Rhetorical Analysis of the 2016 SONA
Issue/Aim:
This analysis examines how President Rodrigo Duterte used language in his 2016
SONA to persuade, assert authority, and connect with the Filipino people.
Data Used:
2016 State of the Nation Address
Rhetorical Analysis
President Duterte’s 2016 SONA is characterized by a direct, conversational, and
emotionally charged rhetorical style. He employs a mix of ethos (credibility), pathos
(emotional appeal), and logos (logic), along with informal language and repetition, to
strengthen his message and connect with a broad audience.
1. Use of Ethos (Establishing Credibility and Authority)
Duterte builds his credibility by presenting himself as a decisive leader with personal
commitment to national issues. He emphasizes his readiness to sacrifice for the
country:
“In this quest, I will put at stake my honor, my life, and the presidency itself.”
This line reinforces his personal accountability and positions him as a leader willing to
take risks. Additionally, his background as a prosecutor strengthens his authority:
“As a former prosecutor, I know that there are ways of knowing how fast or how
slow cases go.”
By referencing his experience, he enhances trust and legitimizes his claims about
justice reform.
2. Use of Pathos (Emotional Appeal)
Duterte frequently appeals to the emotions of his audience, particularly when
addressing crime, drugs, and violence. His language is vivid and sometimes
provocative:
“We will not stop until the last drug lord… [is] put behind bars or below the
ground…”
This statement evokes fear, urgency, and determination, rallying public support for his
anti-drug campaign.
He also appeals to empathy when discussing conflict and loss:
“What I see instead are the widows and the orphans and I feel their pain and
grieve…”
Here, he humanizes the consequences of violence, encouraging emotional identification
from listeners.
3. Use of Logos (Logical Appeal)
Duterte incorporates logical reasoning by presenting plans, statistics, and concrete
actions. For example:
“Since July 1, we have already made 3,600 drug-related arrests… 120,000 drug
dependents have already surrendered…”
These figures serve as evidence of progress, making his claims more persuasive and
grounded in measurable outcomes.
He also outlines policy directions logically:
“We will achieve this through prudent fiscal and monetary policies…”
This demonstrates structured thinking and reinforces his administration’s strategic
approach.
4. Use of Informal and Conversational Language
A distinctive feature of Duterte’s rhetoric is his informal tone, including code-switching
between English and Filipino:
“Ayaw mo? Okay lang din… If you give it, fine. If you don’t give, we’ll take the
longer route…”
This conversational style:
Makes him appear relatable and authentic.
Breaks traditional formal expectations of presidential speeches
Strengthens connection with ordinary citizens
5. Use of Repetition and Emphasis
Duterte uses repetition to reinforce key ideas and warnings:
“Let me repeat my warning to all. I repeat my repeat… do not do drugs…”
This technique emphasizes urgency and ensures the message is memorable.
6. Use of Strong and Aggressive Language
The speech includes forceful and sometimes controversial diction, particularly in
addressing crime:
“Show no mercy to them…”
Such language projects strength and decisiveness, appealing to audiences who desire
strict law enforcement, though it may also polarize listeners.
7. Appeal to Unity and Nationalism
Duterte calls for collective action and unity:
“We have to bond and act together. We have to help each other.”
This reinforces a sense of shared responsibility and national identity, encouraging
cooperation among citizens.
Conclusion
President Rodrigo Duterte’s 2016 SONA demonstrates a powerful and unconventional
rhetorical style. Through a combination of credibility, emotional appeal, logical
reasoning, informal language, and strong diction, he effectively communicates his
administration’s priorities and mobilizes public support. His use of direct and relatable
language distinguishes his speech from traditional formal addresses, making it
impactful, memorable, and accessible to the Filipino people.
Reference:
2016 state of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Roa … (n.d.).
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