| SOCORRO, Oriental Mindoro–President Rodrigo Duterte assured Mindoro farmers of government’s support as his administration pours in more money for agriculture and education.
“Manny has the billions. Ang pinakamalaki kong buhos sa agriculture pati education. Talagang buhos ako,” the President said in a speech during his visit here on March 29, Wednesday, to celebrate People’s Day.
“And I’d like to inform the farmers ‘yung irrigation fees na 5,000, wala na ‘yon, tinanggal ko. Libre na ang tubig,” he said, adding that he has appointed a new irrigation chief.
The President said he will be watching the implementation of irrigation projects because it involves billions of pesos, noting that he would not tolerate corruption in government.
The more improved relations between the Philippines and China have also started to bear fruit, he said.
Philippine bananas and pineapples can now enter the Chinese market without much restrictions, according to the President.
Duterte said the government is speeding up after China promised to buy Philippine agri products. China also made an assurance that it will help the Philippines in addressing product quality concerns.
Aside from China, the President said he is also going to Russia to forge stronger relations.
Also during his speech, the President assured local leaders that there will be no politicking in his government, stressing he would release funds even to non-allies.
“I’m here to say ‘yung pera, the money of the Philippines is just as much. But you can be sure, nandiyan naman si Congressman Umali, hati talaga lahat. Walang pulitika ‘yan. The money will be divided pro rata, in proportion to the population at ‘yung halaga,” he said.
The President also vowed to stop corruption and red tape in government and at the same time, renewed his commitment to fight illegal drugs and criminality in the country.
He also expressed optimism that his government could forge a lasting peace accord with communist rebels as channeling talks continue.###PND |
