Paynor, Miljohn Denver Y.

Reaction Paper: SONA

Law 2 August 2, 2016

Change

"We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us

back." These were the introductory words of President Rodrigo Roa Duterto
on his first State of the Nation Address held at the Batasang Pambansa.
Armed with strong, convincing and unparalleled words, the speech brought
unwavering hope to the Filipino people that will bring each one of us to the
realization that change, now, is really inevitable.

Comparing the State of the Nation Address speech of the newly elected
President from those of the past presidents, the speech of the President is not
coated with much formality, almost half of his speech is ad lib. Some may
criticize him for doing such, but going beyond formalities and the written
words behind those scripts, the SONA has a strong message for the Filipinos.

The specific words of the President really catches my attention when

he stated that finger pointing, which is a rampant occurence in our country, is
not the way towards change. Truthfully, such scenario will only worsen and
discourage change in our society, for the reason that our country, if such is
tolerated, will become a stagnant body of water which is not capable of
becoming something. I applaud the President for standing with the present by
leaving the past behind through extracting a lesson or two from its errors and
for us to be prepared of the incoming future. Such is a big leap towards the
realization that we are capable of change in order to uphold human life and
dignity.

When the President was elected, the slogan, "Change is coming," is all
over the place, most specifically, on the realm of the internet. But how can he
effect change, really? After watching the SONA of the President, I found the
answer to my inquiry. You effect change by proclaiming unity among citizens
of the Philippines, by declaring a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP/NPA/NDF
which is effective immediately. The move by the President himself depicts an
image which will bring the Philippines into a one united nation, which aimed
at preserving peace among everyone and upholding the rights of each of its
people. In order to help our country, all of us must stand up and direct
ourselves towards becoming one with our goals. As what the famous quote of
St. Paul goes, "Unity amidst diversity," we may have different cultures,
races and beliefs, but we are still capable of being one with our goals and
aspirations, as one nation. The President clearly knows that in order to effect
change, it must come from the leader who is responsible in directing his
people. As what he mentioned, If we cannot, as yet, love one another,
then in Gods name, let us not hate each other too much.

Also, one of the most remarkable words that he states is when he said,
"Human rights must work to uplift human dignity. But human rights
cannot be used as a shield or an excuse to destroy the country ---
your country and my country." Such bold and direct statement only
portrayed that he means serious business with the issue regarding human
rights, most especially, if it will lead to or endanger human lives, such on the
occasion of drugs, which will only bring peril on the lives of the people,
specically, the youth, which on their very young age are being involved in
drug related issues, such scenario is unfathomable.

It is for that reason that the rampant drug issues in the Philippines
must stop and prevent proliferation of such. The death rate of those involved
in drug related issues have risen for the past month, which is a good thing
actually, but we must not forget that this people are also entitled to the equal
protection clause guaranteed by the Constitution. It is an elementary rule on
criminal cases that the accused is presumed ignorant until proven beyond
reasonable doubt. All persons are entitled to the due process clause which will
bring the accused on a fair trial before the court. We should solve these
issues, specifically with drugs, in accordance with the proper legal process
and not by putting the law upon our own hands. I am cognizant that the
President knows what he is doing in order to promote the rights of every
citizen of our country. I applaud his statement that human rights cannot be
used as a shield or an excuse to destroy our country, but let me say this,
human rights must not also be used as a shell in covering acts of immorality.
Like the famous saying goes, "The end does not justify the means," that
even how good one's intention is, if it is done contrary to the prescribed rules
and regulations and by going beyond the law, it is unacceptable and should
not to be tolerated.

On the aspect of the Filipino's right to a healthful ecology, the

President made mentioned that addressing global warming is a top priority,
but upon a fair and acceptable equation. He even directed the military to
intensify its support role against illegal logging and illegal mining. Such
circumstance, if left without action, will be detrimental to our lives and those
of the future Filipinos who will bear the consequences of improper used of the
natural resources. The President made it clear that such actions are not
illegal, but it must comply with the prescribed rules in accordance with law in
order to preserve the beauty of our environment, in which every Filipino is
entitled to. After all, as guaranteed by Section 16 of Article III of the
Constitution, "The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a
balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature." In line with this, the President asserts to have adequate disposal
facilities for the Metro Manila Garbage and the rehabilitation of the Carmona
Sanitary Landfill shall be pursued in order to minimize waste generated in our
every day living.

On the aspect of Reproductive Health Law and Responsible

Parenthood, the President stated that such law must be put into full force in
order that couples will have freedom of informed choice on the number and
spacing of children they can adequately care and provide for, which is a good
thing in the promotion of the rights of Filipinos in deciding the number of
children they are capable of supporting in order to prevent such problems
detrimental to the family.

Moreover, the President reiterated the signing of the F.O.I or the

Freedom of Information Law, such brings transparency on the Executive
Branch of the government with regards to government performance, savings
and expenses directed in the promotion of programs and projects. Such law
will give the people a right to be informed on the activities or expenses of
government officials. The Freedom of Information Law is a big leap towards
our development as a nation, for such reason that it will bring apparent
evidences that the officials elected on their office are not engage in
unneccessary works which are not intended for the protection of its citizens
and for upholding human rights. Transparency will clear any doubts among
Filipinos. However, such law is only directed towards the executive
department of the government and leaves the door closed to those in the
legislative department, hopefully, upon furtherance of the law, it will include
those in the other departments or offices of the government in order to reveal
those officials abusing power to gain for personal benefits.

On the aspect of labor, the President intensifies war against human

traffickers and illegal recruiters that prey on migrants. Such is to uphold the
rights of those Filipino workers working abroad in order to support their
families financially, such rights must also be advocated in order to protect the
workers. The remedy of the President is to consolidate and merge agencies
with concern to Overseas Filipino and have a department that shall focus on
and quickly respond to their problems. Such action will bring better results in
order to prevent abuses from employers and in order to uphold the rights of
employees.

Although the focus of the SONA, in my personal perception, is

dedicated on the issue of drugs, the President did not fail to address the other
aspects governing his position, most especially, on how he will effect change
in the government system and in upholding the rights of the people to a
better life and better living. Speaking out of scripts, he himself said, "I
assure you, this will be a clean government," such words are so
relaxing for the ear. We just hope and believe that the words uttered by the
President will not just be words of promises, but words of actions bringing
better results.

Finally, as I am about to end my paper, Mahatma Gandhi once said

and I quote, "Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat,
for it is momentary." We, Filipinos, adhere ourselves to the laws of the
land, we are bounded by rules which we are ought to follow and going
against such will only be detrimental to ourselves. Likewise, it applies even to
government officials, there is no exception to the rule. We must not sugarcoat
ourselves in promoting human rights by reason of violence, it will never be
the solution to a lasting peace and unity among, us, Filipinos. The
Constitution already laid down remedies which shall not be taken for granted
and shall be applied accordingly. That in order to effect "Change," it must
not be tainted with violence, because violence is tantamount to defeat.