30 March 2017

President Duterte to new government officials, councilors: Now is the time to end corruption
President Rodrigo Duterte has called on new government officials and councilors in the country to help in the administration’s campaign against graft and corruption.

“If you really want to help improve this country and if you want us to rise a little bit of the ‘yung ano natin sa nakaraan, now is the time,” President Duterte said in his speech during the mass oath-taking of newly appointed government officials and Philippine Councilors’ League in Malacañan Palace on Thursday, March 30.

“Now is the time because I am really with you. Sa graft and corruption, I have a zero tolerance,” he added.

The President said he has quietly asked at least 92 erring government officials particularly in regulatory agencies to quit their posts since he came to power in June last year.

He said he is currently in the process of fulfilling his promises to the nation during the elections such as ending corruption, illegal drugs and criminalities.

He also said he is focusing on implementing law and order to enable businesses to thrive and for further development of the country.

“Ang akin lang kasi wala naman ako ipagmalaki, I do not have the credentials but I can do some things just like what I did in Davao maybe parang template ko. So kung gusto ninyong tapusin ‘yung corruption, and, ‘yung droga ibigay na ninyo sa akin. Hindi naman ako nagyayabang. Sa ating generation ngayon the present crops of politicians and those workers of government medyo ako lang ang makahirit diyan,” he said.

He renewed his call for drug dealers to stop their illegal activities and spare the lives of the youth and the future generation.

“Gawain ko ang gusto ko kung ano ang inutos ng oath of office ko…It is my duty to protect and preserve the Filipino,” he said.

Among those who took their oath include Ricardo Visaya, Administrator and Member of Board of Directors of National Irrigation Administration; Francisco Duque III, Chairman of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Marcial Amaro III, Administrator of Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA); Vincent Balanag, Executive Director of Lung Center of the Philippines; Rogelio Luy, Chairman and Member of Board of Trustees of Local Water Utilities Administration and Mel John Versoza as Deputy Administrator of the National Tobacco Administration. ### PND


President Duterte lauds Go Negosyo’s outstanding Filipina entrepreneurs
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, March 30, led this year’s awarding of Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs which coincides with the commencement of the National Women’s Month.

In his keynote speech, President Duterte underscored the need to curb corruption to foster national development as well as the need to attend to Mindanao’s problems.

The Chief Executive also underscored that his administration has put a stop to corruption which used to plague businesses.

“Yung nahuli sa corruption corruption. Sabi ko sa kanila. The first whiff of corruption… I am sorry you have to go,” Duterte said.

He also gave the example of some fire safety inspection officials who earned commissions on the side from fire control manufacturers by requiring additional fire extinguishers for businesses before issuing permits.

“Its odious. Hindi lang ninyo alam ‘yan pero ang tingin ng publiko is it’s really an odious practice actually. Stop it,” the President said.

Go Negosyo is the advocacy of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), a non-stock, non-profit organization that advocates for social change through entrepreneurship.

Go Negosyo recognized female entrepreneurs for their capacity to be catalysts for change and progress.

This year’s awardees include Corazon Dayro Ong (CDO Foodsphere); Mercedes Gotianun (Filinvest Development Corporation); Rosalind Wee (W Group of Companies); and Socorro Ramos (National Book Store).

Awardees in the medium-large category were Felicia Atienza (Chinese International School Manila); Ana De Ocampo (Wildflour Café and Bakery); Gina Lorenzana (Unilever Philippines); Anne Gonzalez (Terry
S.A); Rebecca Mills (Chalre Associates); Sheree Gotuaco (Omnimoda International); Mary Ann Montemayor (Villa Margarita Hotel & Catering); and Evelyn Palomo (Great Image).

Also awarded were Honie Krizia Navor (HK Stone Craft Trading); Evellin Daytao (Daytao Native Cakes); Pamela Henares (BuroBuro Springs Vermi Farm); Imelda Dagus (Dennis Coffee Garden); Cherrie Atillano (AGREA); Ester Vitto (Bahag Footwear); Maria Lydia Lomibao (J. Emmanuel Pastries); and Arlene Mabute (Mabute Lumpia Wrapper and Cheese Stick Maker).

Awards were also given to Arizza Nocum (Kris Library and Good Karma Shirts); Felicitas Pontoja (Coffee for Peace); and Rachel De Villa (Cropital) for Inclusive Business; Pacita Juan (ECHOStore); Senator Cynthia Villar (Senate of the Philippines); and Doris Magsaysay-Ho (Magsaysay Maritime Corp.) as Women MSME Development Enablers. ### PND


From Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella –  On the supplemental impeachment filed against PRRD
The supplemental impeachment complaint-affidavit filed by Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano against the President is unfounded, lacking both in form and substance; but more seriously it seems that this is part and parcel of his intention to run for the Senate to replace Senator Trillanes.
The political tactic of filing an ‘incomplete’ impeachment complaint on the first day of recess of the HoR then to ‘supplement’ it on a different day seems geared towards providing media mileage for the proponent.
The President is the chief architect of the nation’s foreign policy and under his leadership, we strive to safeguard the national interest, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On the issue of Benham Rise, Scarborough Shoal, and the disputed features in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines will continuously uphold and assert our rights.

 From Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella – On PRRD’s comments against ABS-CBN and Philippine Daily Inquirer
The President’s remarks on ABS-CBN Corporation and Philippine Daily Inquirer is a complaint against unfairness and are not attacks against Philippine journalism.

The President himself agreed with the adversarial (antagonistic using PRRD’s word) role of media as check and balance against government abuses and venalities.  

However, it is unfortunate that these two media outfits tend to project the President as a caricature of a berserk strongman over a failed state. 

The President’s statement is a call for media to be more fair and unbiased; after all, nations succeed when all sectors maintain objectivity and fairness as they collaborate in nation building.