President Duterte spells out accomplishments halfway into term

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-LABAN) campaign rally at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan City, Laguna on February 23, 2019. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

BIÑAN, Laguna — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte enumerated his accomplishments on Saturday, February 23, which are the fulfillment of the campaign pledges he made in 2016.

In a speech during a Laguna campaign rally for PDP-Laban, President Duterte said in the span of three years, halfway into his term, he already fulfilled most of his promises to the people, except easing EDSA’s traffic congestion.

“Alam mo…ang TRAIN…nangako ako sa inyo. Wala akong pangako na hindi ko natupad except ‘yang EDSA. Nangako ako na free tuition, nandiyan na ang batas,” he told local leaders and attendees of the campaign rally.

“Nangako ako na free universal health care. Pirmado ko na ang batas. Ano pa naman [ang] gusto? Iyong pangtawid, sabi ko itutuloy ko. Saan kukunin ‘yan? Nandiyan sa TRAIN lahat ‘yan. Ang gastos ko sa dobladong sweldo ng military pati pulis,” he continued.

The Chief Executive explained that his administration prioritized first the wage increase of soldiers and policemen as they have often make sacrifices that put their lives at risk.

Next on his list for salary adjustment are the teachers’ compensations.

The President also renewed his vow to crack down hard on illegal drugs, warning those who are in the drug trade to stay away from it or suffer the consequences.

“Ako…I’m pleading to you, almost on bended knees. Huwag kayong pumasok at i-control ninyo ‘yang droga kasi papatayin talaga ang bayan natin. Sayang ang Pilipinas. So ako umaasa talaga sa inyo,” he said.

Apart from combatting illegal drugs, criminality and corruption were also addressed. President Duterte said he terminated several officials, even those who were close to him, after they were proven to have committed wrongdoings.

Moreover, regarding the peace efforts in Mindanao, the President said he would further negotiate with the Moro National Liberation Front, the faction of Nur Misuari.

President Duterte also highlighted the government’s efforts on major infrastructure developments through the Build, Build, Build program, which is undeniably gaining momentum.

Thousands of supporters listen intently as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-LABAN) campaign rally at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan City, Laguna on February 23, 2019. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

After enumerating his accomplishments, the President asked the people of Laguna to support the candidates of PDP-Laban and its guest candidates.

President Duterte believes the party’s candidates can help strengthen the administration in fulfilling its advocacies and projects, especially in the remaining three years of his term.

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