"We need some direction, all right."
Film director Joyce Bernal promises that today’s State of the Nation Address will have a distinctly Filipino flavor.
President Rodrigo Duterte will address the nation for the penultimate time this afternoon, before a limited gathering of 50 people at the House of Representatives. Those given clearance to physically attend the proceedings will undergo stringent safety protocol. Everybody else will join virtually.
It should be interesting to see what the “distinctly Filipino” address would actually look like, and how Bernal—known for directing romantic comedies—would make this year’s show different from the two previous ones she has directed. We heard a few weeks back that she had gone far north to Sagada to shoot some scenes for the purpose, but was turned away—soundly so, if we may add—by local government officials.
One thing is for certain: Notable directors or none, presidential addresses of late have always had a distinctly Duterte flavor. This afternoon’s address won’t be an exception. Over the past few months, hearing the President utter his stream-of-consciousness thoughts has become common fare for us. No less than his spokesperson has chided us for not knowing better than to take his “jokes” literally.
At the very least, we can say we know what is inside our leader’s head.
Still, the context of today’s national address highlights the need for Mr. Duterte to communicate clearly, logically, concisely and authoritatively to the people. We watch with horror how the COVID numbers continue to spike. We tremble at how this administration prefers law-enforcement-based solutions instead of those based on science, merit and genuine compassion.
Indeed we need a different Duterte to speak today.
We need direction, no doubt—but not the kind that Bernal and colleagues can offer. This pandemic has drained our nation in so many aspects, materially and spiritually. We have no idea when it will end. Every day we struggle with questions on whether government officials truly have our best interests in mind. Often, we feel as though we are left to fend for ourselves.
And that’s not even mentioning those actually battling the disease or are constantly exposed to it without the requisite protection.
We hope that later this afternoon, Mr. Duterte’s speech can raise our hopes even just a little. We are desperate to hear about a decisive road map and a credible, wholistic, believable action plan that will tell us how we can get to a state better than where we are right now.