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[av_heading heading=’‘Challenging but hopeful’ SONA ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY PRINCE GOLEZ and ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) this afternoon will be “frank, challenging, realistic but hopeful,” according to Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella.
Duterte is expected to deliver his annual speech at 4 p.m. at the session hall of the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
The former Davao City mayor, known for straying away from prepared speeches, would deliver a one and a half-hour speech in English, said Abella.
“The President’s SONA will be rendered in broad strokes, reviewing past achievements, stating the present situation, and announcing future prospects,” he added.
A copy of the President’s “Report to the Nation” will be available online after his speech, Abella added.
Communications secretary Martin Andanar on Friday the President will tackle the issue of illegal drugs and Marawi crisis.
“The speech will be direct to the point, depending, of course, on the accomplishments and pressing matters today, especially the armed conflict in Marawi and the problem on illegal drugs,” said Andanar.
NO SECURITY THREATS
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) yesterday said there were no security threats monitored for the SONA today.
Still, said NCRPO chief Oscar Albayalde, at least 6,000 policemen would be deployed at the Batasang Pambansa Complex and nearby environs. This is 2,000 cops more than those mobilized during Duterte’s first SONA.
“We have enough (Civil Disturbance Management) personnel to cover this event,” said Albayalde. “As of now, wala naman tayong namo-monitor na banta sa seguridad but we don’t want to take chances.”
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald Dela Rosa said last week they received an intelligence report of a planned attack of New People’s Army (NPA) in Davao City on SONA day.
“Our police are more than ready to secure the hundreds of VIPs that will go to the House of Representatives,” Albayalde said. “There are also policemen in charge of securing the metro’s crowded areas.”
Just like last year, no barricades will be placed to allow protesters to march up until the front of the south gate of the Batasang Pambansa Complex. However, they should only occupy two lanes.
“Last year’s demonstrations were peaceful because our militants expressed support to the President. But now, the militants have issues so maybe there would be some resistance,” said Albayalde.
“But I can assure the protesters, whether they are pro- or anti-, our police will observe maximum tolerance and uphold human rights,” he added./PN
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