PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE’S

5TH STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS

President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday
afternoon, July 27, against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.

In the middle of his speech, the health department announced 1,657 new coronavirus cases,
bringing the country's total to 82,040 cases.

The speech lasted for around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

o Here are some important informations that President Rodrigo Duterte mentioned in his
SONA:

 Overseas Filipino Workers. Duterte orders various agencies to help OFWs who have lost
their jobs and returned home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Education . He reiterates face-to-face classes will not be allowed until a COVID-19

vaccine becomes available.

 Human rights. He took the language of human rights to justify his war on drugs and
abuses seen under his administration.

 China. The President veers from his speech and says he pleaded with Chinese President
Xi Jinping to prioritize the Philippines in providing an effective vaccine.

 Health.He lists plans to increase the number of health workers deployed to barangay
health stations, rural health units, and other healthcare facilities next year.
  Reopening the economy. Duterte says reopening the economy to pre-COVID-19 levels is
not an option. He cites as “proof” the recent increase in infections after quarantine
restrictions were eased.

 West Philippine Sea. Duterte repeats that he cannot assert the Philippines' rights over
the West Philippine Sea as this may spark war with China.

 Martial law in Mindanao. The President says that after 3 extensions, martial law in
Mindanao “ended without abuses.”

 Lastly, Death penalty. For the third time, he asks Congress to bring back the death
penalty by lethal injection for crimes under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of
2002.

 United States. The President rejects a proposed plan for the Americans to return to
Subic Bay through a commercial deal.

 Economy. Duterte highlights the country’s positive credit ratings and says with a strong
economic position, the Philippines is in a “better position to weather the crisis caused by
the COVID-19 global pandemic."

 Test for the nation. The President asks Filipinos to trust the government as “worse times
loom ahead.” He calls on Filipinos to take care of one another and vows the country will
overcome the pandemic.

ALEXA KYRA G. RAVELO

GRADE 10 RIZAL