11 October 2016
President Duterte boosts cops’ morale amid ongoing war on drugs

President Rodrigo Duterte visited on Monday (October 10) Police Regional Office 9 in Zamboanga City to show solidarity with policemen in the ongoing government war on illegal drugs.



“Kaya ako dumaan dito to show my camaraderie with you,” the President said in a speech before the policemen.

He said he was happy to personally visit law enforcers in Zamboanga City.



The President instructed law enforcers to do their job well by arresting suspects or subduing them if they show resistance.

But he reminded police officers to always think of their safety during police raids because they are facing violent individuals.



The Chief Executive also warned “ninja cops” or those officers involved in illegal drug trade, reiterating his offer of a P2 million reward to anyone who could identify policemen connected to narcotics trafficking.



At the same time, the President also expressed his dismay over groups such as bishops complaining about deaths in the administration’s war against illegal drugs.



Noting that he is losing two policemen a day all over the country in the ongoing anti-illegal drug war, he said the drug problem must be confronted head-on.



According to the President, he takes time to visit dead policemen in different areas not only to condole with their families but also to show solidarity because of the high public expectation to stop the problem as soon as possible.

The drug problem in the country is so huge that it needs drastic action and pausing at this time would be devastating for the nation especially for the next generation of Filipinos, he stressed.



The country is now breaching the four million mark in the number of drug addicts comparable to that of Indonesia, the President said.

He noted that the country’s drug addiction problem is even worse than Indonesia even though the latter has bigger population and land area. PND


Duterte provides aid for Basilan farmers
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday personally visited the people of Basilan to provide immediate assistance to farmers affected by the “cocolisap” infestation in the province.

Speaking before the members of Lamitan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (Larbeco), President Duterte ordered the immediate release of the much needed funds for Basilan, which main industry is coconut.

“Iyong mga kinakailangan ho ninyo, ibinibigay namin kaagad at ihahabol namin kung ano pang kailangan ninyo dito lalo na sa rehabilitation ng inyong coconut industry,” the President said.

The President accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol distributed farm tractors to the farmers. Farmers were also given seeds and fertilizers for additional livelihood assistance.

The Chief Executive also distributed fishing boats and nets for fisherfolk.

President Duterte committed several improvements in the province particularly on health, education and power sector.

He said he would source out funds for the upgrading of government-run hospitals, construction of more schools and to address power problem.

“Sa gobyernong ito, may parte kayo sa pera ng gobyerno at aabot sa inyo,” he said.

“Mahal kayo ng Presidente ninyo,” he added. PND


Duterte to the corrupt: PTV-4 will be watching you
To those who are working in government and want only to steal taxpayers’ money, President Rodrigo Duterte has a message for you: Don’t do it.

On Tuesday (October 11), the President revealed a plan to use the People’s Television Network (PTV-4) as a medium for people to air complaints against erring public officers and employees in a bid to rid the government of corruption.

Duterte made the statement as he led the mass oath-taking of newly appointed government officials and the members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines in Malacañan Palace.

The President urged the public to freely air their grievances against wayward public officials, noting that corruption in government regulatory agencies is still rampant.



“Just text the agency and the person with whom you have a gripe, a grievance to express, tell me about the issue and maybe that would be more in keeping with transparency,” he said.



“Six years is a very limited time to implement reforms. I cannot erase all, I cannot stop all of it, but I can minimize it,” he added.



The idea is to allot an hour each day so people could send their complaints to be aired through the government-owned television network, Duterte said.



The Chief Executive said he would ask inputs from lawyers to finetune the measure.



He said he wants to strike a balance between keeping the public informed, allowing them to air grievances and safeguarding people’s privacy.



He said he felt insulted by the continuing corruption in government, adding that fighting abuses was one of the cornerstones of his administration.



With regard to addressing illegal drugs in the country, he said that a rehabilitation center in Fort Magsaysay will open soon, which could house more than 1,000 drug dependents.



The President also informed local officials about his scheduled trips to Brunei and China, which could open more opportunities for the country.



He likewise announced his scheduled visit to Japan after his trips to Brunei and China. After that, he intends to go to Russia.PND