No corruption – Duterte; ‘most powerful’ – Forbes
“NO corruption,” President Duterte stressed anew as he fired and hired new Cabinet officials. DU30’s “No corruption” mantra is better heeded by public officials. Or to the freezer they go! ***
has named President Duterte one of the most powerful people in the world in 2018 (ranking 69th out of 75), just few days after he was named as a “strongman” by
DU30 is on a roll though his critics keep shouting: “Don’t be fooled!”
*** The “No corruption” policy was reiterated by President Duterte as he appointed Bernadette Romulo Puyat as the new secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Thou shall not steal, The Punisher stressed to all presidential appointees.
*** “I think you fit the job. I think you are perfect, you’ve been in the DA (Department of Agriculture) for 12 years, you’ve been very honest, no corruption, and I think it’s (suited) for you,” Puyat quoted President Duterte as saying when he offered the DOT job to her.
“No corruption” record rings a bell to DU30’s heart.
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Puyat assured in a statement that she will not disappoint in any way the President who had placed his trust in her as a new member of the Cabinet.
“I’m honored and overwhelmed that he actually thought of me and thought of getting me in this position. I will not disappoint him,” said Puyat in a TV interview.
*** Puyat added she wants to include farm tourism in the DOT agenda and other relevant programs and reforms.
But what struck her most, she said, was the President’s instruction that he doesn’t want any corruption.
*** Lawmakers and other public officials agreed to Puyat’s appointment to replace erstwhile Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo, who resigned over criticisms in connection with the 160million advertisement deal between the DOT and the People’s Television Network, Inc., that allegedly benefitted her brothers’ TV program.
Aside from a master’s degree in economics from the University of the Philippines, Puyat has served in the DA well for 12 years since the Arroyo administration, they noted.
*** “Berna is very intelligent and has a clean record in gov’t. Not to mention the fact that she is (the) daughter of an exemplary public servant, (Sen.) Bert, my contemporary,” Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III wrote on Twitter.
A good testimonial. ***
Senator Grace Poe added, “She is an excellent choice. She has academic and professional credentials.”
“She’s proven herself to be a competent and dedicated public official, and has served in several administrations, in different capacities.
“I’m confident she will raise the bar for our tourism industry, and promote an awareness for our country that is both exciting and positive,” Poe said.
*** Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House Dangerous Drugs Committee, added: “That face will launch a thousand ships [of tourists] to the country.”
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Senators Migs Zubiri, Ralph Recto, Nancy Binay, and Sonny Angara, Kiko Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino also welcomed and described Puyat as “very qualified” for the job.
“We look forward to working with her in developing our tourism industry and sustaining our growing economy,” they added.
***
has named President Duterte one of the most powerful people in the world in 2018, ranking 69th out of 75 influential persons “whose actions mean the most” led by Chinese President Xi Jingping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“This year’s list comes at a time of rapid and profound change, and represents our best guess about who will matter in the year to come,” Forbes said.
*** Forbes took note that “Duterte was elected president of the Philippines in 2016 on the strength of a campaign that promised execution of drug dealers and other criminals.”
“So far his war on crime has already resulted in the killing of thousands of people across the archipelago country,” it said.
*** Forbes also took note that “Duterte’s raw and vulgar vocabulary keeps him in the headlines.”
“He has used homophobic slurs to describe opponents,” it added.
*** Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said: “The presidency, in the mind of PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte), begins and ends with public trust where real power emanates.”
For almost two years now, Duterte has served the people by promoting their interest and the interest of the Philippines first, he added.
*** “The anti-drug war, the pursuit of an independent foreign policy, the pro-poor policies and programs of the Duterte administration, among others, are reflective of the current government’s advancing the welfare of the greatest number of our countrymen,” Roque said.
Yes to the use power for positive change – and truly for the sake of the country and the Filipino people.