LOCAL EXECS WANT DUTERTE TO FOCUS ON CORRUPTION, WOMEN’S ISSUES

But Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña says that he has always supported the President’s campaign against illegal drugs

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale says this year’s Sona was more formal and clearer in delivering the President’s message Supt. Artemio Ricabo of the CCPO says they have to follow the order to wage a “relentless, chilling” war against drugs

Although he supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s stand on the fight against illegal drugs, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña wants the former to be stricter in cracking down on corruption in government offices.

“I’ve always supported his stand on illegal drugs. Our po- lice department is selected as the most efficient anti-drug unit in the whole Philippines. My question is, is this their idea of me withdrawing support for the police? I also agree with the President that corruption in government offices must stop,” he said in a phone interview yesterday.

In his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) last Monday, the President reiterated his strong stand against corruption in government.

Duterte said that while he values amity, his friendship with government leaders has limits.

Although a good number of them were those who supported his presidential bid, the President has fired appointees who were linked to alleged anomalies since assuming office in 2016.

Overall satisfaction

High-ranking officials who were kicked out of office were former interior secretary Mike Sueno and former National Irrigation Administration chief Peter Laviña.

Duterte’s unwavering stand against corruption was commended by Osmeña.

“He pointed it out and I totally agree with him. There’s corruption in the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7, for example,” he said.

It wasn’t long ago when the mayor had said he plans to file charges against LTO officials who are responsible for the delay in around 13,000 vehicle registrations.

This sparked a rift between Osmeña and LTO 7 Director Victor Caindec.

Overall, Osmña said he was satisfied with the President’s report.

“Nobody’s perfect, but he’s still one of the best presidents because he cracked down on drugs. Not many people may agree with me on the way he does it but ako, sakto gyud na,” he added.

Supt. Artemio Ricabo echoed the mayor’s statement, saying the campaign against illegal drugs is a fight to the end.

“Nasugdan na man god ni nato gud (We have started it). We will continue,” said Ricabo, CCPO deputy director for administration. “Kay kon aton ning luagan, ma-observe man ninyo, mobalik gyud (If there’s a letup in the campaign, then the problem returns).”

He said they have to follow the order of Duterte, who vowed during his Sona that the war on drugs would be “relentless and chilling.”

Ricabo said law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear.

Meanwhile, Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale was disappointed that the President did not mention policies and programs concerning women’s rights during his Sona.

In general, she said, this year’s Sona was more formal and clearer in delivering his message on what he has done in the past year.

Although he did not mention any plans to further strengthen the protection and welfare of women, she believed sufficient laws are already in place.

Aside from national laws, the Provincial Government has its own Women’s Code to provide protection to women, especially those who are victims of abuse, Magpale said. /