With nearly three years left in office, President Duterte declared Tuesday that he was “in a hurry” to address the country’s problems such as illegal drugs trade and corruption.
Addressing the PDP-Laban campaign rally in Malabon City, the President said he could not care less if he lands in jail or gets killed in pursuing the campaign against drugs and corruption.
He asserted that the country cannot attain “progress and development” if corruption in government is not stopped and peace and order are not kept.
“I am really in a hurry not in this talk of mine tonight but I intend to make it short. I am in a hurry because there is only about three years left for me to correct the things that I wanted to do,” the President said.
“Hindi kayo nagkamali na ako ang pinili niyo. Sinabi ko No. 1, droga pati corruption. ‘Yung dalawa na ‘yan… Kaya may three years ako, nangako ako uubusin ko kayo. Para na lang sa bayan ko. Hindi na bale akong makulong, mamatay, bitayin,” he said.
Duterte admitted that drug problem was “swallowing the country,” citing the recent seizure of smuggled illegal drugs worth billions. He said he could “not control” the drug problem, which he claimed has actually worsened.
“Meron talaga ‘yan droga bilyon, bilyon. Noon titingi-tingi lang by the thousands. Ang droga hindi ko nga makontrol, p***** i** pinapatay ko na ang mga hindot na ‘yan. Nandiyan pa rin ‘yung droga. Mas lalo tuloy tumindi,” he said.
On fighting corruption in the bureaucracy, the President insisted that he has zero tolerance for corruption and red tape. He said he has already fired several officials involved in corruption and abuse.
He reminded anew the State workforce to shun corruption and provide efficient service to the public especially those applying for permits and other documents. (Genalyn Kabiling)
