President Duterte: “The gates of Malacañang will be open for complaints against graft and corruption”

President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte gestures with both hands to stress a point in his first State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) before a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday (July 25, 2016). Also in photo are newly-installed Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III (seated, left) and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. (Photo by Avito Dalan/PNA)

MANILA – In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte laid out his plans for the next six years and vowed clean governance from his office down to the last barangay elect.

“I assure you, this will be a clean government,” the President said in his two-hour speech, adding that he would rather focus on the present rather than point fingers at his predecessors.

“We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back. Finger-pointing is not the way. That is why I will not waste precious time dwelling on the sins of the past or blaming those who are perceived to be responsible for the mess that we are in and suffering from,” he continued.

Duterte, however, asserted that he would spare no mercy to corrupt government officials.

“For those who have valid reasons to complain about graft and corruption, the gates of Malacañang will be open… Those who betrayed the people’s trust shall not go unpunished. They will have their day in court.”

Fight against illegal drugs, criminality

Still with a long-standing fight against criminality and illegal drugs, Duterte reiterated his commitment to ‘relentless’ and ‘sustained’ efforts, using the entire resources of the government to ‘fight this war.’

“I call on the Philippine National Police (PNP), the barangay chairman, the mayors, and governors, all those occupying seats of power and authority not to lower their guard… Double your efforts, triple if need be.”

The Chief Executive also sought to create an interagency committee that will be mobilized for information campaign against drug use and dissemination of information regarding drug rehabilitation program to be offered by the government.

“There will be no let-up in this campaign against illegal drugs. We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier, or the last pusher is put behind bars or below the ground, if they so wish,” he said.

“We will also prioritize the rehabilitation of abusers… We will increase the number of residential treatment and rehabilitation facilities in all regions of the country.”

With the Catholic Church expressing concerns over hundreds of suspected drug peddlers killed amid the administration’s anti-drug campaign, Duterte noted that he respected the separation of Church and State.

“To our religious bishops, leaders, priests, pastors, preachers, imam, let me assure you that while I’m a stickler for the principle of separation between the Church and State, I believe quite strongly that there should never be a separation between God and State.”

Federalism, BBL

Speaking to lawmakers at the Batasang Pambansa, Duterte restated the Philippines’ need of a federal form of government.

“My advice to you is mainly a federal system parliamentary but be sure to have a president… And by that time, I would no longer be here. If you hurry up the federal system of government, you can submit to the Filipino people [in the] fourth, fifth year… You call for a referendum,” he said.

“And after that, call for a presidential election.”

Moreover, the President urged the Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

“I ask you to pass it minus the constitutional issues that are contentious… That’s the solution for Mindanao. Nothing else will work. Please sleep on it and ponder on it. That’s the only way to proceed.”

Peace with rebels

Wanting an end to the insurgency, Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels.

“To stop violence on the ground, restore peace in the communities and provide an enabling environment conducive to the resumption of peace talks, I am now announcing a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) effective immediately,” he said.

“All of us want peace. Not the peace of the dead but the peace of the living.”

The Chief Executive lamented that it was ‘ironic’ and ‘tragic’ that although the government and the rebel groups expressed willingness to continue peace talks, both continued to wage war against the other.

“We cannot talk peace while we load our guns and bullets… Let me make this appeal to you, if we cannot as yet love one another, then in God’s name, let’s not hate each other too much.”

The Negotiating Panel of the NDF, for their part, welcomed Duterte’s order for a ceasefire. They also called for the ‘release of all current political prisoners under the amnesty proclamation to be issued by President Duterte.’

Erring police officers, gov’t officials

To police officers and other officials who abuse their authority, Duterte gave a stern warning.

“Do your job and you will have the unwavering support of the Office of the President… Abuse your authority and there will be a hell to pay for you would have become worse than criminality itself.”

For police officers involved in illegal activities, he instructed the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to hasten the conduct of investigation and adjudication of administrative cases.

RH Law

Despite the opposition of several pro-life groups, Duterte stressed the need to assist the poor in family planning through the full implementation of the Reproductive Health (RH) Law.

“The implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act must be put in full force and effect so that couples, especially the poor, will have freedom of informed choice on the number and spacing of children.”

Lower tax rates

Hearing the plight of thousands of Filipino employees calling for tax reform, The President disclosed plans for lower rates as he swore higher economic growth for the country.

“My administration will pursue tax reforms towards a simpler and more equitable tax system that can foster investments. We will lower personal and corporate income tax.”

Furthermore, he sought a review of the prevailing tax system, update on income tax brackets, and lower corporate and income tax rates.

Media killings

Calling the ‘bona fide’ media his partner for change, Duterte condemned extrajudicial killings of journalists and emphasized that his administration would not tolerate violation of media.

“This government does not condone violation and repression of media… The bona fide media has always been our partners for change.”

Faster Internet

The Chief Executive also ordered the newly created DICT (Department of Information and Communication Technology) to improve the country’s Internet speed by developing a national broadband plan and accelerating the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies.

“WiFi access shall be provided at no charge in selected public places, including parks, buses, public libraries, schools, government hospitals, train stations, airports, and seaports.”

Justice system

For speedy disposition of cases, Duterte sought to provide more access to counsels by increasing the number of lawyers and support staff of the PAO (Public Assistance Office) in regions and districts.

“I was determined then as I am now determined and better positioned to wage war against those who make a mockery of our laws, including those who make our lives miserable,” he said.

“Just like you and I, equal treatment and equal protection are what I ask for our people.”

Better economic policies

Planning to leave a ‘much stronger’ economy by the end of his presidency, The Duterte will implement new monetary policies and relax the bank secrecy law.

“My administration will continue and maintain current macroeconomic policies and even do better… We will achieve this through prudent fiscal and monetary policies that can help translate high growth into more and better job creation and poverty reduction.”

No more long queues

Along with his pledge to cut down red tape, the President wanted avoidance to backlogs and reduced processing time for requests for documents and services from the government.

“In my city (Davao), it is always three days for local governments. That will bind the Office of the President down to barangay level.”

He sought to lengthen the validity of issued licenses as well.

Transportation

To address the lack of road infrastructure and severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila, Duterte disclosed that usage of existing roads will be maximized, capacity of train systems will be increased, and revival of the operation of the Pasig River Ferry Service System will be considered.

“There is a need to cooperate and coordinate with LGUs to map out secondary routes and to consult various stakeholders, including the public transport operations.”

Rail projects will be pursued not just in Metro Manila but also in other major key points in the country, including Cebu, Davao, and Panay.

“It’s going to materialize: Rail projects, the Davao Transit System, the Cebu Transit System, the North and South Luzon Railways and the Panay Railways Project.”

To decongest NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), transfer of general aviation has been considered for both domestic and international airlines.

“I’m offering Sangley Point. But if not them, it’s going to be Clark on a condition that we will have a fast train. In the field of tourism, we shall construct more access roads and tourism gateways to service centers and tourist sites.”

—

For the full text of President Duterte’s first SONA, click here.