PUNCHLINE
By FRED M. LOBO
Fred M. Lobo
President Duterte has announced that fighting corruption and illegal drugs and the extension of better social services will be his priorities this New Year 2020.
I will continue to “work hard” this year, the President vowed.
The President and his Cabinet said they see a better year ahead, especially in the economy.
Duterte’s vision 2020: A bright economy for PH.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said President Duterte would continue to serve the public interest by continuing his good programs of government.
“Ridding the government of corruption, maintaining peace and order, intensifying the campaign against illegal drugs, maintaining the upward trajectory of the country’s economic growth, and providing the basic social services such as education and health have always been the core of the President’s plans and priorities,” he added.
“The Chief Executive will continue to work hard for the remainder of his term to uplift more Filipino families out of poverty and hunger, and provide a more comfortable and prosperous life for all,” Panelo added.
Panelo said the President and his Cabinet are determined to implement legislation on healthcare, cheaper power rates, cash subsidies to improve the plight of Filipinos.
“We see to it that the landmark pro-poor pieces of legislation signed during PRRD’s watch will be implemented,” Panelo assured.
Panelo said the priority programs “include the 105-day maternity leave, universal health care, mandatory PhilHealth coverage for persons with disability, Tulong Trabaho Act, Magna Carta for the Poor, Safe Spaces Act, student fare discount, institutionalization of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino, Sagip Saka Act, Murang Kuryente Act, among others.”
Panelo said the administration’s accomplishments in 2019 include economic growth, poverty reduction, and lower crime rate, making 2019 an “exemplary year” for the Philippines.
The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) surged to 6.2 percent in the third quarter of 2019, faster than the 5.6 percent in the first quarter and 5.5 percent in the second quarter., while poverty incidence dropped to 16.6 percent in 2018 from 23.3 percent in 2015, he said.
“PRRD has made the Philippines one of the strongest economies and growth leaders in the region
by changing its business climate that prompted the influx of foreign investments,” Panelo said in the administration’s 2019 report.
Business climate has changed, he claimed.
Panelo also said that the anti-drug campaign has led to the arrest and surrender of thousands of drug offenders while the index crime has “critically sunk” since the President took office.
“In July, 2019, for example, the Department of the Interior and Local Government reported an 11% decrease in crime volume,” he said.
As to the anti-corruption drive, Panelo said there have been no sacred cows in the administration
and that several military and high officials have been fired by the President.
“In 2019, he directed the abolition of the Road Board and the disestablishment of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission as part of this administration’s anti-corruption drive and streamlining of government functions,” he said.
Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia reported economic improvement and that inflation averaged only 2.5 percent in 2019.
Slower than the 5.2 percent inflation in the previous year, he added.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Benjamin E. Diokno added that the Philippines would remain one of the fastest-growing economies in the world this year and “I have high hopes that 2020 will be an even better year.”
“I am confident that the quality of life of Filipinos will further improve this year.”
Economic growth will be faster. Inflation will continue to be subdued and on target, More quality jobs with be created. More Filipinos will be lifted out of poverty,” Diokno said.