Let’s stop corruption–Duterte; SONA lists gains, wishes

PRESIDENT Duterte has vowed to seriously curb corruption and asked the people to help in the anti-corruption campaign.

“I need your help. Please report wrongdoings,” he appealed to the public.

*** The President promised to save money and provide more funds to the armed forces to enable them to fight rebels more effectively.

They badly need guns, medicines, and medical equipment, Duterte said.

*** At the same time, Duterte hit back at communist rebels and their leaders for not being serious about the peace talks by committing atrocities and violations.

“They even ambushed my convoy. Good that I was no longer there,” the President said.

*** The President issued his appeal, enumerated his gains, and listed his complaints and wishes in his second State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA)

He sounded “frank, challenging, realistic, but hopeful,” as Malacañang promised.

*** Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said the President rendered his report in broad strokes, reviewing past achievements, stating the present situation, and announcing future prospects under the theme “A Comfortable Life for All.”

True. But after the SONA, those hit would no longer feel comfortable. *** “I will not tolerate corruption. Erring officials will be dismissed,” Duterte vowed.

“So do not be afraid to report wrongdoings through 8888. You are our employers,” he told the people.

*** The President also asked government agencies the stop preferring the so-called “lowest bidders.”

They corner contracts but end up distributing 60 percent of the project fund as “grease money” or “lagay,” he said.

*** Duterte also asked the courts to stop issuing TROs against government projects.

They end up derailing the project or demanding 10 percent, the President said.

*** The President read his prepared speech but often made off-the-cuff remarks and speak in a mix of English, Filipino, and Bisaya, either eliciting applause or laughter.

That’s SONA Duterte-style.

*** Senate President Koko Pimentel and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, along with a welcoming committee, met the President at the Batasang Pambansa and entertained him briefly in the Legislators’ Lounge.

Then the joint session of Congress opened at the Plenary Hall.

Division and protests showed up somewhere.

*** Malacañang said a technical report titled “President’s Report to the People” was uploaded online, with printed copies to be distributed to selected schools, embassies, government offices, and other institutions.

Call it “Duterte Online.”

*** The PCOO added that stricter security measures were enforced in anticipation of all possible threats against the life of the President.

Well, historians can put it on record: “On his 2nd SONA, Duterte had fun.”