Philippine News
PRRD to AFP officers: ‘Bring back people’s faith in government’
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FILE: “As you fulfill your responsibility to protect the Filipino people and preserve the Republic, I assure you that I shall stand by you as you start your respective tasks. In return, I ask that you help me restore the people’s faith in their government,” Duterte said in his speech during the AFP officers’ oath-taking at Malacañan Palace. (PCOO Photo)MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday urged the newly-promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to help him in bringing back the trust of the people to the government.
“As you fulfill your responsibility to protect the Filipino people and preserve the Republic, I assure you that I shall stand by you as you start your respective tasks. In return, I ask that you help me restore the people’s faith in their government,” Duterte said in his speech during the AFP officers’ oath-taking at Malacañan Palace.
“We will see to it that the nation that we hand over to the next generation of Filipinos is one that is more stable, harmonious and progressive,” he added.
Duterte also urged them to remain “steadfast and vigilant” in pursuing the government’s efforts to eradicate social ills particularly illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality.
“Despite the significant progress that we have made against illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality, our country is not yet safe from harm and danger,” Duterte said.“Nonetheless, I remain optimistic that we can prevail against those challenges if we work together as a people and as a nation.”
Duterte said his fight against corruption will continue until his last day of his term in 2022.
“I have fired so many due to corruption. There is another one,” Duterte said without giving name.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said that Duterte has accepted the resignation of Wanda Teo as Secretary of Department of Tourism (DOT).
“It has nothing to do at all with any other reason. I just don’t want to make publicity out of it. I’ll leave to everybody to decide,” Duterte said.
Teo stepped down amid the controversial PHP60-million ad placement that DOT paid for a show of her brothers Erwin and Ben Tulfo over government-run PTV 4.
Duterte said he is expecting the newly-appointed generals and flag officers to serve with integrity and uphold the rule of law.
“May you lead the men and women of the AFP and hone them into exemplary and effective soldiers our citizens can rely on,” Duterte said.
