DUTERTE DELIVERS LAST SONA

President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday afternoon, July 26.

This was Duterte's second SONA to be done hybrid, with some guests physically present, and some joining through video calls. He delivered his speech against the backdrop of the local transmission of the more virulent COVID-19 Delta variant, yet 350 people were at the plenary hall of the Batasang Pambansa – seven times the number in 2020.

Here were quick notes on the important points mentioned during the SONA:

DUTERTE: LESS VISIONS NOW, MORE REMEMBRANCES

"To offer free education – it's there already. The universal health care, andiyan na po. The fight against illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption."

"Today, as I approach...my end of my term, I have less visions, but more remembrances. But mine is not to rue or to second-guess what might have been, but to bear and respond with the urgency of the unforeseen events as they unfold.

DUTERTE: ECONOMY GROWING UNTIL COVID-19 'STOLE EVERYTHING'

"Our economy, with investor confidence, was poised to leapfrog into the company of the world's fastest-growing economies until [the] COVID-19 pandemic stole everything."

DUTERTE CALLS FOR PASSAGE OF MILITARY PENSION REFORM BILL

"In 2018, we raised the salaries of our military and the uniformed policemen...to a level commensurate to the critical role they play."

He then asks Congress to pass the military and uniformed personnel pension reform bill.

DUTERTE ORDERS COMPLETION OF MARAWI REHABILITATION

"Our victory in Marawi is also a testament to how the Filipinos' patriotism is far stronger.... There is no room for lawlessness in this country."

"Rebuilding a better Marawi remains, today, still not completed. To Task Force Bangon Marawi, we need to race against time and you have to finish the necessary work to rehabilitate the war-torn city and bring its families back home."

DUTERTE AGAIN TALKS ABOUT HIS 'DRUG WAR'

"Our unyielding campaign led to the surrender of millions of drug dependents and neutralization, capture, and prosecution of thousands of drug personalities."

DUTERTE ON COMMUNISTS: 'KINDLY SHOOT THEM DEAD'

"My orders to you: If you see them walking around, kindly shoot them dead, and I will be happy. Anyway, you're only charged in the ICC together with me, so what is the problem of adding another one, another idiot Filipino who has caused great damage to our country?"

DUTERTE LAUDS NTF-ELCAC

"With the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), we have made great strides in addressing the root causes of this conflict.... We have worked towards the sustainable rehabilitation of communities where communists used to operate."

DUTERTE MENTION EASE OF DOING BUSINESS ACT

"We also sought to make long lines a thing of the past by streamlining government processes."

DUTERTE: 'YOU CANNOT STOP CORRUPTION'

"'Yung pastillas [scam] sa airport, there were 43 personnel involved. I fired them all. Talagang pinaalis ko sa gobyerno."

"Corruption is endemic in government. You cannot stop corruption. Nobody can stop corruption unless you overthrow government completely."

DUTERTE: 'WE WILL ASSERT WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY OURS'

"In [the] international arena, we have rigorously pursued an independent foreign policy, centered on the promotion and protection of our core national interest."

"But make no mistake, gone are the days when the Philippines decides and acts in the shadows of the great powers. We will assert what is rightfully ours and fight for what is rightfully due to the Filipino people."

DUTERTE INSISTS HAGUE RULING MAY LEAD TO WAR WITH CHINA

"Ito bang arbitral ruling.... America and some Filipinos, brilliant Filipinos I would say, keep on pushing for something which I do not know.... Ano ba ang gusto ninyo? What will I do with a document that does not bind China because they were never a part of that arbitration?"

"Ano gusto nila, makipag-giyera, do something? Do you want war against China?"

DUTERTE VOWS TO RESTORE JOBS

"Rest assured that we will exert every effort to restore the lost livelihood of our countrymen."

He added that the government will work to "increase employability" of Filipinos and "help hardest-hit sectors."

DUTERTE ASKS CONGRESS TO AMEND SEVERAL LAWS

The President mentioned the Foreign Investments Act, Public Service Act, and Retail Trade Liberalization Act as laws that need to be amended.

DUTERTE: PH RAMPED UP COVID-19 TESTING, FACILITIES

"We ramped up our testing capacity. We now have more than 260 accredited laboratories nationwide which are capable of conducting at least 50,000 tests daily. All regions now can conduct their own COVID-19 tests."

"We established over 9,000 temporary monitoring and treatment facilities across the country."

"For our severe COVID cases, our tireless health workers will continue to ensure that you are provided with the best care round-the-clock."

DUTERTE SEEKS PATIENCE FROM FILIPINOS WAITING FOR VACCINES

"I ask for patience from those who are next in line.... More COVID-19 vaccines are arriving and you will soon have your turn."

DUTERTE: 'WE CANNOT AFFORD MORE LOCKDOWNS'

"We have spent enormous amounts of resources to build our capacity to overcome this pandemic. We cannot afford more lockdowns."

DUTERTE MENTIONS THREAT OF COVID-19 DELTA VARIANT

"Today is my last State of the Nation Address, but this is by no means my swan song. I will never cease to implore Congress to pass vital and critical legislation."

"It is necessary for us to overcome the crippling fear and anxiety caused by the threat of the COVID-19 virus. But I really do not know what to do. I have to listen to the task force.... Sila ang magsabi. We're just waiting for word, I am referring to the COVID-19 [variant], Delta. It's rampaging now in Indonesia, Thailand, India, and many parts of Asia. Ang sabi doon sa western medicine, it is far more aggressive, far more dangerous, and it can cause death easily than the COVID-19 original.... If something wrong happens, I have to be strict.... Maybe we just have to pray for salvation."

DUTERTE ASKS CONGRESS TO CREATE DISEASE PREVENTION, VIROLOGY AGENCIES

"We hope to pursue the creation of... the Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines."

DUTERTE ON MRT3: NO MORE 'MISERY OF PUBLIC COMMUTING'

Duterte says the comprehensive tax reform program "enabled us to fund critical infrastructure programs."

"Today, we can see the tangible results. MRT3...was a horror for the daily commuters to endure in the past."

"The waiting time between trains has been significantly reduced.... We have taken away the misery of public commuting."

DUTERTE CITES INFRA PROJECTS IN PROVINCES

"Beyond Metro Manila, we are pursuing several high-impact projects."

"We have brought equitable development."

He cites the Sorsogon City Coastal Road: "Mahal ko ang Bicolano."

"Why is Davao last? Sabi ko, unahin ninyo ang buong Pilipinas... I told the economic managers and the DPWH, pati si Art Tugade sa [Department of Transportation], unahin ninyo ang Luzon at ibang areas sa Mindanao.... To the Davaoeños, you must understand, we cannot really – kasi taga-diyan ako eh.... Sabi ko, 'Make Davao the last priority.'"

DUTERTE WANTS FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR SOLDIERS, POLICE

Duterte calls for a law on free legal assistance for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police "to help them from charges arising from incidents related to the performance of their official duty."

DUTERTE SAYS SOTTO CAN BECOME 'GOOD VP'

Duterte on Senate President Vicente Sotto III: "He is a good man, he can become a good vice president."

ROBREDO VIRTUALLY ATTENDS DUTERTE'S LAST SONA

MANILA - Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday attended President Rodrigo Duterte's final State of the Nation Address virtually in full Filipiniana attire.

In a Facebook post, Robredo posted a picture of herself waiting for the President's annual speech to start while wearing a blue terno with ethnic-marked sleeves.

Robredo earlier said she was invited to attend the SONA personally but later decided to attend virtually since she has yet to be fully vaccinated, a requirement for physical attendance at the Batasang Pambansa.

'JOKE OF THE NATION ADDRESS': OPPOSITION SLAMS DUTERTE'S FINAL 'RAMBLINGS'

MANILA - Opposition lawmakers and rights advocates slammed President Rodrigo Duterte for what they called as his "mere ramblings" during his final State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Duterte was criticized for largely pushing his violent drug war again in his nearly 3-hour speech before Congress, despite a continuous rise in COVID-19 infections in the Philippines.

The Philippines is battling one of Asia's worst coronavirus outbreaks, which local transmission of the highly infectious COVID-19 Delta variant is threatening to worsen.

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan said the SONA was a wasted opportunity, wherein Duterte failed to discuss the Philippines' problem with poverty and unemployment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Bakit mas binigyan pa ng priority at importansiya ang ilegal na droga habang trabaho, hanapbhay, dagdag na kita at solusyon sa gutom ang gustong marinig ng mamamayan na wala pa atang 5 minuto pinagusapan," he said in a statement.

Gabriel Rep. Arlene Brosas also criticized Duterte for not laying out in detail a plan to finally put the COVID-19 crisis in the Philippines to an end.

"Itong final SONA ni Duterte ay parang lasing na naman ang Presidente sa pagsasabi ng same threats pero walang exit plan sa pandemic," she said.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate called the President's last annual speech a "joke of the nation address."

"Hindi naman it state of the nation talaga. Formula ng SONA ay last SONA. Pilit niya pagmayabang at meron siyang nagawa. Di napigilan magmura at birahin ang mga kritiko," he said,

Duterte's allies defended his final SONA, claiming he has achieved a lot for the Filipino public.

"Clearly, three hours were not enough to spell out all the relevant programs and projects that the Duterte administration has implemented to improve the living conditions of our people," House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said in a statement.

DUTERTE TELLS LAWMAKERS IN JEST: I’LL GIVE CUE, YOU CLAP

President Rodrigo Duterte in jest told lawmakers on Monday to "clap your hands" when he gives the signal during his final State of the Nation Address.

"Sigurado kayo sa pinalakpakan ninyo?" Duterte said, after an applause from his audience at the Batasang Pambansa.

"I will just give the cue and then you clap your hands. Biro lang 'yon ha," he added.

At another point in his SONA, he said, "Madali namang magpalakpak, ang basa ang mahirap."

This remark drew amused applause from his audience.

US DEFENSE CHIEF TO MEET WITH DUTERTE

MANILA — United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on Thursday for a high-level meeting with President Duterte, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

“There will be a formal meeting,” Lorenzana said yesterday, noting that several issues concerning security and relations will be discussed.

These include the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which the President wanted to terminate but later put his decision on hold, and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the US and the Philippines.

Austin, Duterte and other ranking security officials are also expected to talk about current issues concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the South China Sea.

The US defense chief’s two-day visit comes at a time when territorial issues between the Philippines and China in the WPS continue.

PHILIPPINES GETS 375,570 MORE PFIZER COVID-19 JABS

MANILA — The Philippines on Monday night received over 375,000 doses of the vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech as the Philippines braces for the threat of the dreaded Delta variant.

Of the total 375,570 doses, 51,489 doses were delivered to Cebu City, while 51,480 doses will be shipped to Davao City on Tuesday.

The latest batch of government-procured COVID-19 jabs arrived as the country scrambles to stop the highly contagious variant from spreading in communities after it has triggered a surge in cases across Southeast Asia.

The latest batch of government-procured COVID-19 jabs arrived as the country scrambles to stop the highly contagious variant from spreading in communities after it has triggered a surge in cases across Southeast Asia.

THE REST

========

TRUCKLOADS OF TRASH HAULED FROM MANILA BAY

MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) collected yesterday two truckloads of garbage from Manila Bay following the habagat or southwest monsoon rains in the past days.

At least 40 cubic meters of trash, including plastic bottles, styrofoam and other debris that blended with twigs and coconut husks were hauled by personnel of the MMDA’s Metro Parkways Clearing Group.

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos led the cleanup on the shoreline of Manila Bay, including the dolomite beach after piles of garbage washed ashore on the artificial white sand.

The dolomite beach was sealed off with sandbags and metal barriers.

“Plastics are the most common trash found in Manila Bay,” Abalos told reporters.

Abalos said he sought the help of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to tap police in arresting persons throwing garbage into the bay.

“I have talked to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año about this matter. Those apprehended will be required to clean Manila Bay,” Abalos said.

He appealed to the public to stop the habit of indiscriminately dumping waste in Manila Bay, rivers and other waterways.

PAGASA DISMISSES RUMORS OF IMMINENT ‘SUPER TYPHOON’

MANILA — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has debunked posts circulating online claiming that a “super typhoon” named “Maria” would hit the country.

PAGASA weather forecasting section chief Roberto Sawi, in a statement on Sunday night, said no tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility and affect the country’s landmass within the next three to five days.

Sawi urged the public to rely only on official information released by the agency via its website, bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph; Facebook, Dost_pagasa; Twitter, @dost_pagasa and YouTube, DOST-PAGASA WEATHER REPORT.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said the southwest monsoon would continue to bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Ilocos region, Zambales and Bataan in the next 24 hours.

Light to moderate with at times heavy rains will prevail over Metro Manila, Abra, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas and Occidental Mindoro.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

LIZA SOBERANO CHANNELS ‘TRESE’ IN PICTORIAL TO MARK A DECADE IN SHOWBIZ

MANILA — Liza Soberano channeled her title character in the hit animated series “Trese” in her latest pictorial, which marks her first decade in showbiz.

Soberano posed with styling inspired by Alexandra Trese, with the character’s signature hairstyle, in a photo shoot for lifestyle magazine Metro.Style.

“Yes, Alexandra Trese is the inspo,” Soberano said of the pictorial, as she shared snaps on her social media channels on Sunday.

Soberano was photographed by BJ Pascual, with styling by Perry Tabora, hairstyling by Renz Pangilinan, and makeup by Robbie Pinera.

The magazine cover was also accompanied by a fashion film, with creative direction by Pascual, cinematography by Renz Gonzales, and filming by Spotlight Creatives. Randz Manucom was sittins editor, while Aren Santos did production design.

Ten years since her TV debut, Soberano is now “one of the brightest, most in-demand young actresses in the country,” Metro said of its cover muse.

“Of course, she knows she still has a long way to go in terms of the roles she’s breathed life into, and she wishes to be given more opportunities for her to push the envelope.”

SPORTS

GOLD AT LAST! HIDILYN WRITES PH SPORTS HISTORY AS OLYMPIC CHAMP

. . . And Diaz does it in Olympic-record style

Many thought this day would never come.

But almost 100 years since the country debuted at the Olympics the Philippines finally secured a gold medal in the quadrennial meet as Olympic veteran Hidilyn Diaz reached the top podium in the women’s 55kg of weightlifting in Tokyo on Monday.

Diaz, predicted to give the country another Olympic medal, bested 8 other competitors in her category, including world-record holder Liao Qiuyun of China, when Diaz lifted an Olympic record of 224 kilograms on Monday.

Liao settled for silver with 223 kilograms but went head-to-head with Diaz in the clean-and-jerk round, a case of one-upmanship that resulted in a dramatic finish.

Zulfiya Chinshanlo of Kazakhstan took the bronze after tallying 213kg.

"It's unbelievable, it's a dream, come true," Diaz, 30, told Agence France-Presse moments after the Philippines Air Force woman shed more tears on the podium as she saluted her flag and sung the national anthem.

"I want to say to the young generation in the Philippines, 'You can have this dream of gold too'.

"This is how I started and finally I was able to do it."

Diaz started strong in the competition, lifting 94kg and 97kg as her first two attempts in snatch. She almost had a chance to take the lead after trying 99kg in her final snatch attempt but failed to do so.

Muattar Nabieva of Uzbekistan led in the snatch after clearing 98kg in her third attempt.

In clean and jerk, Diaz stole the lead spot when she lifted 119kg in her first attempt. She then set an Olympic record with 124kg in second attempt.

Liao reset it at 126kg, but Diaz gambled at 127kg in her final attempt to eventually end the gold medal drought of the country in the Olympics.

This is the second Olympic medal of Diaz, who is competing in her fourth straight Olympics, after taking home silver in the 2016 edition of the Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Only swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso has won more than one Olympic medal, a pair of bronze in the 200 meters breaststroke in Amsterdam 1928 and Los Angeles 1932.

Five years ago, the Zamboanga City weightlifter ended the 20-year Olympic medal drought of the Philippines, becoming the first Filipina to win a medal in the biggest sporting event in the world.

OLYMPICS: SKATEBOARDER DIDAL FINISHES 7TH IN WOMEN’S STREET FINAL

The Philippines' Margielyn Didal finished in 7th place in the women’s street final in Olympic skateboarding in Tokyo on Monday.

Didal scored 7.52 points after she botched her last 3 tricks Ariake Skate Park, ahead of last-placer Aori Nishimura (6.92) of Japan, the world No. 3.

Momiji Nishiya and Funa Nakayama made it a gold-bronze finish for Japan, while Brazil’s Rayssa Leal, a 13-year-old like Nishiya, took the silver.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

There are plenty of people to whom the crucial problem of their lives never get presented in terms that they can understand. - John Jay Chapman