Chairmanships for 21 Senate committees approved

Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III presided over the session, while Senate Majority Leader Tito Sotto III moved for the election of the chairpersons of the committees.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A day after the opening of the 17th Congress, the Senate approved on Tuesday the chairmanships committees during a plenary session.

Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III presided over the session, while Senate Majority Leader Tito Sotto III moved for the election of the chairpersons of the committees.

Related: Koko Pimentel elected as Senate President of 17th Congress

Some of the committees — and the chairpersons — related to the Duterte's administration's anti-corruption, anti-criminality and anti-drugs campaign are as follows:

Public Order and Dangerous Drugs - Sen. Panfilo Lacson

Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon) - Sen. Richard Gordon 

Justice and Human Rights - Sen. Leila de Lima

With regard to budget, taxation, charter change, the following committees will play a role:

Finance - Sen. Loren Legarda

Ways and Means - Sen. Sonny Angara

Constitutional Amendments - Sen. Franklin Drilon

Meanwhile, neophyte senator Manny Pacquiao will chair the Public Works committee, while Sen. Risa Hontiveros will take the helm of the Health and Demography committee. The Energy committee will be chaired by another newbie, Sen. Win Gatchalian.

The other committees are as follows:

Rules - Sen. Tito Sotto              

Education - Sen. Bam Aquino         

Tourism - Sen. Nancy Binay         

Public Services - Sen. Grace Poe           

Agriculture - Sen. Francis Pangilinan    

Environment and Natural Resources - Sen. Cynthia Villar    

Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement - Sen. JV Ejercito         

National Defense and Security - Sen. Gringo Honasan        

Labor, Employment and Human Resource Development - Sen. Joel Villanueva    

Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation - Sen. Sonny Trillanes

Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship - Sen. Migz Zubiri

Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development - Sen. Cynthia Villar

Sotto said that under the Senate Rules, the Senate President Pro-Tempore, Majority Leader and Minority Leader are ex-officio members of all standing Senate committees.

He said that the chairpersons for the other Senate committees will be elected on Monday.

Published: Wed, July 27, 2016

http://cnnphilippines.com/

President Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (In his own words)

President Rodrigo Duterte's first State of the Nation Address Session Hall, Batasang Pambansa “Kindly sit down. Thank you. Allow me a little bit of informality at the outset. You would realize that the three guys in the elevated portion of Congress are from Mindanao. So, wala talaga kaming masabi. [applause] Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, members of the Senate, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and the members of the House of Representatives, Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, President Fidel V. Ramos, President Joseph Estrada, President Arroyo, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Serano, and the justices – Sereno rather, I’m sorry – justices of Supreme Court, His Excellency Papal Nuncio and members of the diplomatic corps. We cannot... Well, of course, I have also to greet the Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the members of the Cabinet, fellow workers in government, my countrymen. We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back.  Finger-pointing is not the way. That is why I will not waste precious time dwelling on the sins of the past or blaming those who are perceived to be responsible for the mess that we are in and suffering from. Except maybe extract a lesson or two from its errors we will not tarry because it is the present that we are concerned with and the future that we should be prepared for. Lest I be misunderstood, let me say clearly, that those who betrayed the people’s trust shall go – shall not go unpunished and they will have their day in Court. And if the evidence warrants… [applause] they will have their day of reckoning too. When I decided to seek the presidency of this Republic, I knew what the ills of our country were; I knew their causes; and I was briefed on those who caused the causes. I heard the people on the streets complain that justice had become illusory; that equity and fairness and speedy disposition of cases had deteriorated into hollow concepts fit only for masteral dissertations. It was, and still is, very sad indeed. As a former prosecutor, I know there [are] always ways of knowing how fast or how slow cases go. What I did was to look into the number of postponements and the time difference between each postponement and the next setting.  It was simple as that. I will appreciate deeply if we all in government attend to this urgent need. I was determined then as I am now determined and better positioned, to wage war against those who make a mockery of our laws including those who make life for us all miserable. I wish to assure everyone though that vindictiveness is not in my system just... [applause] Just like you and I, all, equal treatment and equal protection are what I ask for our people. [applause] But we must have the courage to fight for what we believe in, undeterred by the fear of failing or losing. Indeed, courage knows no limits, cowardice does. At… [applause] this point, there are concerns, few I wish to convey to all to the end that as I perorate on facts, figures, plans, programs, and solutions, these concerns will not dissipate or get lost along our way. Thus to our religious bishops, leaders, priests, pastors, preachers, imam, let me assure you that while I am a stickler for the principle of separation between church and state, I believe quite strongly that there should never be a separation between God and State. [applause] During my inauguration last [June] 30 2016, I said that the fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained. I reiterate that commitment today. And that is why I call on the Philippine National Police, the barangay chairmen, the Mayors, and Governors [and] all those occupying seats of power and authority, not to lower their guard. There will be no let-up in this campaign.  Double your efforts; triple them, if need be.  We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier, and the last pusher have surrendered or put behind bars [applause] or below the ground, if they so wish. [applause] To our police officers and other officials, do your job and you will have the unwavering support of the Office of the President. [applause] I will be with you all the way.  Abuse your authority, and there will be a hell to pay, [applause] for you will have become worse than criminality itself. I order the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to hasten the conduct of investigation and adjudication of administrative cases against police officers involved in criminal activity and illegal activities and prescribe policies on lifestyle checks for PNP members. In this quest, I will put at stake my honor, my life, and the presidency itself. [applause] The DILG is also directed to strictly monitor how LGUs perform their supervision functions over the police and those found not performing will be sanctioned including the loss of police deputation from the NAPOLCOM. Let me repeat my warning to all – I repeat my repeat, my repeat to all [laughter] – Do not do drugs [applause] because you will be the solution to the drug crisis that has engulfed – malawak – the nation. We will create an Inter-Agency Committee on Illegal Drugs that will integrate efforts and strengthen the partnership of all stakeholders. The reservists will be mobilized for information campaign against drug use and the dissemination of information regarding drug rehabilitation program being offered by the government. Let us also strengthen our ROTC Program to instill love of country [applause] and good citizenship. We will also prioritize the rehabilitation of drug users.  We will increase the number of residential treatment and rehabilitation facilities in all regions of the country. [applause] The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will facilitate the preparation for the use of military camps and facilities for drug rehabilitation. [applause] There can never be real, tangible and felt development without making our people feel secure and it is our duty to uplift the people’s welfare. With this, my administration shall be sensitive to the State’s obligation to promote, and protect, fulfill the human rights of our citizens, especially the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable and social justice will be pursued, even as the rule of law shall at all times prevail. My administration shall implement a human approach to development and governance, as we improve our people’s welfare in the areas of health, education, adequate food and housing, environmental preservation, and respect for culture. Human rights must work to uplift human dignity. [applause] But human rights cannot be used as a shield or an excuse to destroy the country [applause] — your country and my country. Meantime, since our country continues to be confronted with internal security threats aggravated by the existence and activities of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, the full force of the AFP will apply, will be applied to crush these criminals who operate under the guise of religious fervor. The AFP shall enhance its capability to search and engage these rogue and lawless elements. We have to strengthen our coordination with Indonesia and Malaysia to suppress the kidnapping in the waters of our neighboring countries. We will strengthen our counter-terrorism programs by amending various laws on human terrorism, terrorism financing and cybercrime. This is our answer to the challenges of the global developments on the non-traditional threats, transnational crimes and fanatical terrorism. Addressing global warming shall all be our top priority, but upon a fair and equitable equation. [applause] It must not stymie our industrialization. We also endeavor to develop and corporate partnerships with nations sharing common interests and concerns with the Philippines; maintain and sustain bilateral and multilateral consultations and dialogues. We will continue to expand operation on human assistance, disaster response, maritime security and counter terrorism. We shall deepen security dialogues with other nations to build greater understanding and cooperation. With regard to the West Philippine Sea, otherwise known as [South] China Sea, we strongly affirm and respect the outcome of the case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration as an important contribution to the ongoing efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of our disputes. [applause] On the aspect of our peace processes relating to our engagement with the international community, ah, the Philippines shall remain committed to work under international and with international partners achieving lasting peace and progress in the country. We will vigorously address the grievances that have been time and again expressed, not only by the Bangsamoro, indigenous peoples and other groups for security, development, fair access to decision-making and acceptance of identities. Enduring peace can only be attained only if we meet these fundamental needs of every man, woman and child. [applause] To our Muslim brothers, the Moro country, and the members of the CPP/NPA/NDF, let me say this: All of us want peace, not the peace of the dead, but the peace of the living. [applause] We express our willingness and readiness to go to the negotiating table, and yet we load our guns, fix our sights, pull the trigger. It is both ironic and tragic and it is endless.  While we extol the bravery and heroism of our soldiers – kayo, the rebels – do the same for the members and fighters.  What I see instead are the widows and the orphans, and I feel their pain and grief.  And no amount of cash assistance or the number of medals can compensate the loss of a human life. [applause] Sorrow cuts across every stratum of society. It cuts deeply and the pain lasts forever. That is why, I reach out to you, to all of you today. To our Muslim brothers, let us end the centuries of mistrust and warfare. To the CPP/NPA/NDF, let us end these decades of ambuscades and skirmishes. We are going nowhere. And it is getting bloodier by the day. To immediately stop violence on the ground, restore peace in the communities and provide enabling environment conducive to the resumption of the peace talks, I am now announcing a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP/NPA/NDF [applause] effective immediately, and call on our Filipinos in the democratic, National Democratic Front, and its forces to respond accordingly. Let me make this appeal to you: ‘If we cannot, as yet, love one another, then in God’s name, let us not hate each other too much,’ so it was said. [applause] I say the same to you today. We will strive to have a permanent and lasting peace before my term ends. That is my goal; that is my dream. [applause] On the macroeconomic management, my administration will continue and maintain current macroeconomic policies, and even do better. We will achieve this through prudent fiscal and monetary policies that can help translate high growth into more and better job creation and poverty reduction. By the end of my term, I hope – I hope and pray – to hand over an economy that is much stronger, characterized by solid growth, low and stable inflation, dollar reserves, and robust fiscal position. On taxation, my administration will pursue tax reforms towards a simpler, and more equitable, and more efficient tax system that can foster investment and job creation. We will lower personal and corporate income tax rates [applause] and relax the bank secrecy laws. [applause] Eh na-Presidente ako eh. Ayaw ko sana makialam dito sa mga ‘to. Alam mo na. Well, anyway. May I continue. At the household level, there must be sufficient income for all Filipinos to meet the basic food and non-food needs for their families. We shall continue [to] attract investments that will generate thousands of jobs each year — jobs that are suitable for the poor and less skilled members of the workforce. Reforms to ensure competitiveness and promote ease of doing business will be mandatory. [applause] [Reacting] to these needs, the restrictions on the economy will be needed to make more investments to come and to develop labor-intensive industries such as manufacturing, agriculture and tourism shall be pursued. We must also invest in human capital and ensure equal access to economic opportunities. The implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law must be put into full force and effect [applause] so that couples, especially the poor, will have freedom of informed choice on the number and spacing of children [applause] they can adequately care and provide for, eventually making them more productive members of the labor force. When employment is not an option, for instance in extremely rural neighborhoods, entrepreneurship will be advocated. We shall also enhance local business environment by addressing bottlenecks in business registration and processing, in streamlining investment applications and process and integration [of] the services of various government offices. Government Financing Institutions (GFIs) shall come up with out-of-the box financing packages to capacitate our small and medium entrepreneurs. In the field of tourism, we shall construct more access roads and tourism gateways to service centers and tourist sites. Road development projects shall complement with our thrust to provide modern agriculture, infrastructural, expanding and improving the construction and rehabilitation of roads and the irrigation, and establishing modern harvest and post-harvest facilities to minimize losses. We shall also conduct a nationwide soil analysis to determine areas most suitable for rice farming to optimize production with the use of effective soil rehabilitation and fertilization. We shall strictly enforce fisheries laws, particularly on illegal fishing and promote aquaculture along river banks and in backyards. On the other hand, we will accelerate infrastructure spending [by] improving national roads and bridges and implementing the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network [applause] and other road network master plans. We shall pursue inter-island linkage projects. We shall be implementing structural mitigation [measures to] address of the perennial flooding in Metro Manila and neighboring areas. [applause] We shall put up new pumping station in strategic places. The revival of the operation of the Pasig River Ferry Service System is a viable option for the severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila. This serves as an alternative mode of transportation for passengers particularly those coming from the east side of Metro to reach specific destinations within the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Taguig, Marikina and Quezon City. Our anti-colorum campaign and out-of-line apprehension including the removal of terminals will be intensified and, my God, it will be done. [applause] Immediately, immediately. To address lack of road infrastructure in Metro Manila, usage of existing roads will be maximized. Thus, there is a need to cooperate and coordinate with LGUs to map out secondary routes and to consult various stakeholders, including the public transport operators. Many in government opine realistically, and I would have to agree, that the worsening traffic situation could be logically addressed, if Congress would also accord emergency powers to the agencies concerned. [applause] Ayaw mo? Okay lang rin. Para makita namin kung gusto ninyong madalian. Alam naman talaga ninyo sagad na lahat, sagad na. Nasa inyo ‘yan. If you give it, fine. If you don’t, we take the longer route, slowly. And tanggapin ko ‘yung pag-mumura ninyo. ‘Wag lang sa malapit. [laughter] Eh ganun talaga eh. You’ve done it. It's an urgent and immediate situation, solution. Gusto ninyo madali lang, okay. Kapag ayaw naman ninyo, because baka sabihin niyo graft and corruption eh ‘di okay. But I assure you – wala ito sa script – I assure you, this will be a clean government. [applause] If that is the only worry that you have and I can understand your misgiving. Wala na ito sa... ang haba. [laughter] Wala na ito sa script. You know, ako maka-garantiya, 101 percent it will be clean. The problem is I can only act through agencies and departments. That’s why I urge you na maski konting mali lang, wala akong ano sa inyo, wala na akong politika, wala na. I’m through after this. I just pass on to you the information that, you know… I act through secretaries and... I cannot guarantee their honesty and competence at all times. Cabinet members, yes. Pero yung sa baba – yung procurement, yung magbi-bidding diyan. But as far as I can really – malinis talaga ‘to. At napag-usapan namin sa likod about the federal system. You know my advice to you is maintain a federal system, a parliament, but be sure to have a president. ‘Wag… Hindi na ako niyan. [applause] I’m disqualified and by that time I would longer be here. But, I can commit today to the Republic of the Philippines and its people: If you hurry up the federal system of government and you can submit it to the Filipino people by the fourth, fifth year, kasi proseso ‘yan e. You call for a referendum and after that call for a presidential election, I will go. Sibat na ako. But you must have a president. You copy the France system. Huwag mo hayaan yung puro na parliament, delikado iyon. It takes time even for the… Iyong kagaya ng England noon. There was this bomb, double deck. It took them time really. There’s no one apparatus for a commander-in-chief down. You can have a president you can elect. Maybe Tito Sotto would be the lucky guy at that time. O, ‘di, limitahan mo lang. Ceremonial powers. Power to dissolve, power to accept the resolution or whatever, mandating you this, do that, or ceremonial powers except yung in times of need, if there’s a demand for action. You must have a president. Wala na ako niyan. I said if you can give me that document, I will urge you to conduct a – to order – to yeah, order, call for an election the following day, following week. And even if there is still two years, three years I will go. Okay na ako. Do not worry about me. I don't aim to that much ambition. Eh nanalo ka eh. Hindi ko nga alam bakit nandito ako ngayon. Noon nandoon lang ako o. [applause] Totoo man. Sino man nagsuporta sa inyo sa akin dito? Wala man? [laughter] Not a single congressman. Except for two provinces, governor. ‘Yun lang. Wala akong barangay captain. Wala akong… wala lahat. Pero ngayon [laughter] Processing time in issuing permits and licenses shall be reduced to the barest minimum, in my city, it is always three days for local governments. That will bind the Office of the President down to the last barangay elect. Three days. Three days. [applause] Local government. Business permit, clearances, no follow-ups. Bigyan mo ng stub. Be back next week, tingnan mo yung work load and I will require every department, yung dito sa itaas. They must have a log book. Huwag sa computer. Kasi itong ganito na, nae-erase yan. Lagyan mo date, time, ‘I accept the documents of Rodrigo Duterte.’ Then you go to your computer. You must have an actuarial projections there. Look at the work load. Napaka-bobo mo naman. Tingnan mo, ‘Ilan ang workload ninyo?’ Pagkatapos, 'O bumalik ka dito, August 3, 3 o'clock.' Iyan 3 o'clock, ibigay mo, ibigay mo. Ngayon, I will be establishing 8888, only for, dedicated to corruption. [applause] Kapag may marinig ako sa Executive Department, even a whisper, even a whisper, hiwalay-hiwalay na tayo. Marami diyan, diyan sa gallery marami diyan walang trabaho, nag-aaply hanggang ngayon. [laughter] Hindi naman lahat kasi mayayaman yan eh. Mga asawa ninyo ata ‘yan. While the issuance and distribution of motor vehicle plates at point of sale, or through motor vehicle dealers shall be considered. Huwag na sa LTO kasi hanggang ngayon, panahon pa ni Hesukristo yung first plate nila, hanggang ngayon wala pa. [laughter] Bayad na yon. Until now, sa awa ng Diyos. For the driver licenses, its effectiveness will be extended from the current three-year period to five years. [applause] To reduce queuing time at ticketing stations, tickets sa mga train will be made readily available and easily accessible to the riding public kung bilhin mo ‘yan sa malls, stalls and stores. Eh ipinagbibili mo yung mga sa… e 'di diyan mo na ibigay at credited. Huwag doon banda sa Recto kasi sigurado pekein ‘yan, ****. [laughter] May I address again to the Filipino: Ako po’y nagdo-doble ang pagod para sa inyo, para sa kapakanan ng bayan. Seryoso po ako. Kaya yung mga ganun, ticket-ticket at magkaroon ng gulo, huwag ho ninyong gawain yan. Ito na yung warning ko, yon na ang last, wala nang iba, hindi ko na gagawin: Huwag ninyong sirain yung mga bagay-bagay na ginagawa namin para sa kapakanan ng tao. Mabuti ang magka-intindihan tayo. [applause] Mamaya yung kayo, kaibigan ko, tangad, tangad, tangad [laughter] Kaya huwag na ninyong gawin. Simple lang ‘yan e. Para walang away sa gobyerno, yung mga bagay na illegal at masama at hindi tama, huwag mong gawin, at hindi kami mag-aaway dito. [applause] Pati yung pari ha, pati si Pope tinamaan. Let us be clear with each other. I am for the comfort and the welfare of the Filipino. Kayo namang hindi pa bungog diyan, hindi pa pumasok yang mga droga, eh kung ayaw ninyong mamatay, ayaw ninyong masaktan, huwag kayong umasa diyan sa mga pari pati Human Rights, hindi nakakapigil yan ng kamatayan. So huwag ninyong gawin. Eh tapos nandiyan ka nakabulagta and you are portrayed in a broadsheet na parang Mother Mary cradling the dead cadaver of Jesus Christ. Eh yan yang mga yan magda-dramahan tayo dito. Dito ako nakatingin kasi nandito ang public eh. Alam mo, ilang beses ko na sinasabi, sa Davao, ‘Wag mong gawin kasi magkaka-problema tayo.' He who is the cause of the cause is the cause of them all. [applause]. Ikaw yung nag umpisa, you swallow… Ulitin ko ha: He who is the cause of the cause is the cause of them all. Kami nagta-trabaho lang. We have a nation to guard. We have millions of people to see that they are healthy. It’s a question of drug, it’s a question of public interest, public order. Kita mo, lesser crime. Wala na kasing magnanakaw, wala nang naghoholdap. Kasi para… Bakit tapos sabi nila eh, 'maliliit lang ‘yan'. Gamitin mo utak mo. If you are able to contaminate, kagaya ng negosyo ng mga Chinese, wholesale yan sila. Maski konti-konti kung the whole of Tondo contaminated, pera ‘yan. I am not saying it's the Chinese. Practice of nitong wholesale, retail. They go for wholesale. Maski na kumita lang ng isang piso diyan sa isang... Okay na yan. Kasi paramihan eh. Iyan ang ibig kong sabihin. Now, let... I hope the military and the police will not react on this. It is part of the deep intelligence that we have gathered. I am forced to come in public, kasi pati yung mga pari nag-aano…Alam mo kayong mga media, naghahanap kayo ng, ‘Where’s the big fish? Saan yung bilyonaryo na mayaman, yung may kotse, yung may mga Mercedez na yan?’ Ma’am, nandoon yan sila sa labas, wala dito. Magdala ka ng isang batalyon na pulis para hulihin natin doon. Kung kaya natin. They direct the traffic of drugs sa kanila. Meron silang ganito, malaki. Real time. Nakikinig sila ngayon dito. I am very, 101 percent, nakikinig yan. Nandoon. Doon lang. Izo-zoom in nila sa Tondo. ‘O, itapon mo diyan. Tapos umalis ka, kunin mo doon sa tindahan yung bag o package.’ Nasaan yung mga nakikita ng media na... Kayo lang ang naba-brand niyan na ‘drug lord’ eh. Those are not the drug lords. Mga lieutenant, delivery boy yan. Kumbaga LBC lang yan pati DHL pwede rin. Pati yung tawag nilang ‘basura’, yun yung street ano. Huwag kayong maghahanap. Gusto niyo, sabihin niyo, puntahan natin, I’ll give you the names. I’ll show you the intelligence paper pero give me the guarantee na may magawain ka. Because I’ll give you the name, I’ll give you the country. Kung wala ka ring magagawa, mag-shut up ka. [laughter] Kaya hindi lang kami nag... But do not get too personal about our work here. I am saying that ay, dito... Balik na tayo kasi yung hindi nakakaintindi ng Tagalog ano na yung ano nila, ang tagal naman nito... Passenger capacity congestion shall be addressed by increasing the number of running trains from the current 16 trains [applause] with a total of 48 cars per hour, to 20 trains with a total of 60 cars per hour. You increase the train speed from 40 [kph] to 60 [kph]. Ang problema nito, yung mga railway na ito – Hindi na ito kasali diyan. Huwag kayong maniwala dito – Two-thirds of these are mine, the other third is yung… correct yung grammar ko, ayaw lang nila. Sixty kilometers per hour. Problema nito, and you must agree with me, that the rails are quite aged. Most of the rails maybe, doon pa yan sa panahon ni Marcos, Imelda. Nandyan pa. Ngayon, sabi ni Tugade, pagbigay sa akin sabi ko '40 to 60 kilometers per hour.' Sabi ko, ‘Art, sigurado ka maka-hold ang rail niyan? Baka maputol ‘yan mag diretso ang train sa Cavite.' [laughter] Diretso ng Cavite, mulipad doon kay Tolentino. [laughter] 'O bakit may train dito sa Tagaytay?' It’s quite fast, quite fast. Sixty kilometers per hour and you are pulling something that’s heavy. When it really moves – mawala ng ano – it moves with a speed at a heavy thing at a great speed, ang hirap mong... Sumasadsad kasi mabigat eh and reduce headway time from five minutes to three minutes. Mahina lang tayo...Ang plano ni Tugade, mahina lang tayo ng one minute sa Hong Kong. Two minutes, sa kanila three minutes eh. Art, ambisyoso ka ah. Kaya mo kaya ito? Specifically for the LRT, the operating hours shall be extended from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m., so marami pang mga bata ang uuwi niyan. [applause] And to absorb more passengers, delays in the procurement of additional trains shall be addressed soonest. Now, iyan ang sinasabi ko, if you want the long way, fine. Wala akong problema. Sabihin ninyo na doon ang… we go the normal way if we are able to make purchases. E ang maganda nito, I have signed the Executive Order sa aming FOI. Naunahan ko kayo. Iyong inyo... Nandoon na ang sa akin [applause]. Oo, tapos na ako. Ilabas ko na, it will be out today. Alam mo sabi ko, unahan na natin itong Congress, puro mayayabang ang mga nandiyan. We grab the… each other...They say, ‘stealing one’s thunder,’ ika nga. Unahan na natin. So, we shall also pursue rail projects in Metro Manila and the major key-points in the country including the Mindanao Rail Project [applause]. Hindi ako nagyayabang pero totoo talaga ‘to. Well, depende sa federal. But six years, lalabas talaga ito. I assure you because it’s going to materialize: Rail projects, the Davao Transit System, the Cebu Transit System, the North and South Luzon Railways and the Panay Railways project. Kita mo? Panay. Eh taga saan si ano? Eh 'di Panay. Panay ang bigay natin para… [laughter and applause] Sabihin naman ni Senator Drilon, 'Binack-bite ka dito. Lalagyan daw nung ano, yung island mo ng train. May tawa pa.' Binaback-bite ka dito. Mag-sumbong man 'yan. Tingnan mo 'yan. Different approaches are also being considered to decongest NAIA including the possible transfer of general aviation. Ito ang...I will... Hindi... Ang style ko kasi ganito...Hindi naman ako... I am not sticking to formalities. Itong trans — general aviation, alam mo kung sino ang tinatamaan niyan? Kayong mayayaman. Kayong may mga helicopter pati eroplano, ilipat ko kayo. [laughter and applause] Alam mo yung general aviation niyo, mga Learjets, mga 'yung mga sa mga ano, kumpanya, ilagay ko kayo sa Batanes para wala masyadong air traffic [laughter and applause]. No, I’m offering Sangley Point. [applause] Kasi kahihiyan ko ang isang runway. I can make a new runway there, sabi ng mga aviation experts but tumbok niyan is the Merville Subdivision. Maka isa pa akong runway dito sa Metro Manila. But if not them, it’s going to be Clark but on a condition that we will have a fast rail. Sabi ko kay Art, it will be something like 30. One hour of travel, sabi ko kay Tugade, is not acceptable. Make a rail there bago, marami nang... [inaudible] is the bullet train. Ilagay mo yan sa Filipino na driver, sutoy talaga kayo doon, maglampas kayo. [laughter] The Clark Airport can be utilized to shift some operations of our domestic and international airlines. Moreover, a one-stop shop will be established within the civil aviation complex for the benefit of the overseas Filipinos. [applause] Ito mangyari na ’to: To utilize the Clark Airport, it is necessary to establish... Yung mga, well, you have a rail to connect. Tapos na yan. Itaas mo na kay na i-Tagalog ko na. In the area of environment, the military is directed to intensify its support – Makinig kayo, sige tawa diyan – its support role against illegal logging, illegal mining, nandyan pa naman si Gina Lopez, and other destructive practices that aggravate the devastation of our natural resources. [applause] I have to protect the country. Many are complaining against the appointment of Gina Lopez. But si Gina pati ako, we share the same paradigm: The interest of the country must come first. But hindi ko naman sinasabi, there’s a law allowing mining. Gina Lopez and I are just telling you: Follow government standards. Do not destroy the environment. Follow it to a tee. [applause] Wala tayong problema. Just pay the correct taxes, follow the standards. Gina Lopez is just doing her job. You know, she’s a really a crusader, ‘yan ang, that is how I describe her persona: Crusader. Kaya sabi ko tama yan. Bakit? Nandiyan ba si Ma’am? Si Gina Lopez? Secretary Lopez, nandiyan? (DENR Secretary Lopez stands up and waves). Ganito yan, pumunta siya sa Davao. Gabi na mga 1 o’clock because on the early days of my – when I won – but I was not, pero hindi pa ako nag-oath, marami nang nagpuntahan. Felicitations, congratulations. Eh si ma’am pumunta twice. Every time, she shows me the degradation of [inaudible]. Tapos dalawang oras naman mukhang hindi na matapos. Sabi ko, 'Ma’am' [laughter]. Ma'am, do not be offended ha, totoo man. Huwag ka magalit kay – it’s the truth. So mag-a-alas tres na, [inaudible] tapos extemporaneous siya, para ring congressman. Sabi ko, "Ma’am, mag-a-alas quarto na." "Ma’am, ano kaya kung ikaw na lang ang DENR?" [applause and laughter] Bigla din siya nagsagot, “Totoo ka?” [laughter] [inaudible] “Uh.” Hindi yung "oo," “Uh.” [laughter]… Sabi niya, "I will ask the, you know, I will consult my family and ask my... ayaw nila." Following day, tawag siya kay, my aide, kay Bong. Sabi niya, “Bong, okay na, tinanggap na. Sabi ng pamilya ko, okay na.” Sabi ko, “Hay, bantay kayong lahat.” [laughter] But you know, I would not be appointing somebody who is alien to my thinking. I would take in somebody who shares my horizons in life, especially ‘yung degradation ng… Tama yan. She is a crusader and she will continue. Dito naman talaga is...The DENR is likewise directed to review all permits granted to the mining, logging and other environmental sensitive activities to ensure compliance with government standards and if warranted, ito na yung pinakamaganda: amend, suspend or revoke permits. Go ahead. [applause] I’d like to thank God that I had this opportunity really, I never, wala namang ano, I never thought umabot ako dito. I’ve always... That...Sa isip ko mahirap itong ano. Itong Laguna Lake, naubos ang mga... Wala na ang fishermen. Iyon na lang the difference with one big fish pen to the other, ‘yon na lang ang sa mga tao. Makita mo sa plane every time I go to Davao, I pass by that lake there. Every time nakita ko, talagang wala ng ano. And the fishermen are complaining about their loss. Talagang wala na sila kasi ang maliit na lugar, iyon lang ang kanila. So dito pinaraan ko lang in diplomatic way that the Laguna Lake shall be transformed into a vibrant economic zone showcasing ecotourism by addressing the negative impact of the watershed destruction, land conversion and pollution. Ito ang nilagay ko. This is what I am telling you. The poor fishermen will have priority in its entitlements. [applause] Order to Gina is: Ayusin mo, Ma’am. Huwag mo namang ipitin but they have to reduce the areas of occupation. They cannot have their cake and eat it too. Sila na yung may pera, sila na yung – this must stop. So nung nagtanong siya, 'Sino ang may-ari niyan?' Simple lang: general, mga mayor, governor, baka congressman – this is not personal. This is something that I feel that I must do because it is the right thing to do. [applause] To have adequate disposal facilities for the Metro Manila Garbage, the final closure and rehabilitation of the Carmona Sanitary Landfill shall be pursued while the adoption of appropriate waste-to-energy facilities will be explored. Marami niyan. The technology is coming very fast. In the area of governance, there is a need to strengthen our efforts along this line. Itaas mo na. Itaas yang paragraph na yan. Ito... Select the best answer... Ang taas na. Huh? Mabubuang ka. To better manage public information, a law should be passed – I’m addressing to Congress – to create the People’s Broadcasting Corporation, replacing PTV-4, [applause] the government-run TV station, which now aims to replicate international government broadcasting networks. Teams from these international news agencies – I’d like to mention those interested BBC – are set to visit the country soon to train people from government-run channels to observe. Ito ang gusto ko – tutal pera naman ng tao – to observe editorial independence through innovative programs [applause] and intelligent treatment and analysis of reports, as well as developments of national and international significance. The government’s Bureau of Broadcast Services, better known as the Radyo ng Bayan, shall undergo upgrading to make it financially viable and dependable for accurate and independent, and enlightening news and commentary. Radyo ng Bayan will be integrated with the PBC. As we are presently setting up a Presidential Communications Satellite Office in Davao City, PBC will also put up broadcast hubs in the Visayas and Mindanao. [applause] Davao City will also be the first site of the first Muslim channel [applause] to be called Salaam Television, and the first Lumad channel. [applause] The PCO shall coordinate with the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Presidential Legal Counsel in implementing the recently approved EO on the Freedom of Information. There’s the Executive Order, it's out. As an example on the part of the Executive Branch to make transparency and integrity as yardsticks in government performance, savings and expenses while engaging the public to be vigilant and participate in government programs and projects. The PCO, in coordination with the Office of the Executive Secretary, is drafting the Administrative Order on the Task Force, on the Presidential Task Force on media killings. This government does not condone violence and repression of media. [applause] The bona fide media... Bona fide media... Sometimes they pronounce it "bonafid". But whatever that thing is, the bona fide media has always been our partner for change. [applause] Medyo klaro yan. Anong gawin mo sa hindi bona fide media? Iyan ang problema. To address backlogs and low prosecutorial effectiveness and efficiency, the investigation and case management processes shall be streamlined including those for illegal drugs and heinous crimes. To eradicate the prevalent cultures of fear and silence that have hounded our justice system, I asked Congress, you, to enact the Whistleblower Protection Law while the present Witness Protection Program shall be strengthened. [applause] Hirap maging Presidente. Maski dito lang. [laughter] The number of lawyers and support staff in the PAO, that is the Public Assistance Office, regional and districts shall be increased to provide indigents with more access to counsels. [applause] At this stage, I also have directed the DILG to undertake nationwide information and campaign on federalism in partnerships with various alliances and with LGUs, civil society, grassroots and faith-based organizations. [applause] Hinto muna ako dito ha, itong federalism. Ewan ko kung tama ako. Alam mo, itong bayan natin, if I may just repeat. I know that you know, on 1521, Magellan landed in Leyte. [laughter] Kumare ko man ito. Salamat, mare ha. [laughter] Mindanao was already Islam by 100 years. So, ano ito, it’s an imperialism thing. There’s a historical injustice committed against the Moro people. We have to correct it. But it is well possible now. Kaya kayong mga kapatid kong mga Moro, alam naman ninyo. Ako, I’m mixed. Migrant ang tatay ko noon. So, mixed-blood ako. Moro pati Christian. But, you know, intindihin na lang natin ito, that we can return to you all. Iyong nakuha ng mga Amerikano, Español, pati yung mga Pilipino, mga kapitalista, those who exploited Mindanao with that thing sloganeering, go to Mindanao because it is a land of promise. With the vast entry of so many people, basically coming from the Visayas, magkaroon tayo ng… We cannot solve it the way you want it to be. We have to understand each other then you have to live with each other, but we will try. Ang sinasabi ko nang babalik ako, dahil ako sa federalism, both Misuari, Sema and all, at least the politiko leaders ng Mindanao, will agree to it. We do not...Remember that ako ‘yung… Hindi ko dinidikdik yung masyadong Abu Sayyaf because it is really connected with the first talks between Misuari, the President, subsequently President Marcos and now, until now, until now. The only way they said that we can have this. Iyong BBL, ibigay na natin, minus the things that you do not want. [applause] Iyong mga Constitutional issues. Tanggalin muna natin. Ibigay ko yung area. Nandiyan na yan eh. So I ask you pass it minus the Constitutional issues that are contentious. [applause] Bigay na natin at when the federal system comes, isali mo na sa package, together with Misuari. That is the solution for Mindanao. Nothing else. Believe me. Nothing else will do. Please sleep on it, ponder on it, because that’s the only way to proceed. On the clamor of our citizens for timely issuance of Philippine passports, the government shall work towards amendment of the 1996 Passport Law to lengthen the validity of the passports from the current five years to 10 years. [applause] Tutal kayo naman ang maggagawa ng batas. You are the ones who will pass the law, even if you make it good for 30 years, okay ako. Bahala kayo. [laughter] Basta, stretch a little bit because five years is just really simply on a regular basis. Matagal pa naman itong passport. Mag-apply ako, ten days. Alam mo, I’d like to call the attention of Secretary Yasay. If you go to Davao, look back doon sa… Look at the back, likod ng nitong mall, yung malaking mall doon. O sige, pangalanan na natin, SM. Doon, yung mga tao nandiyan sa pavement natutulog. For the many times nadaan ako na walang ulan, doon lang sila because first come, first served. And the only outlet there, the outlet of your department is yung sa SM. So yung mga, maawa ako. Dito sa side sa Cotabato, lahat ng Cotabato, doon sa Davao. Karamihan yan, walang mga bahay. If you’re an applicant in Davao City, fine. But you know, kung walang, mahirap kasi. Karamihan diyan, mga Moro ano. Naghihiga lang diyan sa pavement. Nasasaktan talaga ako. Masakit eh. Buong gabi mo hintayin hanggang mag-bukas yang SM kasi first come, first served. Kaya sabi ko… But that is...I am addressing to all of the Cabinet members: Make use of the computer. I do not want to see people lining up under the heat of the sun. I do not want people lining up under the rain. [applause] [inaudible] And I want itong labor... Wala na ito sa script. Iyong prompter natutulog na siguro ‘to, papindot-pindot diyan. [laughter] Alam mo, nandiyan naman yan. Sabi ko what I want is a journal. When the applicant presents the documents, give them a shopping list. Do not add or get anything away from it. Iyon lang yon, final. And when he complies with that, that is good. Huwag mo na siyang pabalikin. [applause] Kasi kung mag-tawag yan ng 8888, my God, puntahan ko talaga kayo. Iyan ang bisyo ko noong mayor ako. It will not make a difference, mayor o presidente. Puntahan talaga kita at hiyain kita sa maraming tao. And I would publicly ask you: ‘What the hell happened to the procedure?’ Pupuntahan ko talaga kayo. Local, barangay, pulis, military, lahat. Bigyan mo ng shopping list, ‘wag mo ng pabalikin. Because pag mag-tawag ng 8888 yan, tapos makita ko na the grievance is valid, bahala ka. Anong walang panahon? Pupuntahan kita sa opisina mo. [inaudible] Bakit? Bigyan mo ng stub. You have to employ actuarial ability, that’s easy. Para pag-tanggap ng tao – I’m addressing myself, under me – journal. Papirmahin mo siya. Lagyan mo doon, tingnan mo sa computer. Mag-connect ka doon sa actuarial. Hindi mo kailangan ng bobo diyan e. Matatapos siguro yan mga next month tapusin ko. Projections lang naman. 'O, balik ka dito August 15, 3 o’clock.' Pagdating, bigay mo. Now, if he goes to Malacañan, I’ll open it up. For those who have valid reasons to complain about graft and corruption, the gates of Malacañan will be open. Doon ka. [applause] Mag-sumbong ka. At I will be briefed by my military or aide or yung si ano, itong nagbigay ng tubig. 'Sir, dito marami ka.' I have the reason why I do not go out, I do not accept invitations. Hindi ako tumatanggap because every time I travel around Manila, it causes a huge congestion. Kasi pag itong pag-uwi ko, [inaudible] by also projection. Paglabas ni presidente, ano yan, picture taking ganon. And they start to block the--- yung roads, access to the... Ganon iyan. Everytime a president [inaudible], ganon iyan. So, paparahin nila iyan, sasabihin nila, dadaan iyan by this time. And in the meantime, sarado yan. Paglabas ko, akala mo Biyernes Santo. Walang sasakyan diyan. Ikaw pala exponentially, ang traffic, the tail end of the traffic is somewhere [inaudible] and it would take about two to three hours to normalize. Kaya hindi ako tumatanggap ng... And I hate to travel. Kasi talagang lilinisin eh. Ito namang… Kasi ang taas kasi ng entourage ng Presidente. Dulo sa dulo may ambulansya. Hindi lang entourage, parang [inaudible] Sabi ko: Dalawa, tatlo, tama na, sa gitna lang ako. Pero ang totoo, mag-taxi lang ako dito sa likod. Sunod lang ako. [laughter and applause] Eh takot man sila na… Ano naman ang makuha ko kung patayin mo ako? What for... May ambulansya doon. Dagdagan mo na ng punerarya. [laughter] I have also ordered the DFA to streamline documentary requirements and passport applications and open additional Consular Offices in strategic places to decongest Metro Manila sites [applause] and avoid queues that have caused hardships and suffering to passport applicants. I have also directed the newly-created DICT, Information and Communication Technology, to develop a National Broadband Plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed. [applause] Ito para ito sa… Alam ko, mahal kong mga kababayan, maligayahan kayo nito. Ipag-paano mo lang yung Tagalog ko kasi... Eh kayo hindi kayo marunong mag-Bisaya eh 'di... [laughter] Wi-Fi access shall be provided at no charge in selected public places [applause] including parks, plazas, public libraries, schools, government hospitals, train stations, airports and seaports. O ‘di ba? [applause] Happy lahat. All government agencies are instructed to enable their clients to submit applications for coordination to other agencies combined. [Itaas mo, wala na yan. Ayaw ko nang mag-salita.] The national portal, yes, because it’s our parang website. Ito: We shall intensify — mainit talaga ako dito — I place it in parity with drugs. We shall intensify our war against human traffickers and illegal recruiters that prey on our migrants. [applause] To help ensure that the hard-earned money of the Filipinos overseas are put into productive use, a mandatory financial education for all migrants and their communities will be pursued with [incentives to] encourage entrepreneurship among them. I may now also ask on Congress to consider drawing up bills consolidating and merging agencies and offices having to do the overseas Filipino to have a department that shall focus on and quickly respond to their problems and concerns. Kailangan mo ng isa. [applause] And I have asked… I don’t know if Secretary Bello is here, Bebot. Wala? Absinero talaga ‘yan. [laughter] Maski sa Cabinet absinero yan. Gusto ko, he will rent or we’ll lease some buildings here for overseas only. At lagyan ko ng… and they will direct all BIR, lahat na. BIR, lahat ng something to do with the clearances of the police, in one building, may booth lang. I said: My God! Make use of the computer. So doon lang siya mag-ikot sa isang building. Ang Pilipino, hindi na siya mag-punta doon sa Statistics. Hindi na siya punta doon sa ano, diyan, diyan sa opisina. Gamitin ninyo ang computer and you can get the results right after. Why do we have... Has to travel to Malate, then he will just stuck in the traffic. He can only accomplish one document at one time. NBI clearance is doon na ninyo ibigay. Lahat na doon na. At kung dapat, may-awa si Bello, pakainin niyo yung mga tao doon. Lalo na sa probinsya. Pagtingin ninyo taga-probinsya, finish it right away. Make use of the computer. O kapag hindi niyo ginamit yan, tapon na lang ninyo. Throw away your computers and I will understand that. It would take you years to do it. Do the computers. [Taas mo na yan. Wala na yan.] [laughter] Ito: To help avoid squatter-like conditions in relocation sites, we urge utilities like Meralco and electric cooperatives to exercise their social corporate responsibility by making direct connections to relocation sites and depressed areas. Alam mo kung bakit? Kaya nga nilagyan nila diyan e. That’s why I had to talk to you ganito. Bakit? It’s because walang kuryente pagka mahirap ka. You do not own the land. That is my experience 23 years as mayor. Hindi magbigay ng direct connection. Kasi hindi ikaw ang may-ari ng lupa but that squatter has been been there for 20 years. So mag-connect-connect sila. Pag ka-connect-connect nila, ang gamitin nila yung wire na, yung pinaka-mura. So it overheats because connect-connect na lang sila kung sino minsan magnakaw. You know, we will have to make the adjustments. It is not for these people to make the corrections because they are not in a position to do it. We have to adjust to the needs of our people. Total diyan naman ‘yang sa squatter na ‘yan, as long as I sit here as President, there will be there no demolitions without relocations. Hindi talaga ako papayag. [applause] Hindi naman aso yan na... just like in Davao. I’d like to make a dialogue with the businessmen. ‘Sir, how much are you investing in this land you have bought with the squatter?’ ‘So, I bought it at about 60 million.’ ‘Dagdagan mo ng 20 million. Ako na ang bahala.’ Sabihin ko doon sa mga tao, ‘Bili tayo ng relocation site or I will provide.’ Government will expropriate. I will make use of the expropriation powers. Ako ganon sa Davao eh. I have 20 hectares there. I will expropriate some land there. Iyong malapit lang. Then sabihin ko: ‘This 20 million will help your journey to a new land.’ And I will urge everybody na yung mga bagong mga factories, doon sila mag-tayo. Magtiis-tiis lang muna kayo. In the meantime, you have to mitigate the hardships of these people. That’s the only way to do it. Sa demolition, walang matirahan ang tao. Tutal you sat on your rights for many years eh bakit mo ngayon, pipilitin mo ako magka-problema ng ganon? Eh may iba kasi, hinahayaan nila. Ten, 20 years, they do nothing. And when the time, comes, na pagbili lang nila, tayo na disturbuhin. O ‘di gumastos ka para mas madali. Just add a little bit more and there will be at least peace. Pag hindi, wala yan. Fight na naman ‘yan, between government and the tawag nila, ‘squatters.’ Squatters naman talaga yan. Masasaktan lang mamatay for no reason at all. Eh kung mayaman ka, bigyan mo ng konting ano, provide a relocation. And I’ll be glad to talk to the people and say: ‘Go. It is not yours.’ I have directed the concerned regulatory agencies to prioritize the issuance of required permits for power development. Okay ‘yan sa akin. Ang problema sandali ito. [Para ka diyan.] Iyong mga environmentalist, meron tayong, meron tayong, ano kasi… marami ang coal. Pati yang... Ito nga, itong energy emissions, wala man akong problema diyan. But do not tell me na, if you... Ambassador ka tapos sabihin mo sa akin na, 'medyo hanggang diyan lang kayo, kasi kami hangang dito lang kami. [inaudible] 'Ha? Kayo umabot diyan. You are now in the apex of your industrial might. But along the way, you were the first America, China, Europe.' Kayong bomba-bomba, until now we contribute only something point zero. So, if you put so much restrictions doon sa treaty na ‘yan, the treaty which we are trying to… it's still here in the Senate. Let us be very clear on this: We need to industrialize. We need the power and, therefore, the emissions would also be considered. You just can't say it: 'I established five economic zones here.' And you start to say that, 'you are spewing so much carbon footprints'. Mahirap yan. I mean, it's hard. I cannot just agree on anything that will delay. I’m only good for six years. I intend to do something during my term. Now, I’m sure that the heavy machineries would come in and even the power, cheapest is coal. So ito naman locally, you get in trouble with Gina. So, we'll just talk sa Cabinet na lang. Si Gina naman is a very fine lady. Huwag ka lang magsimangot sa harapan niyan. Bigyan ka niya permit maski lima. Magsimangot ka, zero. [laughter] Oo, [inaudible] just be gracious to her, that's all. It's a matter of talking and explaining to them. But if it is... You're using the state of the art technology and I’ve seen it several times in the other power plants in this country. If it is really a good one, then we will consider, I said, because we need the energy to power our industrialization. [applause] To strengthen the delivery of social services, the government will intensify its protection programs, so it can use its resources, expertise to make a dent in the country’s poverty levels. What we want is genuinely to reduce the vulnerabilities of our people, build resiliency and empower individuals, and families and communities. The beneficiaries of 4Ps shall be made to become independent and self-reliant after they have graduated from the program [applause]. But the aim is to present it with other forms of assistance, so that they can stand on their own two feet. But now, I have decided to direct the DSWD to provide the rice subsidies to the poorest of the families, at least, para makakain lang every month. [applause] Iyong sako na ano... We are planning to increase spending on basic education and incorporate mandatory education about the evils of drugs. We will also intensify and expand Alternative Learning System programs. The government will also provide universal health insurance for all Filipinos [applause]. Benefits. Sali na lang natin sa PhilHealth. The professional competence and operational capabilities [of] government hospitals and health facilities will be strengthened. Consistent with our international obligations, in keeping with national mandates, this administration vows to protect women’s rights and human rights abuses [applause] against our women, because this unacceptable to... Kung mag-bugbog ka ng babae. Thus, I order all agencies and oversight bodies and local government units down to the barangay level to fully implement the Magna Carta for Women. [applause] By doing so, we'll ensure that man and woman will be partners in the pursuit of country’s economic, social, and cultural and political developments. To our Lumad brothers, and they are here outside. Maybe outside? They are here outside I’m sure. I told the... Just to let them come if they want. Kanila man ito. To our brothers, I have this to say: The government has issued you the Ancestral Certificates Domain Title covering vast tracts of land especially in the Island of Mindanao. You have the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples to protect you and to assist you. Government has given you the tool, the legal tool to improve yourself financially, economically and socially. Make use of your ancestral domain. Do not let it remain idle. While the government is always ready to help you, you must first help yourself. We cannot legislate financial and economic progress for you. It is you and you alone who can do that. You can chart your fate, but do it within constitutional and legal means. After being devastated by natural and man-made calamities these past few years, we are still to recover emotionally from the loss of our loved ones, and materially from the loss of our homes and our income sources. There are many among us whose emotional wounds are still fresh and painful to the touch. We cannot erase the images of death and destruction from our minds. We cannot wash away the stench of rotting flesh from our noses. And there are many of us who are still waiting for the help that was promised. The enormity of the problem of drug addiction has been made manifest by the number of surrenderees which grows by the hundred each day that passes. Since July 1, we have already made 3,600 related drug arrests. 120, [000] drug dependents have already surrendered and 70,000 of them are pushers. You think this is just a... [applause] It could take the entire resources of this government to fight this war. I have nothing but the interest of my country. But let’s wait because the PDEA says that… it's about the past statement made by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Two years ago, PDEA came out with a statement that there are 3 million drug addicts in this country. That was two or three years ago. How do you think would the number incrementally if we count now? Give it a liberal addition. Maybe, gawin mo na [700,000]. So three million seven hundred thousand [3.7 million]. The number is quite staggering and scary. The drug lords that you desperately want to strangle are not here. Wala mga bilyonaryo dito. The ones that you catch, running after, are just the lieutenants. They do it with technology. They’re cooking it in the international waters. Tinatapon nila 'yan bulto, by the drums. Dikitan nila ng GPS. So makikita agad. We are hard put sa intelligence because they have invented this direct satellite. Hindi na magdadaan yan ng... All they have to do is to triangulate where the, pag-ikot niya. And there's so many — and they are in codes. If we do not [have the] help from our friends here in Asia and America, and Europe, this year number and problem, believe me, will drown us as a Republic. Kayo tingnan ninyo ito. How can I solve the problem now by arresting? Hinahanap... Kung matagal na akong Presidente, gusto kong patayin. Ang problema pupunta pa ako doon and I'll ask the permission from this country that I will go because I have to slaughter these idiots who are destroying my country. Ganoon yun eh. [inaudible] Ayaw ko naman bitawan, kasi ayaw naman kasi ng military, pati pulis. But you know, I said, ‘I’ll be talking in front of the Republic to its representatives, for the people.’ So I have to tell you: ‘How do we solve this problem?’ Can we? Ako naman okay lang eh. Make it public, fine. Make it confidential, if you go to me or go to you, to your house, okay. But that is really the enormity of the problem. It's so enormous that you are intimidated even just to make a move. Because you cannot stop it anyway. Mabunggo mo isa dito hinulog sa dagat, e marami naman nagluluto doon. It’s a free for all enterprise for the criminals at this time. Kung ako, if I had just the plan... Sabi ko, sabi ko sa military kapag nakita ninyo, pasabugin mo na. Maski nag-surrender yan, may white, white flag. Pang-giyera lang yan, hindi yan pang-kriminal, pasabugin mo. Show no mercy to them because they're not doing any mercy to us anyway. Bakit ako mag-? Iyan ang problema. But we should not despair. Like someone wrote: ‘It is when the night is darkest, that dawn breaks.’ We are imbued with resiliency that has been tested and proven. More difficult times as in the past, we have a bond to act together, we have to help each other. For then and only then can we truly prevail. And there is the Filipino, disciplined, informed, involved, shall rise from the rubbles of sorrow and pain. So that all the mirrors in the world will reflect the face of a passion that has changed this land. Daghang Salamat. [applause]” Published: Tue, July 26, 2016 http://cnnphilippines.com/

Senate approves bill granting an extra P2,000 monthly to SSS pensioners

Senate approves bill granting an extra P2,000 monthly to SSS pensioners - CNN Philippines:

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Senate has approved on final reading House Bill 5842, which would give an across-the-board increase of P2,000 monthly to 1.9 million pensioners of the Social Security System (SSS).

The senators voted 15 in favor of the bill, with one negative vote cast by Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile and no abstentions.

Enrile said he was against the bill because its "generous benefit" to pensioners would eventually lead to the "bankruptcy of the SSS."

The bill would to amend the Social Security Act of 1997. The latest amendment to the law was 18 years ago under RA 8282.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, chair of the Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprise, is the principal sponsor of the bill.

The other sponsors are Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Deputy Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and Sens. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Francis "Chiz' Escudero, Jose "Jinggoy" Ejercito-Estrada, and Ferdinand “Bongbong" Marcos Jr.,

“Given the rising cost of living, it is high time we give our retirees and their family a monthly pension that will allow them to at least live with dignity,” Villar said.

“We must also consider that many of our retired workers, given their old age, have maintenance medicines and special requirements that add to their daily living expenses. Increasing their pension is the least we could do to reward them for decades of hardwork.”

Senate President Franklin Drilon called the passage of the bill "an early Christmas gift of the Senate to the SSS pensioners."

At the House of Representatives, the bill was introduced by Reps. Neri Colmenares, Carlos Isagani Zarate, Mark Villar, Jesus Sacdalan, Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Cresente Paez, Agapito Guanlao, Edgardo Masongsong, Leah Paquiz, and Antonio Tinio.

In 2014, the SSS granted a 5 percent across-the-board pension increase, Villar pointed out. But she said the increase was "definitely inadequate" and could not cover the rising cost of living for the past 18 years.

The National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB), she said, put the monthly poverty threshold for a family of five at P8,022 per month, below which a family would be considered poor.

As things stood, the average SSS pensioner receives P3,169, which is below the poverty threshold, she said.

“I do not think that the basis for which the SSS was established – that of promoting social justice and providing meaningful protection to its members and their beneficiaries against the hazards of old age, loss of income, among others – is at work,” Villar said.

Citing more figures, Recto said about 1.5 million of the SSS pensioners, or about 81.5 percent, received in 2012 a monthly pension below P4,000, which is less than the daily minimum wage and was below the poverty line set by the government.

“The consolidated bill seeks an across-the-board increase of P2,000 on the monthly SSS pension," he said. "In effect, those receiving the minimum pension of P1,200 per month will now receive P3,200 under this bill. The average SSS pensioner gets about P3,169 a month. If this bill becomes law, his pension will increase to P5,169.”

He added that the increase would not result in underspending since pensioners would spend their money and boost the economy.

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Rody Duterte: The man, the mayor, the president

Rody Duterte: The man, the mayor, the president:

“Ikaw ang pangulo para sa pagbabago… Sawa na ang bayan ko sa magnanakaw na tao.”

(You are the president for change... My country is tired of people who steal.)

These are the first lines of folk musician Freddie Aguilar’s song for President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. It plays inside Duterte’s pick-up truck one night in Davao City after one of his post-elections late-night press conferences.

The campaign season, the time when this song could be heard everywhere, is over. Duterte has won the presidential elections by a landslide with 16.6 million votes, the first such victory for a Mindanaoan.

But Duterte can’t seem to let this song go. A few days later, he plays it again in the middle of another press briefing. He asks for silence. What are his marching orders for his Cabinet? Just listen to this song, he says.

As it plays, Duterte, alone in the table in front, rests his head upon his hands.

To hear this song is to be transported back to his Miting de Avance in Luneta on May 7.

That night, some 600,000 people filled the park. A giant flag was passed around as Duterte clutched a smaller flag to his chest and, with tears in his eyes, declared, “It will be only one Filipino nation.”

To hear this song is to be reminded that Duterte has become a symbol.

To his supporters, he is the catalyst for change. He is the anger vote against the supposedly blundering Aquino administration. He holds the torch for Mindanao and Visayas against “imperial Manila.” He is the strong leader with a soft heart. He is the ordinary man against the oligarchs, the crime-fighter, the benevolent dictator, the savior.

The adoration of his supporters is matched only by the revulsion of his critics. To them, he is a threat to democracy, a sexist punk, a man for whom nothing is holy. He is the cold-blooded murderer whose respect for human rights is a self-admitted cop-out. He is a symbol, not so much of hope, as of despair, the vote of people so jaded they can no longer tell good change from bad.

Duterte is about to take on an even more symbolic role. On June 30, his oath-taking as the 16th president of the Philippines will make him the father of the country, the first Mindanaoan president, the man at the helm of a nation leaving behind "Daang Matuwid" territory.

But symbols don’t lead countries. Fallible men do. Duterte is every inch as flawed as the next man, as he so often reminds us.

So who is this man they call Rody Duterte?

The Bisaya

A map of how all regions in the country voted last May 9 shows Duterte won in most of Mindanao and in major regions in the Visayas like Cebu (53% of all votes) and Bohol (49.5%).

Anyone who followed him around as he campaigned in these regions won’t be surprised by this turn-out.

Duterte bewitched these regions with his naughty humor, infectious anger, irresistible promise of “true” change, and most importantly, the durable roots that tie him to their people.

Duterte branded himself as the Bisaya and the Mindanaoan rolled into one and he could do this credibly because of his parents.

His father Vicente comes from Danao, Cebu, and his mother Soledad is a Maranao born in Agusan del Norte.

Representative of millions of Filipinos, the Duterte family were migrants. Vicente moved his family from Cebu to Southern Leyte before finally settling in Davao.

Rody himself was born in Maasin, Southern Leyte and stayed there until he was around 6 years old. He still recalls the smell of copra roasting in the sun as he and his friends passed by fields aboard open-air trucks.

Aside from bequeathing Rody with multi-rootedness, his parents gave him his first experience of politics and public service.

When the Cebuano Vicente decided to run for governor of the undivided Davao, he gave his 18-year-old son Rody the task of accompanying him during his campaign sorties all over the province.

Rody took his first step in the campaign trail, going from barangay to barangay talking to people from all walks of life.

“He was talking to the barangays already at the time. It was his job to deliver whatever it is, or anything that has to do with the elections,” said Jocellyn Duterte, Rody’s youngest sister who was another of their father’s campaign companions.

Rappler.com

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