Bayan members give failing mark to Duterte on 4th SONA

BACOLOD CITY –– About 3,000 protesters burned an effigy of President Duterte during the People’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the public plaza in Bacolod City on Monday.

The President’s icon, which carries an Armalite, represented the numerous massacres and arbitrary killings in Negros Occidental, said Michael Dela Concepcion, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Negros secretary-general.

He said Duterte’s 4th SONA does not reflect the true state of the country.

“We are giving the Duterte administration a failing grade since no genuine reforms were implemented in his administration in the last three years,” he said.

“He is the worst performer in terms of land distribution,” he added.

They are opposing Duterte’s stance on the West Philippine Sea, human rights violations, and the economy.

Dela Concepcion said Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program was not even geared towards national growth.

“This program is not for poor farmers, who would still prefer land and food production … It doesn’t answer the clamor of the farmers,” he added.