By Jelly Musico/PNA
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday commended former senator Manny Villar and his wife, incumbent Senator Cynthia Villar, for helping the government in the rehabilitation of drug dependents.
Duterte made this remark as he led the unveiling of the markers of the new Las Piñas’ Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC) and Mella Hotel in C5 Extension in Barangay Pulang Lupa, Las Piñas City.
“This initiative is consistent with our efforts to eradicate the drug problem in the country. I, therefore, thanked Manny and Cynthia, their children and the entire Sipag Foundation and all communities involved in this endeavor,” Duterte said in his speech.
He said the Las Piñas DATRC will definitely help hundreds of drug dependents, particularly in southern part of Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Cavite.
“I thanked again the Villar family for sharing their blessings to the Filipinos from all walks of life especially those who need to reform the lives of those who gone astray because of illegal drugs,” Duterte said.
“Your partnership in the government in advancing the condition of our kababayans is truly commendable. I pray that your endeavors and advocates will continue to serve the needs of the Filipino people,” he added.
He also lauded the Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines and the Provincial Leagues of the Philippines for working together for the effective management of the DATRC.
Duterte reiterated his commitment to continue his relentless war against illegal drugs which have victimized millions of Filipinos and left many dysfunctional families.
“Let me repeat it again for all. Do not go into drugs because if you do that, I will kill you. If you destroy our children, then I’ll just have to kill you,” Duterte said.
“The presidency is a gift from God and my gift to the Filipino people. Baka makulong ako (If will be jailed) then my gift to you is my freedom. And if I have to go to jail for killing these idiots, I will do it and it’s gonna be so be it,” he added.
He said he is ready to take full responsibility for the more than 4,000 drug personalities killed “because they offered to resist violently” since he started his campaign right after his inauguration as the country’s 16th President in June 2016.
Duterte repeated his directive to police to just do their duty to fight illegal drugs “in accordance with the rules of law”.
“But it is in self-defense, in the performance of your duty. You think that you’ll lose your – not only your funds but your life, then you have to kill, go ahead. It will be my pleasure to see dead criminals. I do not apologize for it. I offer no explanation. I am just stating the law as it is,” he said.
The President also took the opportunity to greet Villar, a former Senate President, on his birthday.
“It is indeed an occasion to celebrate not only his natal day, but also his meaningful contributions to our nation’s overall advancement,” Duterte said.
He encouraged the Filipino people to emulate the diligence and hard work that helped Villar emerged from the poor beginning in Tondo to become one of the country’s richest businessmen.
“Senator Villar is truly an epitome of diligence and hard work. Coming from a poor family, Senator Villar used his hardships as an inspiration to push through and persevere. I recognize his admirable determination to become what he is today despite his humble beginnings,” Duterte said.
“To Senator Villar, may you have many more birthdays to come and I hope you will continue to inspire and help more Filipinos pursuant to uplift their condition and enjoy more comfortable and progress lives,” he added.
