President Duterte delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday before the joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

Here are the highlights of President Duterte’s speech:

Duterte on COVID-19 pandemic

“We live in a troubled time. Our dream of prosperity for our country was suddenly snapped by a pandemic virulent virus,” President Duterte said.

The President also expressed gratitude to the nation’s COVID-19 frontliners, “who courageously put their lives on the line to serve the people and the country.”

“We share the grief of their family and no amount of tears can compensate for their great losses,” Duterte said.

Duterte said the government has set aside billions for a social amelioration program to help families and displaced workers.

“Over 4.3 million poor families benefited from the Pantawid Pamilya program, over 92.2 million beneficiaries received subsidies under the unconditional cash transfer program,” he said.

Duterte slams Drilon, ABS-CBN

Duterte slammed Senator Franklin Drilon in his SONA for defending the Lopezes who own ABS CBN.

The President said Drilon was among those who “took advantage of a preoccupied government.”

“Media is a powerful tool in the hands of oligarchs like the Lopezes who use their media outlets in their battles with political figures,” Duterte said. 

“I am a casualty of the Lopezes during the 2016 elections,” he added.

The President also called Drilon "arrogant" for insinuating that there is a nascent political dynasty of the Dutertes rising in Davao. 

He asked if the senator was part of the ACCRA Law office that drafted the onerous water concession contracts during previous administrations.

Duterte on illegal drugs

Duterte said the dealers and purveyors of illegal drugs hiding in the shadow of COVID-19 have stepped up their activities.

"The amount of shabu valued at millions of pesos seized during police operations speaks volume of enormity and the weight of the problem that we bear,” he said.

“They cannot outrun the long arm of the law,” he added.

Duterte said that his administration believes that freedom from illegal drugs, terrorism, corruption, and criminality is itself a “human right.”

Duterte on the PH's independent foreign policy

Duterte said the Philippines will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy.

He said that he prefers a diplomatic approach and opposes going to war with China over the South China Sea dispute.

He disclosed that four days ago he made a plea to President Xi Jinping to ask if the Philippines could be among the first to get access to COVID-19 vaccine.

Duterte assured the public that there can never be a runaway crime surge in any of the cities under his watch, “I can assure that we can remain relatively peaceful.”

He asked for solidarity and unity in the march towards the light at the end of the tunnel.

Prepared by Richa Noriega and Noreen Jazul

READ MORE: The Latest: President Duterte’s 5th State of the Nation Address