President Duterte SONA 2017 Reaction Paper.

MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivered on Monday, July 24, 2017 his
second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in front of around 3,000 lawmakers and guests at
the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City. With the theme A Comfortable Life for All President
Duterte delivered his speech in line with the administration's three key agendaprosperity for
all law and order and peace which categorize the positive changes felt by the people.

SONA 2016 started at exactly 4:20 in the afternoon and concluded after 2 hours and 6 minutes
6:26 p.m. longer that his previous SONA due to off-the-cuff remarks. Known for his no-holds-
barred speeches and fiery statements Duterte delivered once again his colorful tirades and
expletives mixed with report of plans for the country. Duterte admitted that he is bully to the
enemies of the state. He even thrown some rants to some news organizations like ABS-CBN
and Rappler for the their alleged biased stories about him.Wag ninyo ako takutin. I am willing to
go to prison for the rest of my life Duterte voice out to his critics in his lengthy speech.

The second SONA highlighted the government's accomplishments especially on war against
drugs and criminalities. Duterte during the election campaign period promised to resolve these
in just six months but failed to bust and requested for extension saying he was shocked by the
extent of the drug problem.

Same with previous SONA, thousands of protesters and militant groups rallied near the Batasan
to denounce the recently approved extension of Martial law in Mindanao until December 31 and
to assert that the presidents promise of change has not been realized. Protests meanwhile was
peaceful and orderly. Some activists claims Duterte's first year was a major flop in addressing
the pressing economic and social imbalances only to be highlighted by blood and gore.

While the president also emphasized his plans for a tax reform program to raise the national
budget, it must be studied thoroughly as it is branded as regressive and anti-poor by certain
groups. For instance House Bill 5636 for sugar-sweetened beverages SSB will come with a
P10-per-liter tax. This will apparently dissuade consumers from purchasing SSBs. According to
the Philippine Association of Store and Carinderia Owners PASCO the imposition of SSB tax
will result to 3% to 200% rise in prices. It is interesting to note that the Bangsamoro Basic Law
(BBL) was certified as urgent by Duterte administration.BBL is key to just and lasting peace.

It is interesting to note that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was certified as urgent by Duterte
administration. "BBL is key to just and lasting peace.

While there's a lot of issues that need to be resolved, Filipinos are hopeful that Duterte will
deliver his promised change during the course of his presidency. This is evident of the excellent
trust rating he received in the latest Pulse Asia Research's June 2017 Ulat ng Bayan survey
82% nationwide.
"Believe me, it is easier to build from scratch than to dismantle the rotten and rebuild upon its
rubble. Let us work together and lay a new foundation in which a better Philippines can be
reconstructed. Help me build a better tomorrow Duterte ended his speech.