President Rodrigo Duterte joined his fellow alumni in this year’s San Beda Law Alumni Homecoming at The Peninsula Manila on Friday, November 24.
In his speech, President Duterte encouraged his fellow alumni to “join hands” with the Filipino nation in leading the way for change and progress.
“As we move forward, may all of our achievements enable the college to remain as a great learning institution committed to its mission of providing excellent and quality education guided by the Benedictine principles of values and principles,” President Duterte said.
During the event, the President witnessed the turnover of a check by the San Beda College of Law Batch 1992 officers to the Bukid Kabataan (BK) as part of its outreach programs.
He was also presented with a bust as the “Bedan of the Year Award” in recognition of his exemplary national leadership.
It was conferred by lawyers Avelino Cruz and Benedicto Malcontento, Justice Francisco Acosta, and San Beda’s Rector and President, Rev. Fr. Alloysius Ma. Maranan.
President Duterte also reiterated his promise to eradicate corruption, crime and illegal drug trade in the country.
“It was a problem, number one in Davao City. Pinilit ko talaga because you are trying to destroy my city and I cannot improve on it and I cannot collect taxes because there are no business and I cannot deliver the goods to the people — edukasyon, health, lahat na,” the President said.
“Pati ‘yang Immigration, bantay kayo sa akin,” he warned.
Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte explained that a “coalition government” proposed by the communists was among the reasons why he officially terminated the peace negotiations.
“Tinitingnan ko lahat. It sums up like this, para ang labas coalition government. That’s what I said in a statement to the press: I cannot give you what I do not have,” the Chief Executive said, adding that it was a portion of a sovereignty which nobody can own except the Filipino people.
President Duterte added that he will have Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison arrested if the latter decides to return home.
“If Joma Sison comes here, I will arrest him. Or if I were him, huwag na siyang bumalik dito. I will not allow him to return in his native land,” Duterte said.
He also admitted that he had sensed the grumblings of the military following his decision to temporary release the communist consultants, including the leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon.
“There’s always a time to destroy and to repair. And they have done so much destruction to the country. Not only destroying the youth noon, pati ngayon,” President Duterte said. ### (PND)
