Press. Duterte SONA 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte, SONA 2017  
Kindly sit down. Thank you for your courtesy.
When I was a member of Congress, I - my seat was over there. The seat ... The lady with a violent - not violent but rather violet dress - seated. But I was always absent together with the Speaker and Tonyboy Floirendo, who is still absent until today. [Laughter] And that started ... Is it there? Sorry. But his propensity started almost 17 years ago when we were members of the 11th Congress.Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and the members of the Senate; Pantaleon Alvarez, the Speaker and the members of the House of Representatives; Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo; Former Presidents Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, and former President Gloria Arroyo; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno of the Supreme Court and the members of courts; Archbishop Pinto and the distinguished guests of the diplomatic corps; Secretary Salvador Medialdea and the members of the Cabinet; My fellow workers in government; My countrymen.When I took my oath of office a year or so ago, I knew that our country was reeling from a multitude of problems. That day, there was euphoria in the air resulting from a successful campaign and the thought that dominated my being was to make good on my promise to the people to bring change in government, not a change that is passing but a change that can survive the Test of time.Although I still had to know the magnitude and gravity of the problems, my feeling then was that, equipped with political will and braced by a concerned citizenry, those problems would eventually be bested by us. It was only a matter of determination and collective action. It was only a question of time.
For as I saw it then as I see it now, there is no problem in the world which can stop the march of a people with unflinching and tenacious determination. That was how euphoric - euphoric it has been.Early on, I felt that if change was to be meaningful, it had to start with those occupying the highest positions in government because change that comes from below is more transitory than permanent. And I was aiming for permanence. Let change trickle down from [top to] bottom.It has to be a change that is not confined merely to the replacement of people by people, but a change in the people's attitude, disposition and work ethic.Sadly, although we knew years ago That what was needed or ought to do, we did not [them] because our idea of ​​government was parochial and we could not rise above family, ethnic and clan loyalties as well as loyalty to friends and co-workers. No one wanted to be a snitch. That is why we are one in saying that genuine change is what this country truly needs.I believed then, as I believe still, that progress and development will sputter if criminals, illegal drugs, illegal users of drugs are allowed to roam the streets freely , Victimizing seeming with impunity, the innocent and the helpless. Worse yet, there were times in the past when the protectors of the people were themselves the perpetrators of the very crimes they were tasked to prevent or suppress. It is ironic as it is madness.I have learned that economy surges only when there is peace and order prevailing in places where investors can pour their capital and expertise. I have learned from my experience in Davao City that investor confidence [is] bolstered and fortified only if a potent force and mechanism for protection of local and foreign investments are in place.That is why, I have resolved that no matter how long it takes , The fight against illegal drugs will continue because that is the root cause of so much evil and so much suffering [applause] that weakens the social fabric and deters foreign investments from pouring in. The fight will be unremitting as it will be unrelenting.Despite international and local pressures, the fight will not stop [applause] until those who deal in it understand that they have to cease, they have to stop because the alternatives are either jail or hell . [Applause] And I will make sure, very sure that they will not have the luxury of enjoying the benefits of their greed and madness.I do not intend to loosen the leash in the campaign or lose the fight against illegal drugs. Neither do I intend to preside over the destruction of the Filipino youth by being timid and tentative in my decisions and actions. [Applause] To the critics against this fight, your efforts will be better spent if you use the influence, moral authority and ascendancy of your organizations over your respective sectors to educate the people on the evils of illegal drugs instead of condemning the authorities and unjustly Blaming for every killing that bloodies this country.
But do not get me wrong. I value human life the way I value mine. Each life that is snuffed out translates into future generations lost. It is like cracking the acorn from which an oak tree grows - which, in turn, produces the seeds to complete the cycle of [life in] perpetuity.There is a jungle out there. There are beasts and vultures preying on the helpless, the innocent [and] the unsuspecting. I will not allow the ruin of the youth, the disintegration of families and the retrogression of communities, forced by criminals whose greed for money is insatiable as it is devoid of moral purpose. Neither will I be immobilized into inaction by the fear that I will commit an act that will expose me to public condemnation or legal prosecution. You harm the children in whose hands the future of this Republic is entrusted, and I will hound you to the very gates of hell. [Applause] That is why I ask you to join me in this fight against illegal drugs and all forms of criminality.The government, equipped with legal authority, and you, with the moral ascendancy over the sector you represent, can do so much, And hopefully eradicate this social scourge that plagues us no end.Look beyond your biases, your prejudices, your ambition, your political agenda. The search for change will begin and end only when we look into ourselves and find it within.
Today, a multitude of problems confront us. No sooner is one problem solved [when] another surges forth in its place. But we will not be disheartened; We will not be cowed; We will not be overwhelmed.It is during trying times and troubled events that the resilience, perseverance and determination of the people are tested. The Filipino is no stranger or neophyte to situations like the one we face today. We can, and we will, overcome as we did countless times in the past, [but] only if we work together towards a common goal.Sad to say, despite all efforts, peace, especially in the Island of Mindanao, continues to elude Us. But of course, it is not the peace of the dead but the peace of the living that we seek. Peace flits away like a butterfly when you try to snatch it by the wings. And our pursuit of peace continues.The red insurgency has been with us for decades; The Muslim issue, for centuries.So much time has lapsed, so many lives have been lost and so much destruction has been wrought but peace eludes us still. Sometimes I am almost tempted to conclude that peace might not be able to come during our lifetime.But believe me, it will not be for want of trying. And I will persist in our goal of attaining peace [up] to the last day of this administration and maybe even beyond though in a different capacity. [Applause] There is rebellion in Mindanao. The extremists have declared it their purpose to establish a caliphate within the Philippine territory along the teachings and beliefs of [the] Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or otherwise known as ISIS. The battle of Marawi has dealt a terrible blow to our quest for peace especially now that an alien ideology and a radical shift in purpose have been injected into the local setting. I declared Martial Law in Mindanao because I believed that that was the fastest way to Quell the rebellion at the least cost of lives and properties. [Applause] At the same time, the government would be adequately equipped with the constitutional tool not only to prevent the escape of rebels who can easily mingle and pretend to be civilian evacuees only to re-group in another place to fight another day, but Also to prevent them from spreading their gospel of hate and violence in the rest of Mindanao.
Martial Law and the suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus enable the military to arrest, detain and question suspected members and sympathizers of the rebellion similar to what happened to the parents of the Maute brothers. As president, I am reiterating my unwavering support and commitment To the soldiers of our Armed Forces and the members of our police force - those who are on the ground and in the battlefields and those who are risking their lives for our country and our democracy. I have your backs. To those who oppose and think that all these efforts are out of order, I hold myself - me and me alone should be responsible. [Applause] The people of Marawi need help. Caught in the crossfire between government troops and Muslim extremists, they have been through hell and we need to help them rise and move forward. If we can not provide for the poor and the needy who are many, then we will not be able to keep from Harm the rich who are few.At the vanguard of our struggle for peace and order are our Armed Forces and Police. They are the silent heroes who risk their lives everyday for our country's security. In recognition of their valor, we have crafted a program to provide them with comprehensive social assistance, including financial, should they meet harm in the performance of their duty. For the family left behind by those who fell or are rendered totally disabled in the line of duty, we shall provide shelter, health care assistance, education, and employment. That is my way of telling our troops: never fear, do your duty. I stand behind you. So does this government and all its agencies. [Applause] To decisively address insurgency and terrorism, we are working doubly hard towards [achieving] a stronger and more credible national defense system for the country. We continue to strengthen the defense capability of the AFP as a deterrence against terrorists, lawless elements, and other threats.My fellow citizens, what I have said so far about the events in Marawi and its neighboring environs is only a part of a looming problem , Which will cut across all classes and all sectors of society and eventually affect the entire country from north to south, from east to west, given the fact that Mindanao supplies a great part of our country's food requirements. I refer to climate change, which could bring drought and long dry spells affecting food production in Mindanao, given the fact that Mindanao is unusually warming. I ask all agencies involved in food production to look into this and act accordingly.
Also, I am appealing to all our legislators to immediately pass the National Land Use Act (NALUA) to ensure the rational and sustainable use of our land and our physical resources, given the competing needs of food security, housing, businesses and environmental Conservation.Ours is a rich country. Wealth that this country is endowed with [is] a gift from God to be utilized for the [people's] welfare and the common good. I do not believe that this gift was given to us to be simply viewed or appreciated, but to be extracted from the earth and utilized to make life worth living. That is why I say that it is not enough that we mine this wealth. What is more important is that we convert the raw material thereof into finished products for international and local purposes. [Applause] That way, it will not only be the few who are the rich but also the poor who are many who will benefit therefrom.Therefore, I call on our industrialists, investors [and] commercial barons to put up factories and manufacturing establishments Right here in the Philippines to process our raw materials into finished products. [Applause] At this point in my administration, if possible, we will put a stop to the extraction and exportation of our mineral resources to foreign nations [applause] for processing abroad and importing them back to the Philippines in the form of consumer goods at Prices twice or thrice the value of the original raw materials foreign corporations pay for them.However, in the extraction and utilization of these resources, extreme care must be exercised [applause] that we do not recklessly and needlessly harm the environment. [Applause] Responsible, regulated and sustainable development is what we advocate and require. The protection of the environment must be made a priority [applause] ahead of mining and all other activities that adversely affect one way or another. And this policy is non-negotiable. [Applause]
I sternly warn .... I am warning all mining operations and contractors to refrain from the unbridled and irresponsible destruction of our watersheds, forests, and aquatic resources. You have gained much from mining, we only get about 70 billion a year, but you have considerably neglected your responsibility to protect and preserve - and even the tax, it's about five percent - environment for posterity. I am holding all mining companies and its Officials responsible for the full and quick clean-up, restoration [and] rehabilitation of all areas damaged by mining activities, and the extension of all necessary support to the communities that have suffered the disastrous effects of mining on their health, [applause] livelihood, and Environment, among others. So here it is. Somehow I'm going to leave it first on .... My eye hurts it on that y. [Laughter] You know, you have the mining. I have to grant you a mining because you have complied with all the requirements of the law. And I can not ... I'd be subject to a mandamus if everything is perfect and you have every right to mine. But in doing so, you destroy the rivers, you destroy the streams, from which the poor people fish - halwan or mudfish - and that is protein for the day for them. Now you see not only Gina Lopez gave you a clear picture of What was happening horrendously. You saw Ted Failon - 'Ted Failon, I really watched, twice. And I realized that I have to do something about it as a Filipino. [Applause] You know, that's okay mining. You're just a subsidiary of another giant corporation or you're a sister company of a telecommunication, you will not be hungry. But look at the picture shown to you. For once, they behaved correctly with ABS-CBN. Take a look at Ted Failon's movie. I salute him for coming with it. [Applause]
You see the paddy field ... Dry paddy and soil cracked. So the farmers can not eat anymore. They are reduced to the garbage of what you can get there, salvage anything and sell it to the scrap. That's what happened to the Filipino people. I'm not your enemy. As a matter of fact, you give government almost 70 billion. But that's just a small one. Now, you see these paddy fields and the rivers without fish. The only source of protein. You can not even hunt. You see an eagle in it, shoot it, you're in trouble. You eat that ... Where are you going ...?
Try to go out, come with me - you're with me. And try to see how hard it is for them to survive. Now it's ... You like this happen, it's too much 'your money,' adre, actually. I am a major, I can look at your corporate earnings, your sister company, I can pierce the corporate identity, too. And even in the newspapers. When you are not supposed to ... You know, 'you're a newspaper you're supposed to be 100 percent Filipino. And yet when you start to pierce their identity, it is pala fully owned by Americans. That's what happened. It's just a matter of piercing the ... So I'm not too much ... ABS, is that you're a rappler? Have you tried to pierce your identity and it will lead you to America? Do you know that? And yet the Constitution requires you to be 100 percent - media - Filipino. Rappler, try to pierce the identity and you will end up American ownership. You are rich, mining companies. This is my deal with you, either I will raise the taxes, that's what I reserve to compensate for those who are suffering and in agony. [Applause] You have to come up with a substitute, either spend to restore the virginity of their source or I will tax you to death. [Applause] When the taxes I get, I will actually pour it. Now, if you can make an arrangement, an inventory of the - 'broken - the people are hungry with their river no longer available because ... You know guys, you are Davaoians we are not new to it, you Want to see horror in your lifetime? I'll do it. The NPA does not have to go out of there, fight-fight because we go with them. You stop your - you're just so proud of it. Let's go there to Diwalwal, where to [inaudible] and I will show you the river. Up there at the source, it's so pristine. But there is - right at the start of the boundary where the millings are started, the water there is not clear, it is not brown, it is black. Your one peso will win one million from me if I am lying. If you want to take me tomorrow you will be there. Now, 'when the NPAs are targeting us that's all that's our problem. We're together. The presidential vacancy, the Senate vacancy and the congressman are vacancies. But that's true, you should visit the ... Even the first spade, even the first spade full of earth that you extract and throw it away of no use. Just keep it there because it's an open pit, you dig and dig and dig, is already the first spade there is the decreasing of Mother Earth. Do you know another hate for mining? The Speaker. He comes from a mining town but he hates mining. I am because my friends are different, my classmates are vice president of mining, they go here ... But it reduces into something - the damage that you have caused. It's not about our friendship. It's not about years of being in the same room. It's not about being fraternity brothers. But it is something that ... [raises his right hand] That's right. Do you know the martial law, I'm not so much endeavored that you say you did not give it? It's OK. I have no problem with that. Did you say that's right? It's OK. Then I will still fight. The way I will fight the war. If it is not acceptable to the normal of civilian conduct, then I am sorry because I am not fighting a civilian war, I am stopping violence and rebellion. [Applause] I'm not really ... Whether or not you give it, for me nothing. Because I, I do not intend to go beyond my term. As a matter of fact, I prefer to shoot me back there. Am I not too busy doing this work? I thought about myself. I come ah l ****, headache. [Applause] True. You are listening. I do not have one signed it, that's why it's for food. Food-food at the office, you pay it. I will release. I do not collect anything. I do not remember. I do not sign anything there until now. I have no allowance I do not accept all except my salary. Then two families split. What's wrong with that? [Applause and cheers] Come on wing there. All of us. [Laughter] I can count my ... Not even the two hands, one hand just exempted from that rule. Two, three, four, five. Fool me, are we still playing? Just because this is Congress it has to be a secret, secret. Believe it? We all have that. Do not laugh at me. [Laughter and applause] So I will increase the taxes. Then I will think of something that will compensate or make up for the damage or at least the income restored. Otherwise, I'll have to stop mining. I will ask you to stop it. It's not good. We are a small group of islands, not many. The coastal, many because it winds around, but we are in a contiguous territory, we are small. You must remember that there are so many billions of the future generations waiting in this stratosphere. What you want to do is not give up, stop what you're doing. Then let us go to ... Because this will not end here. How about the billions and billions of billions of Filipinos who will come after us? Pity. They'll have to scratch Mother Earth to eat. By this time if there is no upheaval, no regeneration will occur, we are almost like we really do it - they get a little bit. But please be patient. You see that's your grandson if you just ... If you just embrace the grandson of your second wife. 'That's the same. 'Do not you? 'No, sir? [Laughter] I'll see you now, you're wild. Finally, let me make this appeal to those directly engaged in mining. Declare your correct income [and] pay your correct taxes. Believe me, your failure to do so will be your undoing and eventual ruin. [Applause] I can not run, I am old. I do not think I'll even survive the five years. But when I told you to crush me, I would really love you. To our employees and officials of the LGUs tasked with monitoring these mining operations within their territorial jurisdictions, do your job without fear or favor. I [hold] you absolutely responsible for any misdeed or failure [by] the mining entities to comply - do not comply or comply with the guidelines, rules and regulations governing mining operations and activities within your area of ​​responsibility. I mean it. Do not try to test my resolve. Absolutely I have nothing to lose except my life.While we can control the acts of man, no one can control [or] stop the fury and rampage of weather gone wild. When nature fights back, it does so with a vengeance. We have seen the terrible toll that Super Typhoon Yolanda and the succeeding typhoons exacted in terms of human life and property. And we still have to recover from the beating that we got both during and in the aftermath of those mega-typhoons.Aside from droughts, tempests and other problems taking shape which, according to DOST-PHIVOLCS - it is no longer just a distant possibility But a probability: Earthquakes.The series of damaging quakes in Leyte, Surigao and nearby provinces and islands attest to this. We were told that it is no longer a question of "if" but a matter of "when." Thus, we need to act decisively and fast because the threat is huge, real and imminent.Come to think of it really, they say That there is no perfect instrument or human acumen can really predict earthquake. I hope it will not come. But if they say that's Big One, I hope it will be just in the mountains and in the rural areas. Because if it's right - they say they fear the ... Media because ... Here in the speech, I reviewed it last night. I am calling [on] both houses of Congress to expeditiously craft a law establishing a new authority or department that is responsive to the prevailing 21st century conditions and empowered to best deliver [an] enhanced disaster resiliency and quick disaster response.While the law is [Being] crafted with extreme urgency, we need to undertake immediate action to ensure disaster resiliency and effective response in the greater [Metro] Manila area, which is our country's seat of governance, center of business, commerce, and the academe. Disaster resiliency of Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces is a matter of urgent [national] concern. That's where they are, they fear here because of the high-rise buildings and ... How many people live there? If ... So is it in a sinkhole? I mean if it cracks and it goes down, can we still manage to go up? God, do not be right now because I'm here. Just wait for them here and there. [Laughter] I am directing the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management to immediately work hand in hand with the concerned LGUs, the private sector and the affected communities themselves, in undertaking disaster measures, antidotes.We all need To act fast.With all the foregoing said, what then is the state of the nation today? I will mince no words and neither will I window-dress the situation [that] we are in. Let me answer in two brief sentences. We are in for trouble because we live in troubled and uncertain times. And I fear that things might get worse before they become better. But like I said I hope we will cope, we hope and pray. The West Philippine Sea issue and federalism are matters that we have to tackle sooner or later. On the other hand, despite our recent gains in improving the peace and order situation in The country, there is still so much to be desired and if we are to completely eradicate the menace of illegal drugs, criminality and corruption, we must do it.I therefore ask Congress to act on all pending legislations to reimpose the death penalty on heinous Crimes - especially on the trafficking of illegal drugs.There is a shortage ... No, no, no. There is a short clip of CNN about people in Massachusetts, was it there? Their clip is what they have shown. Looked ... Just look ... It's repeated for almost every week yata 'those short clips. Look at those people there that they let them ... They are there, they live under the bridge, they are getting thin, they are doing nothing. They just watched what they were doing ... And they are aplenty there. They do not work, nothing. Then the UN says ... Is he here? Are you there your UN representative? Did you say that shabu will not affect the brain? Are you here? Raise your right hand, if you're here. Do not worry. I will just ... Do not - the word "delude" as into you ... You are what you are - but we know everyday that one family raped, two and all are dead. Then you trivialize it with human rights and due process. That's okay. When you go into an anger, when you burst with rage, okay. But with so many killings as brutal and as cruel as what happened, if you add human rights and due process, you stink and your mouth smells. If you want to criticize, criticize, condemn the act, stop there. But do not give the excuse or do not make it trivial by saying human rights at least we'll be protected ... That's the smallest thing a person can do. When you criticize, stick on one topic. Then you find an event where you can talk about human rights and due process, but do not talk about it in the same time when there is a carnage and you begin to blabber, talk about human rights. Man is more angry. Eh p ****** i ** mo. Something's gone there, you know who you are. [Applause] What have you done in the name of human rights? Seventy-seven - you have the records. You can summon the police. Seventy-seven before I became president. All drug- related, 77,000. And you trivialize that with a conference ... And when it comes to asking what 's in the right place because it just imagine ... I challenge you, you want a debate in public? Okay, we'll have it. I will challenge you how you trivialize the thing by - that gives you the importance of De Lima. You all know, you were all here. You conducted the investigation. You heard the witnesses. You saw the videos. Is she a credible woman? Can she be a moral person? [Applause] You're a drama there ... When you talk about an incident, talk about it, then condemn, condemn the police. But do not connect it with due process and human rights. Look forward to g *** in front of the Filipino. You know why I get this rating? I could not be brighter than you and my work is not more important or your vocation is not less than mine. But when you talk in public carry the proper message. So you're 82 or so you're going to break it because I'm such a person. People will say, "That's right. That's Duterte's right. "It's okay. And you're the front of the scene, even if there's a lot of massacres, rapes girls, kids, you're not silent. [Applause] Soon after - [applause and cheers] comes the arrival of these Western experts, you give them so much premium and importance. Where is your brain? Why are you dressed in white? Look at white, Obama's time, first spokesman of the State Department. You think who. They thought they were more bright than me. Then the staff of the President, then Obama. "I would like to remind Mr. Duterte that the policy of ... "Eh 'di yari ako. Trump's coming, "Oh yes, Mr. President, I've been expecting your call. You are doing it all right ... And this G ******* ... "[applause] I am Uwi. T **** i *** 'yan.So? That's the value of the country that you value. Ambivalent. It looks like an electric fan. Okay here or not okay, it's vacillating. You're all right. I do not really understand Filipino. It takes for an American to say that I'm a son of ab ****. And it takes for an American to say, "Oh you're great. You're a hero in your country. "Or where do I go now? [Laughter] It is time for us to fulfill our mandate to protect our people from these crimes that have been victimized ... You know, do not frighten me in the prisons of the international court of justice. S ***, I am willing to go to prison for the rest of my life. What matters to me is that I like it. [Applause] You know because in this country it is a rule of majority. I did it for the 50 plus one because in a vote of 100, I get 51, 50 plus one. Fifty is one-half, one, that is majority of one, I win. 'That's 49, those are those ... I do not have to make them happy. But when the time comes, eh if I look, I'm going to be in the presense, do not worry about me. I can take it. When I was a little boy, I was out of the box ... No one was the law of Pangilinan. I'm out of the box. Get your police record there in Davao. I'm afraid that, "He will be prosecuted." Hey, I'm a lawyer because I will ... I say, everybody is entitled to come here and question me, but I have to question you also. And for good, let us make it official. We go to court and we tell the judge that we are hearing by an international body, can we have it judicially recorded? And I will place them under oath. I'm really catching them. I was killed, that's right. When I was mayor, a little over ... For 23 years I am mayor of Davao eh. You see Davao today, you have been LGUs before. What city is now hitting nine growth percent? We are still in Mindanao, yet we are still bombing in Davao. Davao is nine growth. Then you say ... Now, how do you now turn nine when you're about nine we are about to hit six or so, they say. But 'let me alone, it reaches 21, the highest in the world. [Applause] You're the only one out there. It's time for us to fulfill our mandate to protect ... That's it. Kindly ... For so long ... We have to act decisively on this contentious issue.Capital punishment is not only about deterrence. It is also about retribution. Make no mistake about that.

I'm different. Let us understand each other including the international community. Our - our criminal system uses the Revised Penal Code. That is a law that was given to us by the Spaniards, the original Revised Penal Code. Though it was translated into English and in this two books, three books, there are the definitions of crimes and the penalties and everything. And the thrust of that Revised Penal Code, ladies and gentlemen, is the essence of retribution. That is why you have penalties. There is also the word "positivist theory" that you can nurture a criminal into goodness provided he goes to prison for two years, three years, he's released, he's a sex offender. When he goes out, he rapes again, kidnaps another girl and makes her a hostage for so many years. That's right. Admit it, you are. You are so too lenient about this son of ab ****, a human being that has a virulent brain and his enemy is society. And many at times, there were sex offenders in America released only to rape and kidnap again and kill in Just a few months after release. In the Philippines, it is really an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. You took a life then you must pay for life. That is the only way to even. You can not place a premium on the human mind that he will go straight. Nobody can. Not even your best scientist. No one has ever fathomed how a person would react especially in committing crimes. That's the only way to do it to instill fear, that if you do it, you will die. That's the advantage of criminals and rebels and terrorists because they think that you are afraid to die. That's why when I went to Marawi, I was asked by the media, "Why are you here?" "I am here because my soldiers are here And I came here to die also. "[Applause] Because any battle, any fierce encounter, you have to be of equal equanimity. He wants to die, I do not even want to die. They say that they use the name of God, and the Christians say, "we have the same thing." I read the Ecclesiastes 3. What does it say? Even during elections, there is a time to be great and a time for defeat. A time to be in the skies, emblazoned there and a time to be [inaudible] somebody. A time to have money, a time to be hard up. A time to just walk so many kilometers to school and a time for graduation and being a lawyer. A time to be ... I do not know what I am now. There's always a time. [Laughter and applause] Ganun 'yan eh. So I'll match you. 'When you say, "I want to die." Son of ... Two of us. This bully, you know I had dinner with them in Bayan. This NDF because I used to be friends really with the NDF. I was crossing the ideological borders before. I'm in the territory and we were friends really. But times have changed because God placed me here and I take care of a Republic. They said there was a "bully". T ******* you, I'm really bully. [Laughter and applause] P ***** i **. I'm really bully especially to the enemies of the state, I'm really bully. [Applause] This is more, I say to the soldiers, that's the human rights what, you are flying everywhere, wherever your brain is. I said, "Take no prisoners." Which is [garbled] - "kill them". Which is correct? But you do not listen to my speech. This media - especially ABS - just take 'yang, "kill them." [Laughter]' That's your problem so I got you wrong. There is no President because you are not behaving. Now you're asking me for talks ... [applause and cheers] When you publish in the newspaper or quote us in media, these reporters would only quote "kill them." I said, "Kill them in a fight. If you have to shoot them, shoot them at the heart or the head. "I said. Why? Because they will be detained here in Marawi, we have no prescription. [Laughter] now, and the courts will always insist that they will be - that's the law - that they will be tried and detained in the place where they committed the crime. So do not kill yourself, because we put that in our barracks there, in our Mechanized Division. Let's get down to it, take our cannon, blow it over to us. [Laughter] Many. How many jail - [what is it called?] - jailbreaks in Mindanao, in Cotabato alone? Six. Cotabato City, four. The jail was there, it was rushed after it was released. Did you know that? Because you do not publish. Or these Manilaers ... You are not, you are bright, I am. G **** g ****. Said "Why do you ...?" Why? What happened last April in Davao? It was bombed. How many were killed? Twenty-seven. Few years ago, the church was bombed twice. How many died? Fifty-nine. The airport just as the people were coming out of the departure - ah arrival - it was bombed. How many died? Thirty-two. In the wharf 3, nuns were lining up there. I had to scoop the brain of the nun to put it in a can because the face was shattered. Zamboanga. And you say that the violation is only in Marawi? Torpe. You really are ... Let's talk today. I take you to the widows. Do not say that "It's only in Marawi." Rebellion has been going on in Mindanao. There is no such thing. You just do not read it right. What's the ... It's very porous. If separate islands are that, maybe. If separate 'yan - very porous, they can go ... And Mindanao - this is not to ... The Moro has nothing to do with it, both of us. We're Maranao both, so just shut up. Do not you ... This is true. Many Muslims in Mindanao. All ... Eh in Abra, anyway. In this fight ... .Well, where do you think the Moro would side? If it is slaughtered. They will side with government? If I am now, if I live, we do not go away - my mother did not bring me out. I'll be a resident of Marawi, what do you think will be my sentiment? Sulu. Davao, purely Muslim enclaves, there are enclaves, like barrios. When it comes to the sentiment, shoot it simultaneously. On another thing, I'll talk about it in the conference. It's too Left eh. Make a home - steal. I told the soldier, "Do not force the issue. I will just build yours. Just give it. "There is a project now, they want to go. Do not commit that mistake. Here and now, I will tell you, including the Congress of the Republic of the Philippines: You do anarchy, I will order the soldiers and the police to shoot. Even if I have to bury thousand of Filipinos. Do not take me. Either you're ... Either ... Let us understand this beginning today, either we have laws in this country or we do not. We enforce the laws against the miners and the rich, but I will also enforce laws against anarchy, disturbance, and create trouble. You're also, you're afraid too. [Applause] Do you scare me to occupy the streets? Jueteng child. You stay there, you ask for two days, I will give you six months. Do not go there. Eat well with that stuff. Do not scare the government. I'm sorry I've exceeded my time, but ... Eh I have to say eh. They also understand. I'm just here in the media. Everyone is listening. You Left, I will not talk to you. Why should i? [Applause] Do not force me to build the pro-poor, shut up. Wait for two years, because I have ... You know, this is my proposal. I may be totally wrong and I will accept it, but this is mine. From now on, I will save money for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. We have lost so many soldiers. [Applause] And there are thousands already incapacitated to fight. My police, every day, you're ambushing. My convoy also, because I was there, they attacked me. P ***** i **, as well, kill them. Well, I'm far from there. But I convoy it because it's okay. I'm just waiting for something ... You know you're using a machine gun. So armorized. We're congressmen, senators you do not want - you may have a fight. Is that your spouse today? [Laughter] Or you kidnapped? You're armorizing. True. Proven, M60. [Applause] Si ... Senator Drilon, M60, sir. Not really 'to be removed. They've been locked. They've just broken - they're not really. And the soldiers inside were all there all the time, mine machine guns, not tacky. G ***, as well as my convoy, ambushin. They do not know that I'm in a hurry. [Applause] So I want you to talk, no, you're over. You, Sison, you ... Drink the orange. [Laughter] You're old. You Philippines, listen, all over the Philippines. You kids, you Lumads natives, this old man, Sison is sick. There is colon cancer. The cost of Norway, he has surrendered. It may be a political issue. This government who sponsored those - who provided the good offices. The election will be defeated because of the issue. Just go back to the b ****, when you are tourists. No one is talking about it. It comes here, like it, like that, you know it. [Laughter] Do not say the meaning to the visitors. Have I ever forgotten. Really what am I, sir. Too demanding, neither do you win the elections once. You can not even hang on into a barangay. And you keep on killing people, not just those policemen, as well as the civilians who do not want to join them. So I say what I really mean, "you're mad." And I said really. Please forgive .... I ****** i ** he really the other day in Davao. Who are you afraid? It's a good sign. And we all die. You who are left on the road, it is good to go home. You do not get that into the communist. [Applause] Do you think that if the ISIS prevails in this country that you will have a place in their society? You must be awfully stupid, as stupid. [Applause] You do not get it. We are all peace. Thank you for allowing the exhaust here. In our sustained effort to achieve just and lasting peace [laughter and applause] ... Class, be courteous. Do not make a noise. The visitors are listening. [Laughter] Just and lasting peace for a [unified] nation, we are pursuing an inclusive peace process, promoting the participation of all stakeholders, including those conflict-affected areas.We took steps to promote inclusiveness in the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) By expanding its membership through Executive Order Number 8 which I signed in November last year.By giving representation to indigenous peoples, women, children, and sultanates, and key stakeholders in the drafting of the Bangsa [moro] Basic Law, we ensure a Bangsamoro Government that truly reflects the aspirations of our Muslim brothers and sisters as well as our indigenous brethren. [Applause] We have embarked on various initiatives to advance our national interest in the global community. We pursue good relations with all nations anchored on an independent - on an independent foreign policy [applause] - and the basic tenets of sovereign equality, mutual respect and non-interference. [Applause] As an independent nation, we will uphold and promote our national interests in the international community. We will strengthen and seek partnership with those who share our values. We will engage nations with full respect for the rule of law, sovereign equality, and again, non-interference. These are the principles that we are upholding as we advance to this year for the meeting as the Chair of the ASEAN.We have cultivated warmer relations with China through bilateral dialogues and other mechanisms, leading to easing of tensions between the two countries and improved negotiating Environment on the West Philippine Sea. At this point, allow me to take a step back in time, in 1901. In 1901, there was known as Balangiga, and that is Eastern Samar. It was the time for Philippine-American War.A combined group of Filipino villagers and guerrillas, in an effort to defend Samar Island from the alien invaders, attacked and overwhelmed a US-a United States infantry garrison. Forty-eight American officers and men were slain in the attack. On the Filipino side, the casualty count was twenty-eight killed and twenty-two wounded. In retaliation, US gunboats and patrols were sent to Balangiga, Samar with the order to "... make a desert of Balangiga" and to reduce Samar Island into An island of "howling wilderness," where every male citizen from the age of ten and above, and capable of bearing arms, will be put to death. The Church bells of Balangiga were seized by the Americans as spoils of war.Those bells are reminders of the gallantry and heroism of our forebears who resisted the American colonizers and sacrificed their lives in the process. Krag against bolo - krag was the standard rifle issued to the American troops. And that is how the historians describe. [Go first, down. No, you're chin, that's rising.] [Laughter] It's hard to miss your director, you're the speech. [Laughter] Many historians describe - [sige] the Philippine-American war. That is why I say today; Give us back those Balangiga bells. [Applause] They are ours. They belong to the Philippines. [Applause] They are part of our national heritage. [Applause] Go back. It hurts us.We now talk about our Overseas Filipinos. They are our heroes. They and their families have sacrificed much to the - for the country. We all know how a large part of our economy - economy comes from their remittances. That is why to ensure that their rights are protected, I ordered the increase of our assistance to the OFW from 400 million pesos to more than 1 billion. [Applause] We have been hard at work in securing the rights and welfare of our OFWs.A year ago, I also warned government officials and employees that I will never tolerate corruption in my administration, not even a whiff of it. Let the dismissal of several high-ranking officials - whom I myself appointed - serve as a warning to all that I will never back down on my commitment to cleanse this government and corporation. [Applause]
In order to bring government services closer to the people, we established hotlines [and] government centers that receive public concerns, one of which is the Hotline 911, which allowed us to receive and immediately respond to emergencies.We also launched Hot-launched Hotline 8888, the Citizen's Complaint Hotline. This is a public hotline facility that receives feedbacks or concerns on government services. Since we launched this hotline, we have received numerous complaints from the public on government - slow government processing, unclear or changing procedures and requirements, centralized issuances of clearances and permits in Metro Manila and discourteous government employees, among others.Time and again, you transact the ordinary ... no, no the ordinary people who transact business in government. In the last ASEAN Ministerial conference, I do not know why Malacanan has to - my office has to do some work for - or the orders like these barongs. It's always the - that outfit takes care of the attire that will be given to the ministerial, this time to the heads of state. You know, I'd like to address this myself to government. That is the pay, you're back to the person. I know that, because I've been Mayor for 23 years; I never allowed it in my city. But here, you know her tailor, there in Paranaque Cavite, your tailoring there, the business is in bulk - Boy Scout, teacher's uniform, Girl Scouts - they are claiming contracts. And they are just the stores that you find along the way until Cavite. They grouped together during times of this, with ASEAN and they look for a person to represent them. This is not-no offense intended, but you see they look for beautiful women, the young, who would do the talking, arrangement, you know, because it's the-well, it's the reality of life and the beautiful women get's the attention always . After that, they have already been delivered, have been turned back and right there in Malacanan, it happened. So I will fire the lady, whoever was connected with her. As I have fired anybody else ... a Cabinet member for buying an 18 million truck in Austria. That was not our contract, it was contract of the previous administration, 14 of those 18 million were already delivered. This Cabinet member was -I was informed about and I said, the legal -his legal office, to stop it.You know what? He went just right ahead, travel there, signed something for the ... another tranche of delivery. So right there, right in the Cabinet meeting I said, 'were you able to read the opinion of your law, your own law office?' He said no. But Sonny Dominguez was already passing to me the - your iPhone. So I was reading it, while I was talking to him. I say P *** I ** you, you are fired, you are lying. And so I fired him. Go out of this office. I do not want to see your face again. I'm so stubborn. So your ... the Cabinet members, they are here, they are only given noon, one year, two years, one month. The directors, listen to the government, watch you. Directors, you are only given 15 days and I do not want Directors out of their office, you eat your lunch there, all you government officials. So that you can resume to work immediately. [Applause] Now this is my deal with the public. There is the 8888, I can not stop corruption and wrongdoings if you do not cooperate. You text me. That's it, 8888. You name the public official. Name his sins in that bulletin and I will take it from there. Do not be afraid about libel, I will take care of that. [Applause] That's what you do. I have to have your help. You do not have to do anything, no matter. All, police, military, all of me. If you think that some of-I've done bad things, you can not say, do not be afraid.
We are all workers of government! You are our employer. We get the money from your pocket to our pockets. Since when have you heard me talk about government and officials? I always address everybody 'workers of government.' I rarely mention Malacanang Palace, it is not a Palace, it is just a house of wood. So why should I call it the Palace. Give me something like the European style. So I just called it office, Palace-Palace there eh. And besides, all the rats of Pasig are there. [Laughter] It's just beside Pasig River. So, you're all the rats there everywhere, there's landing right, it has a wide field. And they are not killed because they are presidential mouse. [Laughter] That's saying ... soldiers. Sir, do not shoot, to the presidential mouse, P *** I ** well the mouse here, not killed yet, your man slaves you. People's patience is wearing thin. So is mine.I am reiterating my directive to all government agencies from frontline services to our people from womb to tomb - to further streamline their respective services to make these truly efficient, and people-friendly.We want to ensure that our people receive The quality services that they deserve, minus the delays caused by bureaucratic red tape. I expect speedy reforms along this line.We will right size the national government. Let us trim the excess fat and add more muscle through the expeditious passage of "The Act Rightsizing the National Government to Improve Public Service Delivery and for other Purposes." I therefore urge Congress to pass this at the soonest.For the Government Owned and Controlled Corporations, another one. The implementation of the existing Salary Standardization Law pending the review in the Compensation and Position Classification System, it's excessive, extravagant, and unconscionable. Salaries and allowances, incentives, benefits and bonuses across the Government Owned and Controlled Corporations at this time increases will have to pass by my office; And I am not inclined to increase your allowances, bonuses and salaries at this time. [Applause] No longer.You can not do it on your own. You have to direct it to the Executive Secretary and I will just tell you, I am not inclined to give increases right now. Maybe seven years from now, when Drilon makes it to the presidency.I also appeal to the Supreme Court to seriously consider the national interest and our development goals before issuing TROs and injunctions on critical government projects and cases involving government assets. I am just a Co-worker also, ladies and gentlemen. May I be allowed to be also, just as frank. But I cite, for example, the Supreme Court TRO that prevents the Department of Health from distributing subdermal implants, which will cause the wastage of P350 million worth Of taxpayers' money. I also note that since its issuance two years ago, this TRO has impaired the government's ability to fully implement responsibly family planning and methods and the RH Law.It is time that we put an end to the practice of some parties of resorting technicalities in our Laws, prevent the government from fulfilling its mandate.
That's it, Ma'am, eh. After all, this as good as any other time to talk to you and may I be understood by you. I am sorry to say this. Really I am, I do not intend to do it. But if you have to talk about government and our sins, which I am not an exception or are ... you know delays, we all make mistakes. That's it, two things, I do not really have time. I do not know if I can make another SONA again in the future. It's not for me to tell that. This TRO has been the bane of projects and even Consunji, your Ayala struggles with that. Just to make you understand that you are not alone. Then that TRO, would delay the projects. Now God ... and I am asking Congress to find me a law that if there is a bidding and it was regular, the court or somebody else should not be messing it up because it will delay the projects which has been the case in the provinces . You know that filing the case, either it is really the truth, well the COA will find out or share it. I will withdraw the case and dissolve the TRO of course, then you just give me a few ... say 10%. That's the kind of Filipino. So his TRO that is the bane of our efficiency. And I really do not know whether-I will not attribute anything, Ma'am, to the Supreme Court. Maybe I am at fault, so I am sorry, if I misquote or I did not have the complete facts.But this Congress passed the Reproduction Law. It was already a law to be implemented, because we are really going into a family planning. I am not for abortion; I am not for birth control. But surely, I am for the giving of the freedom to a Filipino family the size of his family. [Applause] How many children would they be able to support and send to school? What happened to your TRO, sir / ma'am, someone filed there with you, Supreme Court, then you issued a TRO two years Ago. In the meantime you - the government bought this drug 'Subdermal' with these pills worth 360. It was not really a reckless purchase; It was in preparation for the implementation of the law because it is not expected to take TRO - and it has been two years, the medicines will expire next month. I told Ubial - the Health Secretary - to find out if there is a nation, a law which would allow it and donate just rather than go to waste. That's what happened. I do not blame you, you might have been very busy or something. I-I'm just-I'm below you actually. But I just say-there is another. It's just a speech, no one can get it. The other is ... the Congress and we the government including the judges and justices, should understand that by this time, your lowest bid is that promoting graft and corruption in our Town. [Applause] COA, you are here and you know that I have a violation. There in the military I do not allow them to bid but just to buy the weapons from everywhere. Because almost all countries are making arms, they call - small arms industry. We are just fighting a rebellion. True, we do not need the armaments, but there is Marawi you have to hit hard because they are pre-positioned inside buildings. And until now we can not proceed fast because there are 300 hostages. I said, Do not assault. If necessary we'll just have to wait, wait it out but we have to give food. You do not go. I do not care if they are Moro or Christian, it's not-we do not have that luxury. Kasi when-there's a distinct possibility that we are there, they will just behead everybody. So find out a way to do it, if you can not find a way to do it then just I just said, "Wait it out," that's been long. Perhaps it is not a wise soldier. I will stop you. Initially, I said the bomb eh. "Sir, you can not really get sir. Every window is occupied your high rise sir. "And we were losing because of the snipers. And they are in a hurry, I said, "slow down." When I was-I was not bragging, when I was in the camp in Ranao, well, I was briefing-I was briefed by the military and I was giving the Instructions. I heard about 16 blow and then your bull of war, weng, weng. Your reps are at the back of the stage because of that cement. We will-is this way the way it should wait, then I will wait. Unless you can find a solution, somebody here who has the good, even a horse sense to negotiate for the release of-It's a one-I bring your lowest bid. "You know the beauty of that." Dropping the lowest bid does not cost you money. Dropping the lowest bid he will say to ... "I'll give you," who are those officials. So, the lowest bid he can take. So with no capital he will give you money and then give it-everything he gives, connected who will ... all. Then if it's 100 million projects, he has to pay so many guys, he left 100 ... out of the 100, 40 million, so that is the cost of the project. So when I was campaigning for the presidency , I was all over the Philippines. My God, I could see a -the appropriation, but the Airport was 3 meters long, so just made the basketball court. [Laughter] And there is a province here, not you. Not you. If you look into the records back in time the complex is the roads that are really, right here, go there but you're just one pass. It's only one highway, that is how corruption destroys the nation. Now, last. I have to say this, I need him to say sir eh.
I was elected June 30, I was squirming in - July I went to Davao-the AFP Medical Center. Did I tell you about it? Not yet? Then I said, "I'm quite familiar, because I signed a lot of-I'm a major mayor. I said, "Do you have MRI?" She said, "No sir." I said, "Is there a state of the art X-ray?" He said, "No sir." I said, with Are you hyperbaric? "That's the chamber where you are placed inside your if you suffer the bends, your -you are the ... deep-dive you. But it is also high pressure that can arrest gangrene, especially those who are extracted from the field of battle about two days na, gangrene sets in. So they are placed there and it can work miracles for our wounded soldier.So in one chair, one setting, you did this ... then I saw the building and I went inside, your drainage they came back. So I said ... you know I'm really surprised. You know, military men ... would you allow that kind of thing? The dirt is going back to the ... how do you expect the sailors to-the soldiers to get well? Then that's the only building, the oldest. I said okay you rehabilitate it, I'll give you a new one, in the meantime.But about last month, I went to the back of my office, in the barracks of the Presidential Guards. So there were groundbreaking for the hospitals of the soldiers, and I asked the soldiers who were also from V. Luna, "Are you using the equipments?" Did you know what was answered to me? "Sir, let's just talk. Do not be the only ones. "T *** mother, no ... not yet delivered. I said, if this is the way how you treat our soldiers and they are dying now, and that machine was ordered a year ago, then a coup d'état, a mutiny is not a surprise to me. So I said to Ubial, He's not guilty ... it's because of the procurement, but so long. Is Secretary Ubial here? Are you here, Secretary? Change the procedure because I will change you. [Laughter / Applause] It's really a coup d'état ... Many of us are losing about, by this time ... every day we lose about ... ten? Sometimes I say it's a useless war here, but there is a rebellion. I said even if I'm your soldier, and there is a machine already ordered, it could have saved my life, then no ma'am ... eh p *** mother, let's go coup d'état and let us get the machine By ourselves. I will not be surprised if it's already in their mind. I, I'm too willing to step down. But as a long term solution, I urge Congress to thoroughly review the existing procurement laws, and come up with legislation that will ensure prompt delivery of goods and services to the people - especially medicines And hospital equipments. As a military, I say do not mind COA, I will answer for that. Since COA is here, I limited to three places where military can buy the equipments because I am sure that they will work and they can kill the enemies and make Even our forces stronger or in parity with what they have in on the other side. This weapon, I said, 'do not follow him what. I will explain to COA why. 'Do not keep me in that place in South America ... and all that in mid-European. Eastern European countries are also-there are good ones, but I limited them to ... especially, equipments in listening.
If you sell them to someone else they're listening, you're together. You've been communicating three times. In our bid to accelerate human capital development, we must ensure lifelong opportunities by enhancing quality of and access to education, training programs.We Have sustained investments in higher education and committed to the full implementation of the K to 12 Basic Foundation Program. We have widened the reach of skills training and increased the number of out-of-school children and youth who have availed of the Alternative Learning System. To ensure that Filipinos are given equitable access to quality and affordable health services, we expanded health insurance coverage And benefits. The destitute and the indigents, or those who just could not afford hospitalization, can now be provided with free services of government-operated and public hospitals as well. We have strengthened the implementation of the No Balance Billing Policy. [Applause] You Filipinos are listening to me today. I'm going to be hospitalized, I'll pay you, they will not even pay me. Just enter there, occupy the hospital, just say ... true. When you go to the hospital, say that Mayor Duterte says that we are being treated, he does not have to pay. We are a lot of treasurers here. Do not be that, of course. At that height I have signed Executive Order No. 26 imposing a ban on smoking in public places to mitigate its consequences. We want to minimize access to tobacco products, and provide a more supportive environment for those who are attempting to quit tobacco use. Why do you know that I was beaten ... is not it. I've been very frankly. I have a Barrett and I have a Buergers disease caused by smoking. So, that's a problem in a survey in the Philippines, all over the world. Why is it that the women force ... workforce in an office and the men have acquired an equal, almost in parity in numbers, sick of cancer. It was found out, because if the poor girl has also to inhale your smoke, so it started in Davao. In Davao, you can not see a person there walking with a cigarette. Foreigners, they are very ... they can argue with you, they say my money, not your money. Well then okay, eat your money or I will shoot your balls. Investing in the health sector is never a cost to be endured but an opportunity to be explored.If we have to embrace the vision of a prosperous Philippines, we have to start putting Value to our people's well-being - because the success of every Filipino's pursuit to life, liberty and happiness directly mirrors the fulfillment of our aspirations as a Filipino. I would like to reiterate my personal and this administration's commitment to fully implement the Magna Carta of Women to the barangay level are over. To this effect, an executive order will be issued to local government units institutionalizing gender and development programs and services.We are targeting to increase Government spending on infrastructure from 5 percent of the GDP in 2017 to 7 percent of the GDP by 2022, amounting to A total of 8 to 9 trillion pesos or 160 to 180 billion dollars. [Applause] Infrastructure projects. We will make the next few years the "Golden Age of Infrastructure" in the Philippines to enhance our mobility and connectivity, and thereby spur development growth equitable in the country. In other words, we are going to Build, Build and Build.To improve our sea connectivity, we launched 15 brand new RORO vessels to ply major nautical routes all over the country. We also opened an ASEAN Ro-Ro Shipping Route connecting the ports of Davao and General Santos, Philippines to Bitung, Indonesia. To address the congestion of our sea ports, we modernized the Ports of Iloilo, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga. We shall complete strategic road and bridge projects and some of the road sections will be widened and improved to address the worsening traffic. You know, Ma'am Grace ... You are pushing for - you know, when I became President, EDSA Was already horrendous as it was a horror of the other administrations. Now, I brought in Tugade, because Tugade is to me, a bright boy. He is a billionaire; He was my classmate, i'm here he is. He was our valedictorian in the law class, really good. But we needed money and we tried to get your help to raise money. You do not want to give up, until now, 'but still EDSA. Okay, at least everything is fine. Let's leave us ugly. We will not make it all smooth in the Philippines, we leave a little alley known as EDSA as the road to perdition. But anyway, since, I could not get any funding, I traveled to China and make friends with them. And the Ambassador, Ambassador Zhao. Thank you for the help.
And as a matter of fact, [Applause] they are willing. They said if your Congress has no money, we will give you the money and China has committed to build two bridges to span Pasig River free of charge. [Applause] So that you will be comfortable in crossing Pasig.Well anyway, all of these strategic road and transport projects shall go to naught if we can not free our streets, which continue to be obstructed by illegally parked vehicles. That EDSA, traffic obstructions and undisciplined drivers who stop in the middle of the road, and unsanctioned barriers in some areas. I am directing the MMDA and the LGUs of Metro Manila, as well as the LGUs of Metro Cebu and all our regional Centers to ensure the free flow of traffic, and immediately clear our roads and thoroughfares of all unnecessary obstruction, including vehicles parked on the streets / barriers. [Applause] Sanctioned by the government, and penalize all traffic obstructionists regardless of stature - sometimes, you can not, because the police, it's a Cabinet member. But me, I have not authorized my Cabinet member to utilize the low plate. It's not for us to ... you just use an ordinary plate. For nothing to say your man. And I do not want you parking there, when there's no parking. Please we move -Airports. We are building new airports. We might get some money also from China and we'll have new airports in the coming days and we are now accelerating the implementation of the communications, navigations, surveillance and air traffic managements system projects which will result the on-time arrivals, departures better Managed air traffic, reduced flight operational cost and safer and more convenient travel experience.Revenues are the life blood of government which enables us to provide for the people's needs. Last May 31, 2017, we achieved the first step towards more equitable taxes to fund Better services for the people. I commend the House of Representatives for heeding my urgent certification of the tax reform by passing the first of five packages of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program with an overwhelming 246 votes, representing almost 9 percent of the Filipino people. The fate of the tax reform is Now in the hands of the Senate. What do you want to do, I kneel there? Well really, I leave it up to you. We are all Filipinos. If you think that's a waste, fine! If you think, it's not good, it's okay with me. I can survive.
I call on the Senate so support my tax reform in full and to pass it without haste. [Applause] Do not like wings, no matter what, no. They are not clapping. Angara, do not even clap. [Laughter] Just keep an eye on elections, you see. [Laughter] These reforms are designed to be pro-poor, especially when the people understand how the revenues will be spent. Passage of the Tax Reform Law is needed to fund the proposed 2018 budget which I am submitting here and today.The poor And vulnerable are at the heart of my tax reform. Your support would ensure that the benefits of the tax reform can be felt immediately by them. In the meantime, the DOF and BIR are strengthening and running after tax evaders. [Applause] I have directed the DOF and the BIR to accept Mighty Corporation's offer of P25 billion to settle its tax liabilities. After the settlement, Mighty will no longer engage in the tobacco business.This will be the biggest tax settlement on record. It will produce a windfall for government, which is significant since we have face the unexpected costs of rebuilding Marawi and Ormoc. The acceptance of the tax settlement offer does not preclude other criminal charges against the company that the BIR may decide to file. A settlement will allow government to avoid a long court battle that, as we saw in previous cases, could take years to resolve.Let this be a lesson to others. This administration will spare no one found cheating the government of its due.We view Information and Communications Technology or ICT as an effective medium to implement positive and meaningful changes in our society. To this end, my Cabinet approved the National Broadband Plan of 2017 to Begin the work of bringing affordable internet access to every community and improving broadband connectivity in the country.We have also installed free WiFi internet in almost 400 public places around the country. We hope that the public ... [Applause] will use them to access important information and services.The National Government Portal, which we launched recently, will allow faster and easier delivery of public services and reduce the number of visits of the public to Agencies for government transactions.The Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Migration Plan has also been launched. The switch to digital from analog transmission will not only give a better TV viewing experience but also provide effective and reliable information to Filipinos in times of calamities. The government-owned Salaam Digital TV, the first Muslim TV in the Philippines, is now on Test broadcasting.These are some of the things that we have done for the past twelve months. A more detailed narrative is contained in my 'Report to the People,' will be released soon.Whether or not my first year of administration was a year of gains or a year of setbacks is not for me to say but for the people to judge ; I defer to the people's judgment.My fellow citizens ... [Applause] much remains to be done. Corruption persists like a fishbone stuck in the throat; It pains and it is disconcerting. We need to pry corruption from government corpus which is deeply embedded and we also need to put an end to squabbles and bickerings with an agencies focused truly on speedy provision of quality public services to our people. Believe me, it is easier to build from scratch Than to dismantle the rotten and rebuild upon its rubbles.Nevertheless, let us work together and lay a new foundation upon which a better Philippines can be reconstructed. Help me build a better tomorrow.Let me end - would you like to go home? O open your door, the door is near you. Let me end by wishing everyone in the language of the old: "May God Keep us forever sheltered in the hollow of His hand." Thanks.