Rule of law, no red tape – ‘strongman’ Duterte

PRESIDENT Duterte has assured continued adherence to the rule of law despite his inclusion in TIME magazine’s list of “strongmen” leaders in the world.

Rule of law will be observed and strengthened, says “strongman” DU30.

*** The President issued an antired tape policy requiring frontline government agencies to now respond to all public requests and transactions within 15 days.

No more red tape and be transparent, DU30 reiterates.

*** Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said that despite Time’s slant featuring Duterte as among the “strongmen” leaders in the world (May 14, 2018 edition), Filipinos are satisfied how the President runs the country and adheres to the rule of law.

DU30’s work and brand of justice acceptable to Pinoys, says Roque.

*** Time ‘s cover story on “strongmen” featured Duterte, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Duterte is a “former mayor who talked more like a Mob boss than a President, on his promises to wipe out the drug trade with his own brand of justice,” the magazine said.

*** Roque said Filipinos are now used to Duterte’s language and know that while he may be extreme in his words, he is serious in his commitment to serve the country.

“Regardless of slant, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has demonstrated strong and decisive leadership – a quality appreciated by Filipinos as evidenced by the Chief Executive’s high satisfaction, approval, trust, and performance ratings,” he added.

*** “Filipinos have learned not to take PRRD literally with his colorful language but they have surely taken seriously the issues the President has espoused, such as the war on drugs and crime,” he added.

*** “The drug problem is not only a Philippine concern. It is a global burden and the Philippines’ war on drugs has been acknowledged by countries and leaders, including Indonesia, China, President Donald Trump, and police leaders from other Southeast Asian countries,” Roque said.

“The President’s brand of justice strictly adheres to the rule of law where the dismantling of the drug apparatus ensures the proper investigation of all drug-related killings,” he added.

*** Malacañang noted that Duterte previously graced the cover of Time magazine where he was dubbed as “The Punisher” in its May 23, 2016,issue.

Rody has made it to the cover of Time magazine like former President Cory Aquino and boxing champion Senator Manny Pacquiao, the Palace said.

*** Meanwhile, government agencies providing frontline services must now respond to all public requests and concerns within 15 days, mandated a new anti-red tape order of Duterte, as signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea

Timely processing of government permits, licenses, and other documents as well as transparency and accountability prescribed by Memorandum Order 44.

*** “All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or-controlled corporations performing frontline services defined in RA (Republic Act) No. 9485 are hereby directed to respond to all public requests and concerns with 15 days from receipt thereof, unless a shorter period is provided under applicable laws and issuances,” the memo read.

Promote and emphasize responsive and service-oriented government agencies and instrumentalities, with the objective of fostering transparency and accountability, the memo further read.

*** Malacañang also invoked in its memo the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Yes to speedy government service, transparency, and rule of law.