"IT IS a pity that the gains accomplished by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte are overshadowed by this coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic."
This reaction was made by Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante on his assessment of the fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, July 27.
"He is trying his best, but in this time of pandemic, no amount of pure intention and effort is enough to satisfy the expectation and needs of the Filipinos. But based on the message delivered by the President in these two remaining years, we will see more changes and drastic actions," Escalante said.
Abang Lingkod Partylist Representative Stephen Paduano, for his part, said: "It was a different Sona. I did not expect the President to report matters based on the promised he made in his last year's Sona because he had only five months to implement them while the rest seven months have been occupied all by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic that slowed down the economy."
Paduano said that until now, there are still projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways that are not implemented for lack of funds.
"It should be given priority because several people benefit from it," he said.
Paduano also agreed with the President that there should not be face to face classes in schools unless there is already a vaccine for Covid-19 and that eLearning must be developed.
"Life lost is lost forever, I agree on this with the president that life is most important. We can delay classes for one year as life is the most important," he said.
On the re-imposition of death penalty through lethal injection especially against drugs, Paduano said he will stick to his no vote on death penalty.
