Lawmakers criticize Duterte's SONA for lack of COVID-19 action plan

Lawmakers and a political analyst expressed disappointment over President Rodrigo Duterte's fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), citing a lack of a clear and concrete action plan for the country's COVID-19 recovery.

Albay Representative Edcel Lagman stated that the President failed to provide accurate details on the administration's plans for addressing the health and economic crises caused by the pandemic.

UP political science Professor Jean Franco mentioned that while measures were presented, they did not constitute a comprehensive plan with a vision for moving forward.

Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate criticized the speech for containing "rants and excuses" instead of a clear direction.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go disputed the criticism, stating the President clearly laid out measures to strengthen the fight against COVID-19 and address immediate needs.

The SONA was a reflection of the Duterte administration's priorities, with government focusing on other matters instead of spending more time and resources to control the virus.

The President hit ABS-CBN, the Lopezes, and the so-called oligarchs, and listed legislation he wanted to push, including the death penalty by lethal injection.