President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to provide 24-hour assistance to the people of Metro Manila during emergency and crisis situations as he led the inauguration of the Crisis Monitoring and Management Center on Tuesday, April 4. 
“This place shall serve as the primary operations center where all government agencies and non-government organizations would converge to respond to all sorts of disasters – from petty vehicular accidents to massive floods, from transport strikes to devastating earthquakes,” President Duterte said in his speech at the MMDA main office in Makati attended by several mayors of various cities in the metro.

“With the establishment of this Center, we are highlighting the need [for] the MMDA to be more responsive to the needs of our constituents in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces,” he added.
He then directed the MMDA to assume a lead role in government’s effort to maintain peace and order in the communities.

“Be vigilant not only in protecting our people from natural and man-made calamities, but also in our fight against illegal drugs, crime, and corruption,” he said.
He likewise instructed the MMDA to initiate programs that would educate people, especially the youth, on the importance of disaster preparedness and the need to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

In the same speech, the Chief Executive reminded government workers to shun corruption and be responsible and honest public servants.

“Let’s stop this business of oppressing the people and give them the respite for the years of corruption and uncertainty,” he said.

In an interview before gracing the MMDA event, the President explained why he lost his confidence in Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno.

“Isa lang naman talaga ang ayaw natin diyan sa… I do not have to belabor the point. Just remember my promises to the people: no corruption, droga, criminality, and I will improve the economy. Select the best answer na lang kayo diyan,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said he is still looking for the best man to replace Sueno. ###PND