Cebu Political, Business Leaders Hail President Duterte’s First SONA

Cebu’s political and business leaders have hailed President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, which was punctuated with ad libs and off-the-cuff remarks.

Cebu City Association of Barangay Councils president Philip Zafra praised the SONA, saying “it told the reality besetting the common people.”

“It also told us of the kind of president that we have—a president who resembles the ordinary people like us. It’s factual,” he said.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said the president’s speech was “natural” and reflects his experience as a mayor.

“Since he served as a mayor, he looked at how to give people better services,” Radaza said.

Radaza, who attended the SONA, said what she heard was what she hoped the president would mention, like how to address illegal drugs and improve health and education.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said he liked the speech because it was clear and strong.

“Very Duterte. Natural, tough, down-to-earth, straightforward, frank and funny. No frills. Sincere,” Davide said.

Cebu City Acting Mayor Edgardo Labella said the city will heed President Duterte’s call for local government units not to lower their guard and to double, “triple if need be,” their efforts in the campaign against drugs.

“With that, we (in the Cebu City government) will respond and act accordingly. We will comply with the thrust of the president. Drugs also work hand-in-hand with the culture of bureaucracy and corruption,” Labella said.

Mandaue City Mayor Gabriel Luis Quisumbing, who also attended the SONA, found it noteworthy.

“I am very happy with the SONA of President Duterte. True to form, it was a clear action plan on the issues that matter most to the administration. Mandaue City will do its part to realize the vision of the President of a better country for every Filipino. It is closely aligned with our vision of a city and a nation where no one is left behind,” Quisumbing said.

Melanie Ng, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), said she appreciated the “spontaneity, candor and forcefulness of his (President Duterte’s) words.”

“I’m definitely glad that President Duterte said he will pursue a more equitable and more efficient tax system to foster investment and job creation. This will level the playing field with our Asean neighbors and foster global competitiveness,” Ng said.

Ng also said they look forward to the realization of the President’s plan to cut processing time for permits and licenses, aside from lowering income taxes.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Glenn Anthony Soco described the SONA as “patriotic and engaging.”

“It was casual yet empowering. His plans and pronouncements will level the playing field, bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. His message and demeanor make him closer to the ordinary people,” said Soco.

He said the business community is elated by the plans to reduce corporate and personal income taxes; accelerate infrastructure spending; ease the requirements of doing business; support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and invest in human capital, as well as his call for Congress to pave the way for a federal form of government.

Allan Suarez, president of the Philippine Exporters’ Confederation (Philexport) in Cebu, described the SONA as “straightforward.”

Suarez said he also supports Duterte’s announcement on lowering taxes, which he believes will make the Philippines more competitive in attracting investors. (PNA) JMC/EB/EBP