kilo, and lower inflation significantly,” he said.
He warned “rice hoarders, cartels and their protectors” to stop their illegal practices as he directed
“all intelligence agencies to unmask the perpetrators of this economic sabotage.”
Likewise, the President urged Congress to “pass at the soonest possible time the bill establishing
the Coconut Farmers’ Trust Fund” that would help the coconut farmers.

TRAIN will not stop

In his speech, the President stressed that the government will not allow the suspension of the
implementation of TRAIN or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law as it is needed for
the country’s sustainable growth and has helped improve infrastructure.
“TRAIN is already helping poor families and senior citizens cope up with rising prices…We cannot
and should not. We need this for sustainable growth that leaves no Filipino left behind,” he said.
Thus, he urged Congress to pass all five packages of the administration’s Comprehensive Tax
Reform Program (CTRP). These packages will include additional taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and
reform in property valuation, reform in capital income and financial taxes, and an amnesty program

End “Endo”
President Duterte was pleased to announce that the government’s campaign against
contractualization and the end-of-contract scheme or Endo “has resulted in the regularization of
more than 300,000 workers as of early this month.” He added that through Executive Order 51,
workers will somehow get the protection of their rights to security of tenure.
The President, however, said that though he understands that the E.O. does not satisfy all sectors,
he does not have the power under the Constitution to end the said labor scheme.
“That is why I add mine to their voices in asking Congress to pass legislation ending the practice of
contractualization once and for all,” he said.

On Mining and the Environment

The President emphasized in his SONA that “the protection of the environment must be the top
priority and extracted resources must be used for the benefit of the Filipino people, not just a
selected few.”
Thus, he warned the mining industry of “restrictive policies” not just taxes, if mining operators
continue to compromise the country’s resources and destroy the environment.
“I warn irresponsible miners, along with their patrons, to stop destroying our watersheds, recharge
areas, forests, and aquatic resources,” he said.
He ordered the mining operators to “repair what they have mismanaged.” The President warned
them of “radical reforms” and among them is the prohibition of open-pit mining.
“For as long as I am here I said: you will just have to contend with me. I expect you to do your part
in ensuring our nation’s sustainable development, starting now,” the President stressed.
The President also urged the Senate to urgently pass the National Land Use Act “to put in place a
national land use policy that will address our competing land requirements for food, housing,
businesses, and environmental conservation.”
He stressed that what happened to Boracay is an indication of the decade-long mismanagement of
the country’s land that resulted to abuse and destruction.

Disaster Resiliency
The President said his Cabinet already approved “for immediate endorsement to Congress the
passage of a law creating the Department of Disaster Management.”
“We need a truly empowered department characterized by a unity of command, science-based
approach and full-time focus on natural hazards and disasters, and the wherewithal to take charge
of the disaster risk reduction; preparedness and response; with better recovery and faster
rehabilitation,” he said.

On Friendship and Corruption

President Duterte said that though he values his friends, he is willing to let go of them if they go
against his anti-corruption policies.
“I value friendship. Make no mistake about it. But it has its limit…Do not make it lonelier by forcing
me to end our friendship because you gave me a reason to end it,” he said.
Duterte has fired several high ranking officials, who were close to him because of corruption
allegations. However, he remained under fire after some officials accused of irregularities remained
close to the President such as Agriculture Undersecretary Pompee La Viña, former Customs
Commissioner-turned Civil Defense administrator Nicanor Faeldon, and Pampanga Representative
Gloria Arroyo.
The President also issued a stern warning against government agencies particularly under the
executive branch which was reported to have the most number of red tape complaints.
“I particularly call the attention of the agencies with the [most] number of red tape-related reports
from the public, make your services truly customer-friendly. Our people deserve efficient, effective,
and responsive government services. They deserve nothing less,” he said.
He also directed all local government units to implement the law on ease of doing business and
make the process simpler.

On Federalism
President Duterte expressed confidence that the Filipino people will support him in achieving his
campaign promise of shifting to a federal form of government.
“I am confident that the Filipino people will stand behind us as we introduce this new fundamental
law that will not only strengthen democratic institutions but will also create an environment where
every Filipino… will have an equal opportunity to grow and create a future,” he said.
The Consultative Committee formed by the President has submitted a draft federal charter to
Congress.

Bangsamoro Organic Law

The President promised to sign the Bangsamoro Organic law within two days in his commitment
that his administration “will never deny our Muslim brothers and sisters the basic legal tools to
chart their own destiny within the Constitutional framework of our country.”
Duterte said “the law has been passed actually,” but he asked for the next 48 hours to read, sign and
ratify the law to make sure that nothing unconstitutional has been inserted therein.
The President was supposed to make history by signing the BOL during his SONA. However, the
signing was delayed after the Lower House failed to ratify it due to the “power struggle” on House
Speakership hours before the SONA. The Senate ratified the BOL without objection even earlier on
Monday. — UNTV News & Rescue

Duterte highlighted that the war from illegal drugs is far from over and will not be sidelined;
instead, it will be as relentless and chilling.

Duterte said his concern is more on human lives and not human rights. "Illegal drugs wasted away
lives, dysfunctionalized families and ruined relationship."
Duterte also addressed that corruption must stop to improve delivery of services. He also warned
government agencies to stop red tape. Duterte on Ease of Doing Business Act: "I hereby direct all
government units and government agencies to faithfully implement this law and simplify the
process."

Duterte also said budget for Mindanao is being increased. By the end of his term, he wants to see the
fulfillment of his promise. On Bangsamoro Organic Law, he said: "Give me 48 hours to sign it and
ratify the law."

The Mindanaoan president emphasized "War is not an option. We have been through the
catastrophe in Marawi. We have seen the horror, devastation, and human toll, displacement of both
Christians and Muslims alike."

On Marawi siege, Duterte recognized soldiers and police who died fighting for the city. He said that
government welcomes with open arms the terrorists who surrender to authorities.

Duterte hailed the successful hosting of ASEAN anniversary and summit last November. "We will
have stronger bonds with ASEAN friends."

On relationship with China, Duterte said it has led to an unprecedented level of cooperation
between nations on the war against transitional crimes. "Our shared intelligence with China led to
discovery of clandestine shabu laboratories."

The iron-fist president shared admiration to our Filipino migrant workers for their selflessness and
courage in enduring hardships of living away. "You have contributed greatly to the Philippine
economy." He also mentioned the fight against 'endo' which has resulted to regularization of more
than 300,000 workers.

Talking about the third telco player, Duterte said the chosen entity must provide the best possible
services at reasonable prices. He also wants to lower interconnection rates between industry
players.

Duterte also promised to restore environmental integrity of Boracay. "It has sadly become a
representation of government's negligence, including mine." He said that protection of the
environment is a top priority. Duterte was emotional as he discussed open pit mining that he
said "destroying my country."

Duterte applauded the Congress for the immediate passing of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and
Inclusion or the TRAIN law. "I am committed to a comprehensive tax reform and I ask Congress to
continue the job." On TRAIN impact, he said: "You have made funds available to build better roads,
bridges and improved health and education."

Duterte also warned rice cartels to stop messing with the people.

The passage of the universal healthcare bill was also encouraged by Duterte.

On federalism, he said: "Strong political determination, not political ambition, is the guiding light. I
have no illusions of occupying this office one day longer than what the Constitution under which I
was elected permits." But he is confident the people will support effort to pass a new Constitution.
Reactions on President Duterte's Third SONA

Thousands of protesters and militant groups rallied near the Batasan to condemn rampant killings
being linked to Duterte's war against illegal drugs; as well as the tax reform law, raising duties on
fuel, cars, and sugar-sweetened drinks.

Analysts added that Dutertenomics performance after his two years in power is fair to poor citing
the impact of the TRAIN law.

The inflation rate (rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising and,
consequently, the purchasing power of currency is falling) also increased versus last year (4.9 vs.
3.2).

Some also reacted with the proposed federalism, that would decentralize the system of the
government. Others said creation of new states or regional governments will just create another
bureaucratic layer with the installation of state governors on top of provincial governors,
municipal, and city mayors.

Meanwhile, the President was not able to sign the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in time for the
SONA as it was not ratified before the adjournment of today's session of the House of
Representatives.

"We consider this as a temporary setback in the administration's goal of laying the foundation for a
more genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao," the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson said in a
statement.

On the other hand, latest Pulse Asia survey revealed that majority of Filipinos consider the war on
the drugs as the Duterte administration's most important achievement. The report also include
good feedback for the fight against crime, salaray increase for police and soldiers, fight against graft
and corruption and free tuition in public universities and colleges.