Duterte to PMA: Build nation worthy of the Filipinos
President Duterte has appealed to alumni of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to help him build a nation “worthy of the Filipinos” and to mold Filipinos “worthy of their nation.”
“Let us together build a nation
worthy of the Filipinos, Filipinos worthy of their nation, Pilipinong nararapat sa Pilipinas, Pilipinas na
nararapat sa Pilipino,” the President said at the end of his speech during the PMA homecoming at Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City yesterday.
Duterte, now almost eight months in office, explained anew his vision for the country, especially Mindanao, using as blueprint Davao City’s success under his leadership. Duterte is the first Mindanaoan to become president.
“Now, I believe what happened
in Davao can really happen nationwide, but I need the help of each one, especially the military, not for social control but protection for the citizens from the lawless, the reckless and the selfish,” the President said.
While admitting he is not known for righteousness, Duterte said he can consider himself a good leader who will usher the country to prosperity.
“While I never pretended to be a saint, I know that righteousness and discipline are the foundation of a nation. That is why what I desire for the Philippines is a prosperous society that includes everyone, a peaceful law-abiding citizenry, and people of different beliefs who choose to get along with one another,” he said.
Adopted by PMA Dimasupil Class of 1967 and now the PMA Alumni Association Inc., Duterte said he is proud to be an adoptive member of the prestigious academy.
“That is why I appreciate the PMA. You have the template of discipline and civility. I ask that you continue this tradition and thank you for inviting me to be part of you,” Duterte said.
Unlike in his other public engagements, Duterte read the speech prepared for the occasion – without adding a single expletive.
In remarks on Friday before members of the PMA Class of 1967 at the Baguio Country Club, Duterte questioned the credibility of former Navy officer and now Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.
A member of PMA Class 1995, Trillanes has accused Duterte of amassing some P2 billion in illegal wealth.
Duterte was in a black leather jacket and black pants and wearing sunglasses when he arrived yesterday morning at the PMA grounds.
“So, let me bring you back to my vision for the nation. As a child immigrant from Visayas to Mindanao, we hoped for a better life in the so-called ‘Land of Promise’,” he said.
Duterte discussed various issues briefly, like threats from terror groups like the Abu Sayyaf as well as climate change.
“But now, it is threatened by climate change caused by man-made diseases like extractive industries. The rest of the nation is threatened by the widening gap between the rich and the poor, crime, corruption, criminality and illegal drugs,” he said.
“In the past, our government verged on failure because those who were in the position to help deliberately made wrong decisions which favored only themselves,” he said.
“That is why I promised during my first State of the Nation Address, I promise you a comfortable life. My administration is working to ensure that basic human services are available to all; food and health needs; water and sanitation; shelter; public safety; education and economic opportunities,” he said.
“But we will always uphold the sanctity of the common good as the highest good. And always for the benefit of the next generation,” he added.
He reiterated the need to stamp out the drug menace to save the coming generations from perdition.