By Atty. Howie Calleja
Whenever we see a finish line, we can either feel a sense of victory for a job well done or a sigh of relief that the struggle is finally over — One positive, One Negative. Guess what? Whenever I hear the word “Last” as a modifier to SONA, what do you think I feel? Well, you would guess it right if you said RELIEF. Yes, I am relieved that this presidency will finally be over.
I AM RELIEVED that TEAM PHILIPPINES and NOT TEAM CHINA will finally be the priority and focus of government policies and programs, most especially when it comes to our rights over the West Philippine Sea, which was clearly ours under International Law after our arbitral victory under the UNCLOS. SA WAKAS HULI NA, so now our interest as a nation will once again be front and center.
I AM RELIEVED that a halt in Extra Judicial Killings [EJKs] will finally be observed and that our war on drugs will be tempered by justice, which gives everyone an equal opportunity under the law. Honestly, I am hopeful that those who are really behind the proliferation of illegal drugs will finally be brought to justice; and not just the bloody execution of their innocent lackeys. SA WAKAS HULI NA, justice will finally be achieved through our judicial system and not through the hands of vigilantes.
I AM RELIEVED that our national COVID Response will finally be done in the true spirit of scientific and methodical approaches; and not based on what is politically expedient. May our efforts to finally vaccinate the entire nation be free from corruption and be done without nepotism and favors. I am confident that under a new administration, the social benefits of those greatly affected by this pandemic will be effectively and strategically distributed in a timely and orderly fashion. SA WAKAS HULI NA, so hopefully this Health Crisis will eventually be managed properly and competently.
I AM RELIEVED that public discourse will once be brought back to the same level and dignity of true statesmanship, void of curse-words and fallacies. I hope that when a leader speaks, his or her pronouncements will be of sound public policy and not just “jokes” and empty promises. We will be back to the days when we do not have to second guess whether our president speaks of public policy or of humor or jest. SA WAKAS HULI NA, now Logic, Diplomacy and Eloquence will once again be heard in the speeches and public pronouncements of our leaders.
Finally, I AM RELIEVED knowing that this 6-year nightmare will finally be over; and that Filipinos will once again wake up from slumber and choose a new and rightful leader, who will bring back our lost democracy. Everything is just demoCRAZY under this presidency.
Thus, cognizant that this will be the LAST SONA, it will finally bring a sigh of relief that SA WAKAS a bright future awaits FREE from a DUTERTE in our midst.
