MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his 3rd State of the Nation Address today, July 23, 2018.
At the Batasang Pambansa, Duterte bared his legislative agenda to the entire Filipino people. Prior to his speech, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told the media that the President will “speak from the heart.”
While demonstrators continued their protests and burned their effigies, the netizens too listened to the words of the President. On social media, netizens made their presence felt as the #SONA2018 topped the trending list the entire day.
#SONA2018
There were those who continued to express their support to the President following his words. A netizen stated she’d rather look at the “positive side” of what the President has done.
A netizens commended Duterte for mentioning the issue of “red tape” and corrupt government officials.
Some netizens also couldn’t help but share their continued admiration for the President.
Duterte firmly expressed his commitment in fighting illegal drugs saying it will be as “relentless and chilly” as ever.” A big Twitter account Professional Heckler reacted by posting a photo of the President with alleged drug lord Peter Lim.
The President’s statement, “Your concern is human rights, mine is human life” was also met with several reactions. A netizen posted a photo of the alleged bloodshed caused by war on drugs.
Following the reactions on human rights, a netizen pointed her observation.
A Twitter account mostly followed by lawyers or soon-to-be lawyers also talked about Duterte’s idea of human rights.
On the issue of China and West Philippine Sea, Duterte stated that they continue to assert our rights but “war is not an option.” Netizens also chimed in and some noted on the Marawi Siege.
As Duterte sought the help of the Senate to end endo or contractualization, netizens called for regularizations. A netizen was a bit skeptic to the promise of regularization.
Halfway through Duterte’s speech, there were already those who had given up. A netizen refused to listen anymore.
The President also “promise to give Filipinos a comfortable life.” Several netizens commented by calling out the corrupt officials.
#SONAlokoNa
The hashtag SONAlokoNa trended closely following SONA2018. Much of the reactions were focused on the ousting of Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez and oath taking of the new Speaker of the House of Representative, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
A netizen commented that Arroyo replacing Alvarez is a “bad omen.”
A big Twitter account, Superficial Gazette said how “sorry” he is about the ouster.
A netizen also had “harsh descriptions” to our new set of leaders.
— Sally, The Summit Express
At the Batasang Pambansa, Duterte bared his legislative agenda to the entire Filipino people. Prior to his speech, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told the media that the President will “speak from the heart.”
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| President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his 3rd State of the Nation Address | Screengrab: Facebook/Presidential Communications |
While demonstrators continued their protests and burned their effigies, the netizens too listened to the words of the President. On social media, netizens made their presence felt as the #SONA2018 topped the trending list the entire day.
#SONA2018
There were those who continued to express their support to the President following his words. A netizen stated she’d rather look at the “positive side” of what the President has done.
Im just looking for the positive side of what our Pres. Duterte did in our Nation. Drug War, Stop Corruption, Free Tuition and Economic Growth. Go Digong.#SONA2018— Lhu Khi (@LVillalino) July 23, 2018
A netizens commended Duterte for mentioning the issue of “red tape” and corrupt government officials.
It is good that Duterte is tackling RED TAPE. Hoping government agencies will be more efficient in their processes. #SONA2018— Tel. (@hypercube_fam) July 23, 2018
Duterte talks about going after the most corrupt government officials when he’s in the same room with some of the biggest plunderers and thieves in the country. #SONA2018 #SONAngyariSa2Years— Mark Angelo Roma🇵🇭 (@YourFACTbuddy) July 23, 2018
Some netizens also couldn’t help but share their continued admiration for the President.
No other President loves this country as much as Pres. Duterte. Sorry, haters. Digong pa rin! #SONA2018— Hotcrappuccino (@hotcrappuccino) July 23, 2018
My parents are clapping while watching #SONA2018 in the living room. I am in my room, and idk what gives me shivers more: the bs happening in SONA or my parents' appreciation for Du30. 😭— ET (@xxyunisa) July 23, 2018
Hate all you want. Rant all you want. Pero ito ang Presidente na may puso. YOU KNOW THAT, DONT DENY THAT YOU’VE FELT IT TOO. #SONA2018— Mecka Malazzab (@Mecka_Barbie) July 23, 2018
Duterte firmly expressed his commitment in fighting illegal drugs saying it will be as “relentless and chilly” as ever.” A big Twitter account Professional Heckler reacted by posting a photo of the President with alleged drug lord Peter Lim.
“Not during my term.” #SONA2018 pic.twitter.com/NdISyiMLa4— Professional Heckler (@HecklerForever) July 23, 2018
The President’s statement, “Your concern is human rights, mine is human life” was also met with several reactions. A netizen posted a photo of the alleged bloodshed caused by war on drugs.
Following the reactions on human rights, a netizen pointed her observation.
#SONA2018 Tbh lang po not everyone who got killed involved in drugs are innocent. Not everyone who got killed were killed by war on drugs. tsk— Misstique (@hermaskedside) July 23, 2018
A Twitter account mostly followed by lawyers or soon-to-be lawyers also talked about Duterte’s idea of human rights.
Flowery words. Flowery words. Nice to hear, but contradictory and irreconcilable. Protection of human rights necessarily entails the protection of human lives vice versa. They are not exclusive and separable. #SONA2018— Your Lawyer Says (@YourLawyerSays) July 23, 2018
On the issue of China and West Philippine Sea, Duterte stated that they continue to assert our rights but “war is not an option.” Netizens also chimed in and some noted on the Marawi Siege.
Duterte said war is not an option because all of us have seen horror in marawi. Excuse me sir, we have seen horror in your term with your misogynist mind, broken promises, and war against human rights. #SONA2018— Lois Araullo (@lois_araullo) July 23, 2018
As Duterte sought the help of the Senate to end endo or contractualization, netizens called for regularizations. A netizen was a bit skeptic to the promise of regularization.
You talk about Endo, the regularization of 300,000 workers that are still contractual. You talk about the passage of the bill about the Coconut Farmers' Trust Fund. Thank God for small mercies, Your Excellency, but forgive us if we have to see it first before believing. #SONA2018— ennecyclopedia (@enneduarte) July 23, 2018
Halfway through Duterte’s speech, there were already those who had given up. A netizen refused to listen anymore.
Delayed SONA, delayed progress, delayed justice system. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the real state of the nation. No need to hear whatever BS this murderer has to say. Bye. #SONA2018— ada🌈 (@adabelpanotes) July 23, 2018
More or less 30mins into the SONA and not much profanities...yet. Pero lies? Balderdash? Fallacies? Madami-dami na. #ekSONAhan #SONA2018— Jean Lander Agor (@7deadlyjeans) July 23, 2018
The President also “promise to give Filipinos a comfortable life.” Several netizens commented by calling out the corrupt officials.
If you'll be giving subsidies to the poor then give it straight to them. How do you expect a fucking crocodile to not try to eat the meat on the top of its nose????? #SONA2018— marie (@notmarieagain) July 23, 2018
#SONAlokoNa
The hashtag SONAlokoNa trended closely following SONA2018. Much of the reactions were focused on the ousting of Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez and oath taking of the new Speaker of the House of Representative, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
A netizen commented that Arroyo replacing Alvarez is a “bad omen.”
Arroyo replacing Alvarez is such a bad omen. Politicians as cunning and malevolent like her don't deserve any seat in the government because they will continuously find means to plunder our nation. #SONAlokoNa— K (@Legally_K) July 23, 2018
A big Twitter account, Superficial Gazette said how “sorry” he is about the ouster.
Ousted just when the biggest spotlight is on Bastosan- este, Batasan. Sorry, Panty.— Superficial Gazette 🇵🇭 (@SuperficialGZT) July 23, 2018
Actually, we're not sorry. Screw Pantaleon Alvarez.#SuperficialGazette #DuterteSONA2018 #SONAlokoNa pic.twitter.com/U9u0EdLBp0
A netizen also had “harsh descriptions” to our new set of leaders.
The dramatic & historic coup succeeded. Ex-president Gloria Arroyo just took her oath as new Speaker of the House of Representatives just minutes before #SONA2018. We now have a mass murderer as president, a rapist as Senate President and election cheater as House Speaker! pic.twitter.com/zlyZPhaFsY— Cleve Arguelles (@CleveArguelles) July 23, 2018
— Sally, The Summit Express
