DU30’s first 50 days OK; GDP grows by 7 percent

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte marked his first 50 days in office with modest “achievements,” said Malacañang.

I am doing my best to attain a “drug-free” and “graft-free” Philippines, he assured.

* * * As this developed, the NEDA reported a 7 percent growth in GDP in the second quarter of this year.

And the gains are slowly rolling in…

* * *

Refusing to claim “any great success” yet, the President said he would continue to work for the interest of the nation.

“I would say I’m trying my very best, period. I do not claim any great success, maybe failures here and there. But I would make the assessment na ginagawa ko lahat ’to sa trabaho ko because I’m paid for it,” he said.

* * *

“I got elected and I give to the people what they want. They want a graft-free government, makukuha nila, makukuha ninyo. Drug-free, graft-free,” Duterte assured.

What you want, you’ll get, he vowed.

* * *

Malacañang said the Duterte administration stepped up the campaign against illegal drugs, arresting thousands of drug dependents and pushers, aside from several drugs lords.

Name-and-shame campaign also hit their cohorts and “protectors” in government.

* * * Asked if he was on track in his anticrime drive, the President replied: “I would say, nandito ako because if not, I would not be standing here before you.”

“Change has truly come. Instead of waiting for the usual 100 days before, we are ready to present the milestones that have been achieved under the 50-day-old leadership of President Duterte,” Communication Secretary Martin Andanar said.

“Change is happening every day. It is very clear to all that change is here,” he added.

* * * The first 50 days of President Duterte in office have already been a “golden moment” amid the administration’s early accomplishments in law and order, environment, jobs and economy, among others, the Palace said in a documentary.

* * * “Para sa ating Pangulong si President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, his first 50 days in office is a golden moment dahil wala siyang sinayang na precious days at lahat ng ginawa niya ay regalo sa ating lahat,” Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

The President “walks the talk” as he aims to bring peace, stability, and growth, he added. * * * Malacañang said topping the President’s achievements are the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs, the 10 percent decline in crime, the historic executive order implementing freedom of information in the executive branch, telephone hotlines for emergency and citizens’ complaints, and the offering of Cabinet positions to activists in order to forge peace.

Initial gains with DU30 signature cited.

* * *

The Palace added that several irresponsible mining firms have been suspended, contractual employment and food security are being addressed, the reproductive health law is being pushed, red tape is being cut and a one-stop service for OFWs established.

More accomplishments listed.

* * *

Meanwhile, the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7 percent in the second quarter of 2016, making the country the “fastest or the second fastest” growing economy in Asia.

This signals an upbeat start for the Duterte administration on the back of strong election spending, the Palace said.

* * *

“The 7 percent growth in the second quarter of 2016 is an upbeat start for the current administration,” Socio-economic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said in a briefing, adding that “among the major emerging Asian economies, the Philippines likely remains the fastest or second fastest… The challenge is to make this growth inclusive…”

Yes to socio-economic progress! Yes to a better life for more Pinoys!