Duterte’s SONA record definitely does not inspire those who regard the event as a sober and solemn occasion. It is therefore no wonder that former President Benigno S. Aquino III has opted once again not to be present in Duterte’s third SONA. Indeed, it is better to pass on this event than be subjected to another hour or so of rambling and incoherence.
There is simply no reason for the former President to attend Duterte’s SONA. Duterte and his government continue to attack and undermine PNoy’s achievements and legacy, projecting him and his allies as the enemy of Duterte’s promised change.
Of course, what Duterte has done is to reverse every aspect of progress that PNoy has achieved for the country. We are now looking at the worst fiscal deficit, highest inflation rate, and lowest performance of the peso that the country has experienced in recent memory. What PNoy has built in 6 years Duterte has managed to mess up in two years.
There is no more bitter and excruciating experience for President Aquino than to watch the man who destroyed his country once again claim credit for fake progress. After setting the nation on the right track, PNoy saw the country throw it all away by electing a snakeoil salesman.
In this SONA, Duterte no longer has anything else to sell but more broken promises. His third sales pitch will remain as hallow and as illusory as the first two. The SONA might very well be another madman’s show.