Wishes & expectations on the 2nd SONA

AS President Duterte approaches his 2nd Stateof-the-Nation Address, he is greeted by a Pulse Asia approval and trust rating of 82%. This of course increases the level of people’s expectations of what he plans to accomplish during the next five years. While he had laid the groundwork for some of his priority programs – war against illegal drugs, “build, build, build,” a 10-point economic program, federalism and constitutional change, end to contractualization, tax reform, and a social reform agenda, many of the promises he had made still remain unfulfilled. His victories – the revised Bangsamoro Basic Law, war against drugs, social reforms, forging an independent foreign policy, maintaining the country’s rank as one of the best performing economies in Asia, among others, have been won amidst controversies. The latter include human rights violations over extrajudicial killings of suspected drug users and killers, perceived overprotection of PNP forces engaged in drug operations, divided public opinion over foreign policy (setting aside the UN arbitral ruling over the West Philippine Sea, establishing close relations with China and Russia, and re-examining ties with the US and European Union), among others. He is regarded by Malacanang as the “most traveled and most productive president” for the many promises of assistance. The controversy that he had stirred is not only due to his policies and programs but also his own leadership style – use of foul language and hyperbole, lack of adherence to traditional forms of diplomacy, a challenge to his staff who had to resort to creative ways of translating his speech and behavior. How he has been able to surpass past leaders in terms of popularity puzzles governance analysts and I am sure, future historians. This has been explained as his ability to capture the audience’s ear with his innate storytelling and ad-libbing skills (I understand that there would be translators to explain his adlibs which many a time is even more significant than the written speech).

What are some of the public’s wishes and expectations during the forthcoming Sona? Bayan, the progressive political party, had listed 20, many of which I and other moderates, liberals and soc-dems, as well, also support. These include implementing reforms in land distribution that benefit the farmers, a national industrialization system that would make us less dependent on exports, resumption of peace talks with the NDF, a truly independent foreign policy, expanded social services, putting a stop to extrajudicial killings (EJKs), pull-out of US military operations including EDCA, and establishing sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea.

Several other political groups including those who have come out with another Sona, oppose death penalty, lowering the age of criminal accountability, end to EJKs, strengthening anti-corruption measures, and expansion of social services to reach the most marginalized.

Although the country ranked 68th out of 128 countries in terms of programs that address the basic human needs and wellbeing, further analyses of the delivery of services indicate that a large percentage of assistance from World Bank and other development agencies does not reach those that are most in need. This is true for primary education, healthcare facilities, and water, a most critical resource, which is wanting in many deprived communities. Most often, those who are left out are those most vulnerable - indigenous groups, elderly poor, disabled, and children.

In this anticipated 2nd Sona, many expect the President to announce some surprises. Perhaps the passage of the Universal Access to Quality Education Bill or announcement of free college tuition for poor but deserving students.

In addition to the reality that the declaration of martial law had affected the timetable for bills and projects of government, a discernible decrease in terms of tourist arrivals and expression of interest among potential investors, this political act is always perceived as a step backward in our move towards becoming a part of a modern, civilized society. It is similar to enacting legislation on restoring the death penalty. We realize that there may be a need to extend martial law but we trust that it would only extend within Marawi and the Lanao area where the need to do so becomes justified.

The President’s gesture of asking Congress to convene a joint session on Saturday to discuss the issue of extension is welcomed and shows the President’s consultative mode. Just as he had demonstrated inclusiveness, he had shown humility when he apologized to residents of Marawi when he explained the reason for declaring ML.

Finally, we trust the President would fulfill his promise of promoting democratic participation and equality at all levels of governance. He can do this by prioritizing bills that encourage competition and eliminate monopolies and control by powerful economic interests. These include anti-trust laws in ownership of vital enterprises including media and telecommunication.