Highlights of Philippine Sona 2016

Highlights of Philippine SONA 2016 – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte  

• DUTERTE'S WAR ON DRUGS IN NUMBERS

(President Rodrigo Duterte's hard stance against illegal drugs is seen in the latest tally of anti-illegal drug operations in the Philippines.)

“During my inauguration last (June) 30, 2016, I said that the fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained. I reiterate that commitment today, and that is why I call on the Philippine National Police, the barangay chairmen, the Mayors, the Governors and all those occupying seats of power and authority, not to lower their guard. There will be no let-up in this campaign. Double your efforts. Triple them, if need be. We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier, and the last pusher have surrendered or put, either behind bars or below the ground, if they so wish.”

• DUTERTE WON'T HONOR INT'L PACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE?

(President Duterte made headlines once again after announcing that he will not honor international pacts limiting the Philippines' carbon emissions)

“So if you put so much restrictions doon sa treaty na iyan, the treaty which we are trying to… it’s still here in the Senate. Let us be very clear on this. We need to industrialize. We need the power, and therefore the emissions would also be considered. I just can’t say it. I established five economic zones here and you start to say that—you have spoken so much, carbon footprints, mahirap iyan. I mean, it’s hard.”

• THE FUTURE OF MINING SECTOR UNDER DUTERTE'S ADMIN

(Duterte has warned large scale mining companies to follow the environmental standards set by countries like Australia and Canada, or else, suffer sanctions.)

        “In the area of environment, the military is directed to intensify its –makinig kayo, hindi tawa diyan – support role against illegal logging, illegal mining – andiyan pa naman si Gina Lopez – and other destructive practices that aggravate the devastation of our natural resources. I have to protect the country. Gina Lopez and I are just telling you, follow government standards. Do not destroy the environment. Follow it correctly, wala tayong problema. Just pay the correct taxes; follow the standards.”