Makabayan bloc to boycott Duterte’s final SONA

Makabayan bloc lawmakers raise their fists during their protest at the University of the Philippines ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s final State of the Nation Address at the Batasan. Image from Makabayan bloc

MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives will “boycott” President Rodrigo Duterte’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, claiming he has already “failed” many Filipinos.

The bloc made the announcement during its press conference prior to Duterte’s final SONA at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City.

“Narinig na namin ang dapat marinig kanina mula sa taumbayang pagod na pagod na rin makinig sa buladas ng Pangulo,” the bloc said in its statement read by Kabataan Rep. Sarah Jane Elago.

(We have already heard what we needed to hear from the public who are already tired of listening to Duterte.)

The bloc said Duterte failed many Filipinos such as workers who lost their jobs, farmers who still do not have their own land, indigenous peoples who cannot return to their lands, fishermen who are being “bullied” by China over the West Philippine Sea issue, and frontliners and students affected by the coronavirus pandemic, among others.

“Tiyak na magsisikap si Pangulong Duterte mamaya na maglubid ng mga kasinungalingan upang pagtakpan ang napakaraming kapalpakan ng kanyang administrasyon, numero uno na ang sablay na pandemic response, ang bumubulusok na ekonomiya, at lumalalang gutom at kahirapan; at upang pagtakpan ang mga bigo nitong mga pangako,” the bloc said.

(We are sure that Duterte will try his best to lie to cover up the shortcomings of his administration such as the pandemic response, the failing economy, and the worsening hunger to cover up his unfulfilled promises.)

“Tiyak din na maglalatag siya ng mga phantasmic basis para sa unconstitutional niyang pangarap na Duterte Dynasty, pero malinaw sa taumbayan na talagang palpak ang rehimeng ito, na kailangan nang magwakas ang kanilang paghahari,” they added.

(We are sure that he will provide phantasmic basis for his unconstitutional dream of a Duterte Dynasty, but it is clear to the public the shortcomings of this regime. His reign should end.)