House ready for Duterte’s final SONA

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is ready for President Duterte’s sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 26 when congressional sessions are also set to resume.

After meeting with Palace officials and senators on SONA preparations last Thursday, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco revealed that Duterte is expected to report the accomplishments of his administration.

“Most of our colleagues in Congress agree that we should give credit where it’s due, and the truth is that there were a lot of key legislative measures enacted during PRRD’s term,” the Marinduque congressman said.

“President Duterte deserves gratitude of all Filipinos for the many good things he has done for the country, including the string of landmark legislation that we never thought would be possible, as well as high impact programs and critical reforms aimed at improving the quality of life of Filipinos,” Velasco pointed out.

Days before the SONA, the House initiated its own tribute to the President through video presentations in its website highlighting the legislative accomplishments of the administration in a project entitled Sa Lahat ng Pagbabago, Salamat Pangulo! (For All The Changes, Thank You President!).

Members of the supermajority coalition in the chamber produced 60- to 90-second videos presenting the priority programs of their districts that were implemented and made possible since Duterte assumed office in 2016.

“Even before the pandemic hit, we were able to pass laws on universal health care, free tertiary education, establishment of Malasakit centers, expanded maternity leave, free public internet access and the Bangsamoro Organic Law, to name a few,” Velasco pointed out.

He said that at the height of the pandemic, Congress and the executive department worked together to produce pieces of legislation designed to help address and cushion the socioeconomic impact of the ongoing public health crisis, such as the Bayanihan laws, General Appropriations Act of 2021 and COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act.

The documentaries and testimonials on the legislative accomplishments of the Duterte administration are posted on the microsite congress.gov.ph/sona2021 that was specifically created for the SONA.

On the actual day of the SONA, a multimedia exhibit will be put up in the North and South Wing lobbies of the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

A tableau of Duterte’s accomplishments will also be set up at the rear entrance of the Main Building where the Chief Executive will make his way to the plenary to deliver his final SONA.

“We in Congress truly appreciate what President Duterte has done for our country and all of these accomplishments will be highlighted in these exhibits,” Velasco said.

About 150 to 200 attendees, who are expected to be already vaccinated for COVID-19, will be allowed inside the House plenary hall.

Just like in the SONA last year at the height of the pandemic, they would again undergo swab testing before entering the venue where strict physical distancing protocols will be observed. – Rhodina Villanueva