Duterte serenades crowd at DOLE anniversary

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does a duet with one of the performers during the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 84th Anniversary Celebration at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in Malolos City on December 8, 2017. (Photo by Rey Baniquet/Presidential Photo)

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan— President Rodrigo Duterte serenaded the crowd at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here as he graced the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) 84th founding anniversary Friday.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III was about to introduce the President as the event’s guest of honor when he asked the chief executive’s indulgence to listen to a special number by singer Jonalyn Viray.

The President joined Viray on stage and sang the Tagalog classic song “Ikaw”.

Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the President did not only render a special gift to the agency’s founding anniversary celebration but also made a historic mark at the province’s gymnasium.

“This is why our President is very much loved by the people. He does not only lead us well but also entertains the people. Napaka-simpleng tao talaga ng ating pangulo. (He’s such a simple person.) He made his stay at the Bulacan capitol more special and meaningful. This is a good day for Bulakenyos,” Alvarado said.

Later in his message, Duterte reiterated that he would stake everything to crush the drug menace and expressed zero tolerance for corruption.

He said he is saddened by stories of children of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) victimized by the evils of dangerous drugs.

“I don’t want OFWs finding their children hooked on drugs. This menace is producing a generation of slaves with bizarre and violent behavior. Wala akong pakialam kung sabihin nila akong killer (I don’t mind if they call me a killer). Do not destroy my country, I will kill you. There must be retribution, an eye for an eye,” Duterte said.

The President also announced that he would sack an entire commission next week for graft.

He also touched on efforts to address the Moro issue, reiterating his commitment to the southern peace process.

“Kapag hindi nagkaroon ng kapayapaan, papasok at papasok na naman ang ISIS (If peace does not prevail, ISIS will enter again). And I won’t allow that,” Duterte said.