Straight from the heart

“When he set out for the presidency, Rody made key promises which are the eradication of crime and drug menace, stamping out corruption in government and an economic transformation through a new government setup.

In a critical juncture of his term, President Rody Duterte gives the nation today his third State of the Nation Address (SoNA) which will be distinct since it was designed specifically for him to “talk from the heart.”

Rody’s drawing power comes mostly from his candidness that contrasts with the indifference of his predecessor.

He changed the SoNA tradition from the mere reading or memorization of tightly-scripted and artificial speeches to his own way of reaching out to the public through his unconventional talk.

Rody’s unique style endears him to his listeners that he can speak on end without losing connection, again in contrast to the disconnect of the past.

The public awaits what Rody would impart extemporaneously rather than what is contained in the prepared statement which he reads only, the President said, in consideration of and sympathy to the speechwriter.

The Duterte administration is at a point where he either wins or loses his ultimate formula for change which is the shift to a Federal system.

When he set out for the presidency, Rody made key promises which are the eradication of crime and drug menace, stamping out corruption in government and an economic transformation through a new government setup.

He achieved huge victories in the first two goals, but the third, which needed full cooperation from Congress, had become a tough nut to crack.

His key ally Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez noted the narrowing window for the Federalism goal considering the political timeclock and the process needed to revise the Constitution.

The elections next year make the job more complicated since they would divide the attention of legislators, particularly those seeking a fresh mandate.

Delaying the federalism bid after 2019 reduces its chance for success.

The Speaker said Rody would have a little over two years remaining in his term after the 2019 elections which will not be long enough to accommodate the approval of a new charter and a transition period.

He detailed the shrinking timeline as a result of the legislative calendar that includes Congress’ deliberation on the proposed 2019 budget, the filing of certificates of candidacy in October, the campaign period in February next year and the long congressional breaks for Halloween and Christmas.

He estimates Congress would require six to eight months to complete the debate and deliberations on the proposed federal charter and another six months for an information drive before the draft Federal Constitution is presented in a referendum.

“Delaying the federalism bid after 2019 reduces its chance for success.

Rody’s appeal and clout with the public, however, defy timelines such as in the approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law which past administrations aspired for but failed to pass.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Rody would continue to speak from the heart in today’s address.

“It is the prerogative of our President to do ad libs,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said.

He noted that in his past two addresses, the President had “something not included in his speech.”

Those somethings, however, are longer and more substantial than what was written for him.

Duterte delivered his first SoNA in 90 minutes in 2016 while his second lasted 120 minutes, the ad libs longer.

The Palace deliberately shortened his prepared speech to allow Rody’s style of speaking from the heart.

In his own way, beyond the conventional leadership style, Rody can move mountains when he connects with the people.

His war on drugs, for instance, went through tough challenges such as criticisms from the widest possible source globally, but it continued and has resulted in safer communities, which Filipinos approve.

His ad libs mostly contain the basic appeal for the public to continue providing him the mandate to finish what he had set out to do.

The recent Pulse Asia survey showing 88 percent performance approval and 87 percent trust rating on Rody speaks for itself.

Duterte’s unique sincerity carries him through all the challenges with majority of Filipinos at his back.

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