CABATUAN, Iloilo—President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday, June 20, led the ceremonial distribution of emancipation patents/ certificates of land ownership awards (CLOA) here.
A total of 3,772 CLOAs were distributed in Western Visayas (Region VI), comprising of 56 in Aklan; 76 in Antique; 440 in Capiz; 186 in Guimaras; 301 in Iloilo; 1,775 in northern Negros Occidental; and 938 in southern Negros Occidental.
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John Castriciones said the distribution of CLOAs here coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
The distribution of 3,772 CLOAs involved 2,134 beneficiaries and distributed 2,694 hectares of land.
In his speech, President Duterte said he is continuing the programs started by his predecessors.
“As a matter of fact, during my first day, there is always a national plan either from the predecessor or the subsequent occupants in the office. Ang sinabi ko sa kanila, “if there is a plan, if indeed it exists, you would just implement it.” Huwag na natin baguhin. Wala nang pulitika kasi nagsalita na ang tao,” Duterte said.
He also told the people not to thank him for the CLOA distribution because it is part of his job.
“You know, I was elected by the people, chosen to serve the government and therefore, I am just a worker of government. You do not have to thank me for you owe me nothing. Lahat po ‘yan ay binili ng gobyerno, gastos ng gobyerno. I am just doing what is expected of me,” Duterte said.
President to police: Follow my orders vs. criminals loitering the streets
In the same speech, President Duterte reiterated his directive to the police to arrest “tambays.”
“Sundin lang ninyo ‘yung utos ko. Wala namang inaaresto. I just don’t want you using the streets to loiter,” he said.
Duterte, who was Davao City’s longest serving mayor before he became President, said he wants the people to instill discipline just like in Davao.
“Look at Davao. Kung masunod ko lang ‘yung Davao sa lahat, okay na. Komportable na tayo,” he said.
“I mean that’s the kind of life that I want every Filipino to — you can walk around, park o rural road. Hindi ‘yung para sa kriminal,” he said.
He then issued a warning against criminals loitering the streets.
“Huwag kayong magpakita diyan kasi kayo ang walang katwiran na magpasyal-pasyal kasi ‘pag makita kita, madampot pa kita. Iyon na ‘yung last pasyal mo. So huwag kang mag-istorbo ng tao. Para ‘yan sa peace-loving citizens,” Duterte said.
He however assured that his directive is for the good of the Filipino, and that there will be no abuses.
“I still have to do many more things. But you can be sure, ‘yung binitawan ko na ‘yan, ‘yan ang standard. Hindi ako lalampas diyan… straight lang ‘yan. Wala, hindi rin ako aabuso. Basta sunod lang. Tutal ang hinihingi ko para sa bayan natin, the Republic of the Philippines,” Duterte said. PND
