03 February 2017

Palace welcomes Philippines’ favorable economic landscape
The Palace has taken notice of the current economic landscape in the country with the Philippine Stock Exchange ranking among the best performers in Asia for January.

In a press briefing in Malacañan on Thursday, February 2, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella mentioned the observation of Nisha Alicer, Chief Equity Strategist at DA Market Securities, that Philippine shares had been outperforming much of Asia in January.

Looking forward to February, Alicer is optimistic that events such as the first Federal Reserve Monetary Policy Meeting for 2017 and the BSP Monetary Policy Meeting would bring positive feedback.

Abella likewise noted the observation of one of the biggest auditing firms in the country  that the Philippines is “Asia’s new investment hub.”

Abella cited the statement of Vice Chairman Emmanuel Bonoan of KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co.  that the growing economy helped boost consumer spending especially among millennials and tax reforms are needed to achieve economic growth.

The Palace official also noted the 30th anniversary commemoration of the Constitution Day, encouraging the nation to pay tribute to the hard work of the men and women who took the nation to new heights of growth, prosperity, and inclusivity.

“May this occasion remind us to strengthen the rule of law in light of our fight to rid society of drugs and crimes and stamp out corruption in government,” he said.

“Together, we will continue to reap the fruits of independence that shall benefit our people today and the generations to come,” he added.

Joining Abella Thursday was Francis Kong, a businessman and inspirational speaker, who said the administration is on the right track in solving the country’s pressing concerns.

Kong talked about millennials and concerns such as values and leadership gaps, and the need for today’s youth to have appropriate skills.

In tackling illegal drugs, Kong said as a businessman, he understands that to get a good result, there should be a process which he said usually takes time.

In addressing corruption, he said every head of organization, whether private or public, must have untainted character and should maintain consistency in truthfulness.

“Therefore, I’ll take a look carefully at very leaders of the institutions and I would say that they need to walk their talk, preach what they teach, and they need to be the embodiment of what this administration is supposed to represent,” Kong said.

Describing the President as “unconventional”, Kong said President Duterte is a “rare breed of his own in terms of leadership style.”

Kong said the West may not look at Duterte favorably but he enjoys huge popularity among his counterparts in Asia.PND


Duterte eyes creation of central water agency

Davao City— President Rodrigo Duterte bared on Thursday, February 2, a plan to establish a central water agency in the country.

Duterte broached the idea as he delivered his keynote speech at the 38th National Convention of Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) at the SMX Convention Center. It was attended by representatives of more than 500 local water districts nationwide.

“We will establish a central water agency under which all water related functions will be addressed. Tama ‘yan. It’s coming during my term,” the President told PAWD, which primary function is to provide sustainable, affordable and safe water to all Filipinos especially those in the countryside.

“I’d like to remind all, when I say all it is all: Do not be a hindrance sa pag-propagate pati cultivate and make use of the surface water. Huwag ninyong pahirapan ang local utilities,” he added.

He likewise told the national organization not to ask money from contractors and hasten the processing of papers and permits for key public services.

“The central government that is Manila, they only have one month to process papers. The directors are only given 15 days sa bureau nila,” he said.

The President stressed the need to rationalize and streamline government structures citing  “overlapping” procedures and jurisdictions.

“Who gives to authority to what and whose final judgment is it that we follow?” he asked.

The Chief Executive underscored that Davao City was the first in the country to pass a water code to localize the National Water Code to ensure protection and management of its water resources.

“In the city of Davao, there is the water code passed by the City Council during the incumbency of my daughter, the first time,” he said referring to her daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

“She would insist on it and, well, there was this attempt to reconfigure the river of, I think, one of the tributaries that comes out of Tamugan.
She stood her ground and hindi talaga pumayag si Inday na maggawa ng bago. I don’t know what they were up to but I think it’s big business,” the President recalled.

Duterte also commended the local water district in Davao City for being one of the best performing government entities in his home province.

“Insofar as I’m concerned, in Davao City, it’s working well. I hope it is happening all over the country,” he said.

He quipped that he would always pay his water bills on time as a gesture of appreciation for the effectiveness and hard work of the local water districts.

Meanwhile, the President reiterated his appeal for government officials and employees to give the public a respite from graft and corruption.

“I would not want to zero in or focus on any administration. But for so much of our lives, it has always been corruption and it is the one thing that really pull down almost to the drain,” he said.

“Iyong indolence ng taga-gobyerno if not outright making money. It does not exempt any organization, even the police have been criminals,” he added.

He vowed to reform the Philippine National Police (PNP) lamenting that “it is rotten to the core.”

He again mentioned that about 6,000 policemen are involved in illegal drugs, and trade is still being carried out behind prison bars.

Aside from the PNP, he said there will also be cleansing and purging of abusive personnel at the National Bureau of Investigation.###PND