Pres. Duterte to his countrymen: Change should start with us and in us

Photo by SunStar

The recently inaugurated President Rodrigo Roa Duterte commenced his speech by saying "thank you for making me the President" to the ex-President Fidel V. Ramos followed by acknowledging the government officials who attended - Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Senate President Franklin Drilon are some of them to name a few. And of course, the filipino people.

He asked for unity by saying "No leader, however strong, can succeed at anything of national importance unless he has the support and cooperation of the people he starts to lead and sworn to serve". adding that his administration will "listen to murmurings of the people." to therefore "supply their needs and fortify their trust in bringing him to the public office."

Mr. President highlighted that "corruption (both high and low), criminality in streets, rampant sale of illegal drugs, breakdown of law and order" are the "social disease that creeps and cuts into the moral fiber of filipino society". With conviction, he said it all "needs to stop by all means which the law allows".

"Erosion of people's trust, faith, and confidence to/in the government are the real problems that confront us.", he said.


He also went on acknowledging those who don't approve his methodology of fighting crime, drugs, and corruption; saying what he does to address them is "illegal and unorthodox". He said "he has seen how these ruin family relationships", how it wrecked the youth's future, and how it hindered our country's progress. "Look at this from that perspective and tell me  that I am wrong.", he challenged. "The fight will be relenteless and time will be sustained", he added.

Pres. Duterte therefore said "as a lawyer, I know the limits of the power of the President. I know what is legal and what is not hence my adherence to national law cannot be compromised". Thus, he uttered "mind your work and I will mind mine". But according to him, "We have become our own worst enemies and we must have the courage to change ourselves as we commence our journey towards a better Philippines." 

He then stated his call for unity by saying "The ride will be rough, but comee and join me, together, shoulder to shoulder, let us take the first steps to this quest". and mentioned an excerpt from a famous quote to which his administration would likely rely on - "You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong, you cannot help the poor by destroying the rich"

The new President then ordered all department secretaries and agency heads to "remove redundant requirements" as well as "refrain from changing and bending the rule of government contracts" as he abhors secrecy and advocates transparency. As such, he dared "do them and we will work together. Do not do them and we will part sooner than later."

Mr. Duterte emphasized that he "was elected not to serve interest of any person, I serve everyone and not only one." sharing a quote from someone whose name he can no longer remember: I have no friends to serve, I get no enemies to harm. "Join me to embark to this crusade for a better tomorrow" he invited.

Prior closing, he extended his deepest sympathy to the victims and families of the bombing in turkey.

Afterwards, he asked, "why am I here?" Saying it is no longer part of his inauguration speech as the people laughed and cheered him on. With sincerity in his eyes, he said "I love my country and I love the Filpinos. I am ready to start my work for the nation."

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