President Rodrigo Duterte in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).
(Photo courtesy: Kenji Hasegawa – Photoville International)
The first State of Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte centered on policies, programs and reforms the administration wants to pursue.
President Duterte assured the equal treatment and protection under his administration.
He also emphasized the campaign of the administration against illegal drugs.
President Duterte called on all local government officials and Philippine National Police to double the efforts in fighting illegal drugs and drug lords as he assured the support of his office in the fight.
The President also asked the National Police Commission or NAPOLCOM to fast track the investigation against police officers allegedly involved in illegal activities and warned all those who are involved in illegal drugs, assuring that the Duterte administration will prioritize the establishment of rehabilitation centers.
The President also said that he wants to strengthen the country’s counter terrorism program and the capability of Armed Forces of the Philippines.
He said that while he will prioritize resolving the global warming, the measures must not be a hindrance country’s economic growth.
Regarding the West Philippine Sea issue, President Duterte affirmed the ruling of the arbitration court and assured to pursue resolving the dispute in a peaceful way.
As to the peace talks, the President said he is ready to give the Bangsamoro Basic Law or BBL to Bangsamoro people.
The President called on the Bangsamoro community to end decades of armed conflict and continue the peace negotiations.
He also declared a unilateral ceasefire with CPP/NPA for the continuation of formal talks.
Regarding the legislative agenda of the administration, President Duterte said he wants to push the reforms on taxation and make it simple; lower the personal and corporate income tax rates; relax the bank secrecy law and ease all business dealings in the country.
On infrastructure projects, the President stressed that the rehabilitation of roads will continue and construction of road networks and inter island networks will take place.
And to prevent congestion in Metro Manila, he said he wants to utilize the Clark Airbase and other seaports in the nearby provinces.
Also the President presented the needs to push for federalism and called on the Congress to make it a reality possibly on the 4th and 5th year of the administration.
He assured that he is not the one who will be benefited on the move to amend the constitution.
The President has also called on the congress to pass the whistleblower bill.
Other matters he mentioned were the amendment on the validity of passport from 5 years to 10 years; the upgrading of internet connectivity and provision of free wi-fi in selected public places.
The President had also very gladly reported that he already approved the executive order for the implementation of freedom of information in the executive branch and announced the coming up of hotline 8888 for any concerns of public regarding corruptions in government.
(NEL MARIBOJOC/UNTV NEWS)
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