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<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources-9/build-build-sm.webp" alt="Duterte's build, build, build" />
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(Build, Build, Build)
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The President called on Congress to pass the Internet Transactions Act (ITA) stressing the need to build trust and confidence for online transactions, stronger protection for online consumers, and enabling of measures for online businesses. He then directed the Department of Trade and Industry and other government agencies to work closely with Congress to ensure that the provisions of the proposed bill are responsive to the needs of the consumers while promoting the e-Commerce in the country.


To break the monotony of the long speech, the President joked that if the guests are tired of clapping he could shorten his speech.


The President then proceeded to thank all friendly nations for their unforgettable kindness in helping our country in bolstering our antiquated health system, bringing home our displaced OFW, providing us the much needed medical supplies and equipment as well as staple food.


Turning to our foreign policy, the President said that within ASEAN and beyond, we will continue to work with partners to address global perils and ramp up cooperation to secure our people greater peace, progress and prosperity. The President stressed that the Filipino nation claims its rightful place in the community of sovereign states. The President reiterated the Philippines will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy.

As regards our policy on China, the President debunked the critics' claim that we failed to protect our rights in the South China Sea. He declared that we are neither beholden nor a pawn to anyone, and we use diplomatic channels to assert our sovereign rights when these are assaulted, adding that we broadened our boundaries by building productive ties with everyone willing to engage us on the basis of equality and mutual respect. He likewise pointed out that we redefined our relationships with our most important partners, placing the country in a far better position to advance our interests in an evolving regional order and emerging global problems.


Stressing that unless we are prepared to go to war, which we are not, the President suggested that we better just call off and treat the issue with China on the disputed territories by using the art of diplomacy to resolve conflicting claims.


The President stated his position on the return of the US military bases in Subic. He said that while he has nothing against America, he cautioned that putting bases in the country will put the Filipino nation at risk as in the event of war breaking out, the presence of atomic weapons will ensure the extinction of the Filipino race.


The President candidly admitted that while the government's actions are not perfect, he assured the people that improvements will be made and he will not stop until everything is right and better for the people. He committed that the government will continue to serve the people and respond to the challenges spawned by the pandemic in the same fervor in fighting illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, insurgency, terrorism and entrenched parochial interests.


He thereafter harked back to the case of Senator Franklin Drilon who he said was fumigating and was a hypocrite. He bluntly told him that he was offended by him blaming for the non-passage of the anti-dynasty bill when such responsibility rests primarily with Congress of which he belongs. While he conceded that his frank narratives on Drilon may be inappropriate for a SoNA, he however justified it by saying that the people have the right to know.


In conclusion, the President asked everyone to continue to put their faith in the government and work with it in achieving what is best for our country and our people. The President appealed to each and every Filipino, "let us take care of one another".

"Plant, Plant, Plant" will follow "Build, Build, Build"