President Duterte on Tuesday said that he is working on strengthening the military and police to prepare for what he called “dangerous times” ahead after he steps down from his post in 2022.
Duterte, at the appreciation dinner for former President and House Speaker Gloria M. Arroyo at the historic landmark Manila Hotel, said this is necessary as his oath of office dictates that he must protect the people and preserve the Philippines.
The President said that while he has acquired armaments that the military needs to combat terrorism, he wishes that Congress would move to further strengthen the country’s line of defense.
“We have acquired so many armaments. And there were things, kakaunti na lang, which I hope that Congress would tide us over to complete the instruments that we need in dealing, especially with terrorism,” Duterte said.
Duterte hopes that the military and police would be improved before he steps down because he is unsure if his successor would be able to do it.
“I hope that by the time I make my exit, nandiyan na lahat ‘yan because I am not belittling the events to come or the person coming in to be the next President,” he said. “I’d rather that I leave with a strong military and police and equipped to challenge the enemies of the state, especially terrorism,” he added.
The President said that he should be prepared because he is sensing danger which the Philippines may find difficulty containing.
“I see very dangerous times ahead. And I hope that we will be able to contain whatever there is to really to…” Duterte said. “Lumalabas nga ‘yung pawis sa kamay ko just thinking about if it would go awry outside of Sulu and Basilan islands,” he added. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
