We are facing enemies from within – Duterte
The country has been liberated from foreign domination more than a century ago but continues to face “enemies that attack from within” at present, President Duterte said Tuesday.
In leading the 120th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite,
the President said he has made his “personal mission” to eliminate the lingering challenges such as corruption, poverty, and crime in the country.
“The story of how our forebears fought for our sovereignty and established a Filipino nation shall forever inspire us to cherish the freedoms that we enjoy today. Sadly, more than a century since our heroes liberated us from foreign subjugation, our nation still has to face enemies that attack from within,” the President said in his remarks.
“This time, we face the modern challenges of poverty, corruption, environmental degradation, terrorism, criminality and illegal drugs,” he said.
‘I need your cooperation’ Duterte affirmed that he would do his best to preserve and protect the nation but would need public cooperation.
“I have made it my personal mission to rid our nation of these ills, but I cannot do it alone,” he said.
“At this crucial juncture in our history, we need to draw strength from the lessons of our past to ensure that these ills do not cause any more damage to our future,” he added.
Duterte said he was determined to sustain the campaign against corruption, citing that he would continue to fire officials involved in abuses.
“I have a few more years and I will do my best especially in the matter of graft and corruption. I have fired so many and will continue to fire everybody,” he said.
Duterte also reaffirmed his strong resolve to destroy those involved the illegal drug trade despite criticisms of alleged human rights abuses.
He said as a former state prosecutor, he has seen many lives destroyed “in the name of the altar of greed.”
“Drugs – it has become a very serious problem even for other countries. Drugs will destroy my country. Do not do it because I will destroy you. Literally,” he said.
The President also could not care less if he gets impeached or killed for his anti-drug efforts. “Impeach mo na ako, impeach o patayin mo na ako, okay lang. Basta hindi ako papayag na ng ganun [You can impeach me or kill me. That's okay. I will not allow that to happen],” he said.
No economic miracle The President, meantime, acknowledged that he could not promise “economic miracles” for Filipinos but could only try to make their lives comfortable.
“I just want the Filipino during my time comfortable. I’m not expecting any economic miracles. Impossible. I will be humble enough to admit that I can only do so much,” he said.
He also recognized the challenges posed by the country's rising population to economic development.
“Now, if you ask me to what level of standard shall we enjoy in the next 30 years, tingin ko po hirap, hirap tayo, because of population,” he said.
“It’s a delicate matter. It’s always a dynamics between your religion and my religion and everybody else’s, too. But there has to be a change somewhere. I don't know when,” he added, alluding to the opposing views of the government and Catholic Church on population control.
He noted that Mindanao could serve as the country's “breadbasket” to feed the growing population.
Lightning rally
Meanwhile, President Duterte’s speech was marred by a lightning rally by a group of protesters who slipped past security and demanded the President's ouster.
The President briefly paused and recognized the right of the protesters to free speech and assembly. Police agents nabbed the protesters and moved them away from the venue.
“Hayaan mo lang. It’s a freedom of speech. You can have it. Okay lang. I will understand,” Duterte said during the rain-drenched 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence rites at the Aguinaldo Shrine, waving his hand to the crowd.
“Our Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and free expression so I would just advise the law enforcement to just deal with them peacefully and (exercise) maximum tolerance,” he added.
While the President tolerated the protest, the police were in no mood to ignore the misbehavior.
The Cavite Police Provincial Office is keen on filing a case against a protester who was arrested.
Senior Superintendent William Segun, Cavite police chief, identified the arrested protester as 20-year-old Francis Couichie, of Barangay Kaingen, Santa Rosa, Laguna.
Police said Couichie, along with nine other rallyists, shouted, “Huwad na kalayaan! (False freedom!),” just as Duterte was about to begin his speech. (With reports from Anthony Giron and Martin A. Sadongdong)