The second phase of the Marcos Restoration can be seen as a restoration of the State of the Nation Address (Sona) as a grand spectacle. With the lifting of the state of emergency due to the pandemic, the usual pomp and circumstance of the Left and Right were on full display. A conveniently timed typhoon allowed for the suspension of classes and the temporary closure of government offices, resulting in fewer activists and protestors in the streets. Meanwhile, inside the House of Representatives, the red carpet was rolled out for the annual fashion show attended by legislators, their spouses, and guests.
However, despite the familiarity of the event, there was a noticeable difference in media coverage. Media outlets, already struggling with limited resources and reach, went through the motions of reporting, but their impact seemed diminished. It wouldn’t be surprising if the audience for the Sona had also dwindled.
Inside the session hall of the House of Representatives, the stage was set with revamped interiors and rearranged seating to accommodate more legislators and VIPs, even eliminating one of the public galleries. The traditional presidential anthem was discarded in favor of “Ako ay Pilipino” as the President made his entrance. During his greetings to dignitaries, a camera caught Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte exchanging cheeky grimaces, adding to the overall atmosphere of the day.
Notably absent was the President’s predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, confirming that his surprise Beijing visit was unanticipated and unauthorized. Act II of the Marcos Restoration can be titled “reality bites,” as the President’s Sona seems reminiscent of his reform-minded predecessors. While the content of the speech is important, it’s equally crucial to consider the President’s delivery and body language. His words catered to various constituencies, including references to human rights and the environment. Congress now faces the task of turning the President’s proposed legislation into reality, as they only achieved one out of the 21-item urgent agenda in the previous session.
The President’s position remains unchallenged, as he enjoys continuing popularity and support from old and new allies. The police force is undergoing a purge, and the President seems confident in his strategy to keep the military from causing any disruptions. Despite the bemusement of some observers who feel that the President speaks eloquently but lacks substance, the Restoration’s aim is to restore a time when those in power could wield their authority without interference. The President’s inaugural address perfectly encapsulated this sentiment, promising to get things done without requiring much from the people.
The spectacle of the Sona may overshadow any meaningful debate or discussion. The true impact and attention from the public are now secondary to online snippets and videos. However, the banality of the Restoration is its own reward. The subscription was not saved. Please try again. The subscription has been successful. Read Next. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS and gain access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and over 70 other titles. Share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4 am, and share articles on social media. For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, please contact us at [email protected] or on Twitter: @mlq3.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
