Rep. Paolo Duterte challenges PBBM to detail reforms ahead of SONA
By Ivy Tejano
MARCOS (PCO)
DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte challenged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to clearly enumerate the administration's reforms and accomplishments ahead of his upcoming State-of-the-Nation Address.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Duterte asked the President if the government's programs have delivered tangible benefits to ordinary Filipinos.
"Mr. President, I wasn't planning to speak up. But since you are talking as if you have accomplished so many reforms that others might undo, it is fair to ask: Which reforms are you referring to?" Duterte said.
Duterte said many Filipinos continue to have questions about the direction and quality of governance under the Marcos administration despite promises made during the 2022 presidential campaign.
The lawmaker urged Marcos to use his SONA to present concrete achievements rather than relying on what he described as "English buzzwords," new slogans, and applause from supporters.
"What people want to hear are results, not a production number," Duterte stressed.
Duterte said rising prices, recurring flooding, and daily economic hardships are issues that continue to affect Filipinos and called these the "real report card" of the administration.
The congressman responded to Marcos' remarks that he had no regrets about running alongside his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, in the 2022 elections.
He emphasized that the electoral victory of the UniTeam coalition was made possible by the combined support Marcos and Vice President Duterte garnered nationwide.
"Without Sara Duterte, you would not have won by the margin that you did," Duterte said, adding that history would show the role played by the Vice President in securing the coalition's victory.
The lawmaker questioned the administration's legacy, arguing that Filipinos should be able to point to accomplishments beyond speeches, slogans, and public appearances.
"Instead of worrying about who might 'undo' your legacy, perhaps the bigger question is whether there is a legacy that Filipinos can genuinely point to," he said.
Duterte said the Filipino people would ultimately judge the success of a presidency not by standing ovations in Congress. He added that Filipinos are still waiting for the change promised during the 2022 campaign.