SONA 2021: A quick summary

President Rodrigo Duterte gave his sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday afternoon at the Batasang Pambansa. 

Duterte's chopper arrived at around 3:41pm and he was welcomed by Congress leaders and cabinet officials, with live music from the Philharmonic Orchestra.

The President wore a Barong Tagalog, plus a face mask, which he removed right before beginning his last SONA.

As expected, he heralded achievements of his administration throughout a speech peppered with ad libs, jokes, and side commentaries. Below, allow us to summarise it for you.

1. His speech lasted all of 2 hours and 46 minutes long. It started at 4:13pm after a prayer, which was followed by the singing of the Lupang Hinirang by Morisette Amon.

2. Duterte opened his speech by complimenting the crowd gathered inside the session hall, saying it was the "most beautiful SONA crowd" that ever happened.

3. He mentioned how his purpose is "pure and unpolluted," how the past five years have been "truly challenging and humbling," and then early on thanked healthcare workers and other frontliners leading the fight against COVID-19.

4. Here are a few things Duterte mentioned: Wanting to give free legal assistance to AFP, PNP, as well as a unified system of retirement and pension for military and uniformed personnel, how drugs and corruption remain a problem, but that EDSA has been decongested amid Metro Manila quarantine and that his administration has "taken away misery of public commuting."

5. What is a Duterte speech without jokes? Early on, he joked about a 'drowsy' the teleprompter operator. "Maybe because I had so many ad libs along the way," he said after struggling to enumerate the number of communist rebels who surrender to the government.

“Hindi bale, Ma’am, mahal pa rin kita [Never mind, I still love you],” he said, drawing applause from the audience. “I will embrace them for their punctuality in operating this strange machine that gives you the speech.”

6. Some special mentions: He asked Senator Ronald 'Bato' delo Rosa to investigate "or shoot if necessary" certain police officials involved in importing AK-47 guns into the country, vouched for Senate President Vicente Sotto III — who has already said he will seek the vice presidency — calling him "a capable" and "good" Filipino.

He gave special mention to San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora for vaccinating 70% of its population in mere months. He looked for Vice President Leni Robredo as he mentioned improvement of government's infrastructure projects in the provinces: "Are you here ma'am?" He asked as the video cut to Robredo who gave a wave.

Duterte asked Senator Christopher "Bong" Go to take a bow upon mentioning the Malasakit Centers he helped establish.

7. Another joke: Duterte teased about the possibility of having COVID-19 when he stuttered some of his words. "May ambulansya ba diyan? I cannot pronounce the words," he said at one point.

And then upon catching his breath, said he might just die there. 

8. Speaking of COVID-19, Duterte said more vaccines are arriving as he asked for patience from those who are next in line. He noted how the Delta variant is far more dangerous and aggressive. He said people should "pray for salvation."

9. Some seemingly randoms: He heralded his administration's move to return Canada's garbage back to them. He also touted the return of the Balangiga bells. In mentioning his refusal of expensive gifts, Duterte shared his IWC watch was only worth P300,000. He likened being President to being a prisoner, lamenting having his movements restricted.

He mentioned ABS-CBN once again, how he didn't want to appear vindictive. He wanted to give the frequency to a "Filipino who will do good and pay" because the network, according to Duterte, really wasn't paying the correct taxes. Alas, an official of the Bureau of Internal Revenue last year said that the network paid taxes regularly and in a lawful manner, stating that ABS-CBN has no outstanding tax liabilities. 

10. He thanked our ASEAN friends and though he assured that the Philippines will remain a responsible member of the community, Duterte said "gone are the days when the Philippines decides and acts in the great powers."

11. He tried his absolute best not to cuss, as he was in the presence of some religious men, he said. When he couldn't, Duterte exerted major effort by simply whispering the bad words.

12. More accomplishments: The President mentioned the extension of the validity of driver's licenses to 10 years as well as the clearance of millions in backlogs. He reiterated his call for Congress to pass legislation to establish a single agency that will focus on the needs and concerns of OFWs. Duterte was obviously proud for going after water concessionaires. He cited economic gains under his administration pre-COVID.

13. Toward the end of his speech, he mentions the teleprompter operator again and said "pagkatapos nito ma'am, ikaw unang mag-congratulate sa'tin, kaya ako nagka-utal-utal dito dahil sa 'yo."

14. Duterte ended his speech at exactly 6:59pm, saying "Together let's rise as a nation. Thank you."

— LA, GMA News