Panelo gives Duterte a score of 9 out of 10 for first 3 years

MANILA -- If President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s performance for his first three years in office would be graded, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said he would give the chief executive a nine out of 10 rating.

“In the scale of 10, it should be nine,” Panelo said over a radio interview on Sunday.

According to Panelo, the President had several achievements he previously mentioned, including the signing of measures to improve Filipinos’ lives, the move to an independent foreign policy, and developing Mindanao, among others.

“‘Did you see the list of his achievements, there’s no president who has ever done that,” Panelo said.

Panelo, however, admitted that despite these achievements, there is still so much that needs to be done.

He said that there is a need to improve a number of acts, including those that pertain foreign investments, retail trade, and public service.

He said that there is also a need to monitor the implementation of the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program, support the creation of more rehabilitation centers, and pay closer attention to overseas Filipino workers and out-of-school youth.

“There’s still so much he can do that’s why I say, the best is yet to come despite him having achieved so much already),” Panelo said.

Panelo also pointed out that the President has stayed true to his promise of curbing corruption within government.

“He has been firing left and right Cabinet officials, government officials, prosecuting errant officials,” Panelo said.

“That’s why our citizens can see he is doing everything to destroy the culture of corruption in our country,” he added.

Earlier, Panelo assured that Filipinos can expect “the same number of significant achievements, if not more” before the President steps down in 2022.