President’s speech gets mixed reviews from Region 8 professionals

TACLOBAN CITY, July 26 (PNA) -– The first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday has earned mixed reviews from professionals in Eastern Visayas region.

Many gave the Chief Executive a thumbs up for reiterating strong position on criminality and illegal drugs while others expressed reservations on drug-related killings.

Vice Governor Carlo Loreto said the SONA was good, resonating the shared sentiments of every Filipino to end crime and illicit drugs.

“By far, this is the most authentic and heartfelt SONA,” said the official, who is a lawyer by profession.

Rebecca Ada, retired employee of the National Food Authority regional office said she liked President’s speech even if it was “sometimes senseless as he was true to self.”

“Some programs were clearly stated in general, it was still a motherhood statement why there were killings. Violence and crimes should have been emphasized that same is still a basic denominator of poverty and social injustice,” Ada said.

Tacloban-based entrepreneur and online copywriter Bert Malate shared that Duterte’s ad-libs and jokes had put further emphasis of salient points.

“Lower taxes and the rice subsidy for the poor are promising. All these under one serious behest - obey the rules! I think I saw and heard enough from a sincere man who means business. I just hope he graduates with flying colors,” Malate said.

Myrna Tambor, lead convenor of Samar Women Action Network for Peace and Development lauded the President for his pronouncement to implement the Magna Carta of Women.

“I like hi pronouncement on women's rights and gender equality. It is something to be optimistic about in the coming years under his administration. It is worth to note the peace agenda of his administration as well,” Tambor added.

Francis Joseph Grey, Samar provincial convener of the National Youth Commission noted how the President expressed his concern on the daily struggles of many Filipino.

“Duterte has started addressing the problems that made life miserable for ordinary Filipinos – complicated process of government transactions, traffic congestion, and long lines."

“Other problems will take more than six years to resolve such as inadequate infrastructure and Asia’s highest power costs, but the President can lay the groundwork for long-term solutions,” he added.

The youth leader said the present administration can bank on what the past administration had started – investor’s confidence, a framework for peace in Mindanao, and good governance policies. (PNA)
PGL/SQM/VICKY ARNAIZ & ROEL AMAZONA/EGR