President Rodrigo Duterte was sworn in on June 30, 2016 as the 16th president of the Philippines. Since he assumed office, he prioritized the eradication of illegal drugs and criminality, which he believes “destroys the country and the youth of the land.”
In the PTV documentary special “Ang Pangulo” that aired on Sunday (July 25), several experts and analysts explored how the President is striving to reach his goals of making the country “better than the one he grew up with.”
Many critics tag Duterte as “unpresidential” because of his unusual style of leadership and tone of voice. Sociologist and historian Frias Velasco told PTV that the concept of “presidential” is American-influenced, and the President’s personality reflects the common trait of a Filipino. Agreeing, political science professor Ramon Beleno III said it has become normal for ordinary Filipinos to speak unpleasantly.
Nevertheless, the President focused on prosecuting law offenders and those who abuse the Filipino people.
Duterte scrutinized the “onerous and disadvantageous” rates of water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad, as well as threatened telecommunication companies with expropriation of their assets if they did not improve their services.
Not only did the President probe the private sector, but also kept an eye on government agencies and officials.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed in its March 2021 report that at least 4,974 PNP personnel were dismissed due to illegal operations. Meanwhile, about 800 government officials and employees were dismissed from the service because of corrupt practices.
A positive trust and approval rating has been maintained by the President since he was seated. In July 2016, a Pulse Asia Survey result showed that 91% of Filipinos approved of the President. Meanwhile, a Social Weather Station survey in September 2016 revealed that 76% of Filipinos trust the Duterte administration. Last year, an end-of-the-year survey conducted by Publicus Asia showed a 70% approval rating for the President.
“Wala siyang tinatago, shi-ni-share niya kung ano ‘yung nararamdaman niya, that’s very unique for a presidential address,” political strategist and Publicus Asia President Malou Tiquia told PTV.
Institutionalized laws
Under the Duterte administration, the promulgation of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11310 or the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” (4Ps) was enacted.
Read more: PRRD signs law institutionalizing 4Ps
The salaries of entry-level government nurses were raised from Salary Grade 11 to Salary Grade 15 under his administration, and the salaries of military and police personnel, firefighters, jail officers, and other government staff were raised as well.
Moreover, the two-decade old income tax rate underwent reform, and now individuals with a salary of ₱20,833 and below are exempted from paying personal income taxes.
The Rice Tariffication Law was also passed in February 2019, reducing the price of rice, the basic commodity of Filipinos.
Read more: PRRD signs rice tariffication bill into law
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Social Amelioration Program was established to provide relief to the most vulnerable members of the community. The government provided cash aid to poor Filipinos that were hard-hit by the pandemic.
Read more: #NasaPusoKoAngPangulo trends on social media as netizens show support for President Duterte
Today (July 26), the President is set to deliver his sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the joint session of Congress. He is expected to talk about his administration’s achievements over the past five years. – PTV News / CF – jlo
