Philippines, 25 July 2016 – With much anticipation from Filipinos worldwide, newly-elected Philippine President Rodrigo ‘Roa’ Duterte delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) and Twitter served as a platform for Filipinos around the world to share their thoughts and reactions on this momentous event.
In fact, Filipinos and Philippines’ watchers sent over 280,000 Tweets during the live TV broadcast (from 2pm to 6pm today), peaking at over 3,000 Tweets per minute when he talked about the implementation of Reproductive Health Law at 4:29pm during #SONA2016.
There were several notable conversations on Twitter about the President’s first public address since the inauguration. In addition, the most shared and liked Tweets reflected the points raised during the President’s 92-minute speech that resonated the most among Filipino citizens.
As an ordinary citizen of this country I will continue to pray for the President. I will let God guide him. God bless President Duterte.
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) July 25, 2016
I don't know about you guys, but I have so much love and respect for our President. Wonderful leader! #SONA2016 pic.twitter.com/S8pBUPRxsr
— Coleen Garcia (@coleengarcia) July 25, 2016
"We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back. Finger pointing is not the way," – Pres. Rody Duterte #SONA2016
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) July 25, 2016
"There should be a separation of Church & State but there must never be a separation of God and State."
Beautiful, Mr. President #SONA2016
— Laban Leni 2022 (@Cinephilliacy) July 25, 2016
"HUMAN RIGHTS CANNOT BE USED AS A SHIELD TO DESTROY THE COUNTRY." #Du30SONA2016 #SONA2016 pic.twitter.com/tSMKeSkXDt
— dale (@allanplusdale) July 25, 2016
“The ability to connect, comment and discuss with others in real-time, especially on a significant event like the President’s first State of the Nation Address is important for the Filipino democracy,” said Pratiksha Rao, Head of Media Partnerships, Twitter Southeast Asia. “This is why we are honored to partner with the current administration and empower them with the necessary platform and tools to make its digital governance efforts possible within and beyond the country’s borders.”
As expected, many Twitter users also made light of some highlights during the speech, welcoming the President’s serious message with humor.
https://twitter.com/OhGerald/status/757484504176918528
After po ng #SONA2016 walang lalabas meron pong magaganap na Drug Test. Make sure na nakapagreview kayo para makapasa. Charot!
— Charot! (@IamCharotism) July 25, 2016
SONA 2016 to be delivered by the one who wasn't in PNoy's split screen in 2015. #Du30SONA2016 pic.twitter.com/FiHX7XEEdy
— Nicole Curato (@NicoleCurato) July 25, 2016
Finally, video Tweets from the @PresidentialCom account gave behind-the-scenes access to the latest happenings at Batasang Pambansa before the start of #SONA2016.
President Duterte enters session hall for SONA 2016. https://t.co/IQQACGkFuZ
— Presidential Communications Office (@pcogovph) July 25, 2016
President Duterte Arrives at Batasang Pambansa by means of Chopper. #DuterteSONA #PartnerForChange https://t.co/WEsGReeq6E
— Presidential Communications Office (@pcogovph) July 25, 2016
