SONA, so nasty

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AT first it looked like President Duterte would stick to the text of his State-of-theNation Address (SONA) from start to finish.

He looked formal and forceful, even with a hint of a conciliatory tone. It was a presidential and statesmanlike start.

But it didn’t take long for him to be his real self. He got started with drugs as is his wont. Then he dealt with peace and order, spewing anger about Marawi City and at the ISIS-inspired Maute Group, the Mindanao-based terrorists that are mislabeled as a rebel group.

Then Duterte scolded mining companies whom he dared to declare their earnings truthfully and be environment-friendly, or he would “tax them to death.” He said the mining industry doesn’t contribute much to government coffers, claiming that the government’s share of mining revenues is only R70 billion a year.

Next to receive his ire were the media, one of which he accused of having foreign ownership, referring to the Rappler online news outlet, which has been a thorn in Duterte’s side.

After that ad lib, Duterte went back to his prepared speech. At that juncture, his initial forcefulness had lost steam. He just read his speech in a fast monotone, like a bored grade-school student who had lost interest.

The President talked about the devastating effect of typhoons and earthquakes on the country. He exhorted citizens to be ready for the “Big One.” He then joked about whether it was possible for a sinkhole to hit the Congress and everybody would disappear into it. The audience didn’t get the joke and nobody laughed.

He then went back again to his speech and talked briefly about the West Philippine Sea and his advocacy for federalism. But soon he switched back to attack mode and launched into his usual tirade about his disdain for human rights and due process. He singled out Sen. Leila de Lima, asking if she had any credibility and whether she deserved any sympathy.

And then to his favorite whipping boy: The United States. He accused the US of having committed many human rights violations. He cited a horrifying event during the PhilippineAmerican War when, in retaliation for an attack by the Filipinos, Gen. Jacob Smith, the commander of the American forces, ordered his men to turn Samar province into a “howling wilderness.”

Duterte continued that the Americans then took the church bells of Balangiga, Samar, as trophies, which they’ve kept to this day. “Return the Balangiga bells,” he roared, “they are ours!”

Atrocities occur during war and perpetrators must answer for them. But why is Duterte being selective with his anger? The Japanese committed many war crimes, too, when they invaded the Philippines during World War II, including the infamous Death March from Mariveles, Bataan, to Capas, Tarlac.

The Japanese executed many Filipinos all over the Philippines, including the Philippines’ then Chief Justice, Jose Abad Santos, who valiantly refused to collaborate with the occupiers. Why is Duterte silent about Japan’s atrocities against Filipinos?

And what about the Chinese’ economic exploitation of the Philippine economy and their shabby treatment of their Filipino employees? Up to this day the Chinese control our economy to a large extent. The shabu supply here comes from China. Why is Duterte silent about that?

And speaking of taking something from the Philippines, how about China’s occupation of several shoals in the West Philippine Sea? Why is Duterte silent about that?

Mr. Duterte spent a lot of time talking about widespread corruption in the Philippines and repeated his claim that he will eradicate that scourge during his term. He also spoke about making the lives of ordinary Filipinos less trying through easier access to the government bureaucracy.

The President’s adlibs were no different from the typical Duterte speech, rehashed and recycled, full of bombast and his favorite curse phrase, “p ..... ina.” I wonder if he realizes that when he stoops to such boorishness, he shocks and turns off a lot of people. I wouldn’t be surprised if the foreign envoys in attendance thought him a madman for all his rants. But, of course, being diplomats they had to applaud.

It’s worth noting that the applause was restrained throughout the speech, unlike past presidents’ SONAs. Among the most enthusiastic applauders of Duterte’s speech was the speaker of the House. And when he was at his crudest and nastiest, all the ambassadors were grim-faced. With one exception: the Chinese ambassador, who was all smiles throughout.

*** Tantrum Ergo. President Duterte stumbled during many points of his SONA, slurring and mispronouncing words. He kept saying Ted Falion until he got Ted Failon right. He called the Reproductive Health Law “preproductive.”