Buckling Up the SONA Way
Unleashing another batch of standards and achievements to be trumpeted by the Filipino nation, the 3rd State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte just took place last July 23, 2018. Different from the usual, the program didn’t start on time and surprisingly, the President followed the scripts rather than sticking on with his ad-lib trademark as observed in his speeches. That being considered as a slight change, it is still a big deal on our part. Are we fast-pacing now for more changes?
Technically, the President focused on the common atrocities— contractualization on places not needing it, separation of church and state, illegal drugs, human rights, joblessness and corruption in the government. Truly, his time is indeed a time for reformation. However, it is his effort to elaborate about the BOL (Bangsamoro Organic Law) which catapulted his SONA to the top of the news trends. He stated his commitment to signing the former BOL within two days, knowing that he has to read the final version before completely ratifying the law.
Jumping the gun to possibilities ahead, we strongly affirm for its promotion in court. We all know that it was just approved yesterday and there are no unfavorable provisions included, contrary to what the original one had with Professor Nur Misuari, which faced a lot of controversies. The ticking clock is fast approaching for equality, where the nation makes a solemn covenant to establish help for our Muslim brothers and sisters within the country’s constitutional framework.
However, some still strongly oppose to the idea of having the BOL, saying that its views are biased, unnecessary and a waste of time. Surely, those who believe that are hypocrites, wanting change for the better yet rejecting it when it is already knocking on their door. Though some conclude that it would bring peace and not good governance; it is undeniable that the Bangsamoro will surely possess a huge scope for diversification, economic growth and such. These occurrences will also boost jobs and salary not just in the specific area but the country itself. Having said that, we continue to believe the goodness the BOL has to bring.
Besides, the program is in perfect timing. In fighting foes for a freshly changed Philippines, we don’t need eternal dubiousness— what we need are eyes and ears open for what should be done, and hearts that know and feel. Being the voices of the society’s numerous cries, we can finally say that another step towards peace has been made, gear up and let the nation fasten its seat belts!