The Duterte legacy on spotlight

THE FINAL SONA Did the President deliver on his COVID-19 promise last SONA? Netizens want Duterte’s last SONA to be his swan song

- GENALYN KABILING

July 26, 2021 will be a historic day when President Duterte puts a spotlight on his legacy achievements so far as well as plans for his final year in office.

Catapulted into office with the “tapang at malasakit” mantra, the President is set to deliver his sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the joint session of Congress on Monday as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc on lives and livelihood of Filipinos.

The President’s highly anticipated speech, which will set the tone of the last 12 months in Malacañang, has been finalized with Duterte already starting to rehearse its delivery.

Given the evolving coronavirus threat, the President will physically deliver his SONA at Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City but under stricter safety and health protocols. The preparations include limiting the number of guests who will be required to follow certain health protocols, including vaccination and coronavirus testing.

“This year’s SONA will be discussing all the administration’s accomplishments and legacies on multifaceted governance,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.

“It will cover economics, social services, infrastructure, peace and security, and our independent foreign policy. It will further include where we are currently in these aspects to provide the Filipino people a clear picture of our current situation,” he said.