By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
President Duterte's top legal counsel said that the public can expect that the Chief Executive will stay true to his promises to bring a comfortable life for all.
Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo (MANILA B
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo made the statement a few days before Duterte reports to the people his achievements and plans during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
Panelo, in a radio interview, said that the public can expect more from the President, especially in infrastructure.
"Marami iyan. Magkakaroon tayo ng construction sa Pilipinas at sila maglalabasan iyang mga airport, bagong mga skyway... Mayroon pa tayong mga train na lalabas (There are plenty more. There will be constructions everywhere in the country that will result to airports, skyways, we even have trains)," Panelo said over Radyo Pilipinas Friday.
"Tinutupad at ginagampanan ng President ang kanyang tungkulin (The President is working to fulfill his promises and do his duty)," he added.
Meanwhile, Panelo also blasted the critics of the President, saying they are only trying to find fault in Duterte's actions.
"Iyong mga nandiyan sa kabila, eh talagang naghahanap lang na mapipintasan si Presidente (Those in the opposition are only trying to find fault)," he said.
"Pero ang katotohanan niyan, lahat ng mga pinangako niya… ginawa na at ginagawa pa (But the truth is, he had already fulfilled some of his promises, and he continues to do so)," he added.
Panelo added that the President is also still working on his top campaign promise to end the illegal drug trade.
"Siya mismo ang nagsabi na hindi ko akalain na ganoon ka grabe ang drug industry sa Pilipinas, kaya hindi talaga magagawa ng isang taon (He, himself, said that he didn't think that the country's drug problem would be this serious)," he said.
The Palace official also said that another campaign promise of the President is set to come true as Duterte is expected to sign the Bangsamoro Organic Law on the day of his SONA.
"I’m sure, kung tapos na iyon pipirmahan niya iyon dahil iyon ang pinangako niya (I'm sure if the bill is ratified already, then he will sign it as that is his promise)," Panelo said.
On Wednesday, the bicameral conference committee approved the final version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), renamed as the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Congress is expected to ratify the measure when they start the third regular session on Monday.
It will then be submitted to the President for his signature before he delivers his nationwide public address that same day.