PROFILE: Who is

President Rodrigo Duterte?

By: Inquirer Research - @inquirerdotnet
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 09:02 PM June 29, 2016

Seventy-one-year-old Rodrigo Duterte was on his seventh term as mayor of Davao City
when he was persuaded to run for the highest position in the country.

Though he has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate since 2014, it took a
while before supporters and admirers convinced him to replace Martin Diño as
candidate of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

Known for transforming Davao into one of the most peaceful cities in the Philippines,
Duterte was in fourth place among presidential contenders when he announced his
candidacy. But the mayor’s mass appeal and quirky sense of humor brought him to the
top of surveys a month before the elections.

Duterte, once dubbed “The Punisher” by Time magazine, is known for his iron-fisted
rule and unconventional methods of fighting crime in Davao. He has been linked to the
so-called Davao Death Squad, alleged to be behind several unsolved extrajudicial
killings whose victims included children and journalists.

His run for the presidency was Duterte’s first time to participate in national elections.
He was first elected Davao mayor in 1988 and held the position for more than two
decades. He was congressman of the first district of Davao City from 1998 to 2001 and
vice mayor to his daughter Sara from 2010 to 2013.

Sara is one of Duterte’s three children with his former wife Elizabeth Zimmerman. The
others are sons Paolo and Sebastian. Zimmerman’s and Duterte’s 25- year marriage was
annulled in 1998.

Duterte has another daughter, Veronica, with his common-law wife Honeylet Avanceña.
A law graduate from San Beda College, Duterte passed the bar examinations in 1973.
He obtained a political science degree from Lyceum of the Philippines University in
1968.

Duterte served as Davao special counsel then assistant city prosecutor in the late 1970s
until the early 1980s.

He was born on March 28, 1945, in Maasin, Southern Leyte, to Vicente Duterte, who
was governor of the undivided Davao in the late 1950s, and Soledad Roa, a teacher and
civic leader.
HE SAID WHAT?
"If I become president, there would be no such thing as bloodless cleansing."" (Presidential forum at the
De La Salle University in Manila on January 20.)
"I will not accept money and contributions from people and groups who have transactions with the
government because I will have to pay them back with favors when I become President." (Duterte told a
gathering of campaign leaders and supporters in Davao City on January 6).
"I’m presenting myself as President of the Republic of the Philippines. Judge me not by the cuss words
and the curses. Judge me for what I stand for."" (Cebu City speech January 7).
- On being President

"I think it’s also incumbent for those proposing to lower taxes to point out which programs will have to
be cut. Its easy to grandstand, to freshen our image by saying 'lets lower taxes, have zero taxes.' But
what are the programs which will be severly affected? How many children will not have classrooms?
How many of our countrymen will no longer benefit from Philhealth? How many will no longer benefit
from the [Conditional Cash Transfer Program?]"
- On the administration opposing lower income tax rates

“If I succeed [in resolving crime and corruption] perhaps that would be my greatest contribution to the
country, but if I fail, kill me,” (Duterte statement on January 17)
“What I want is to instill fear [among criminals]. If it sends the wrong signal, then I’m sorry.” (Cebu
City speech January 7)
“You know, I am only human. So I am still greeting drug addicts, thieves, corrupt officials, criminals
and those who makes the lives of Filipinos miserable a merry Christmas. But if you do not want to stop,
and just continue committing crimes, then this would be your last “Merry Christmas.” (Video message
December 22)
“Let’s shoot it out instead. People might be afraid to die, but what am I afraid of?” (Duterte said in
Bisaya in an interview on December 14)
- On crime in PH

“I will recommend to Congress the restoration of death penalty by hanging in public.” (December 27 TV
Talk Show in Davao City) - On death penalty
- On death penalty

ONE YEAR AFTER ELECTION

Captivated by the slogan “Change is coming,” the Filipino people trooped to the polls
more than a year ago to elect a uniquely populist president by the name of Rodrigo
Duterte. Undaunted in speaking his mind, Candidate Duterte captured the imagination
and liking of a nation sorely in need of political continuity.

What lies in between promise and practice is legitimacy. Looking back, after garnering
40 percent of the votes, the credibility of the automated election gave the Duterte
administration a clear and categorical mandate. That he continues to enjoy historic
popularity one year since is a testament to the successful conduct of the 2016 polls.

A historic 93 percent of surveyed respondents from a Pulse Asia survey in July 2016
believed that the election was orderly and relatively free from confusion — a
continuation of an upward trend from 92 percent in June 2013 and 86 percent in April
2013. A convincing majority—89 percent — described the exercise as credible. Other
metrics, including perceptions of occurrence of vote-buying, cheating, and violence, all
dropped, while 92 percent agreed that the release of the election results was fast.

At the onset, Mr. Duterte set the right tone in his first address to the nation — by
emphatically tackling a whole gamut of issues that need to be addressed, and departing
from the traditional bashing of past administrations. He tackled issues such as law and
order, economic reforms, human capital development and investment, reforms in the
police and the military, sector-specific concerns, responsive public services, and other
issues such as mining, contractualization and foreign policy.

In a nutshell, Mr. Duterte’s concept of radical change consists of reestablishing law and
order, achieving inclusive growth and development, and restructuring the form of
government.
Though riddled with controversies, his much-vaunted war on drugs is the anchor of
reestablishing law and order. With thousands of casualties, it has caught not only
national attention but the attention of the international community as well. A dilemma
between procedures and outcomes, the method has rendered the streets much safer than
before.

With regard to peace negotiations, only the talks with the National Democratic Front
have thus far reached some level of “understanding,” reaching the fourth round. The
fifth round has been stalled, but back-channel negotiations are ongoing

The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 holds a unique promise to spread

development and make growth inclusive. By enhancing the social fabric, implementing
inequality-reducing transformation, and increasing potential growth, the Duterte
administration aims to promote efficient governance, agricultural development, social
protection and human capital formation. Infused in the plan is the new Investment
Priorities Plan that puts importance to, among others, the sectors involving agriculture,
forestry and fishery, and micro, small and medium enterprises via fiscal and nonfiscal
incentives.

Historically, the poorest of the poor can be found in the economic sectors engaged in
farming, fishing and forestry. If implemented efficiently, initiatives targeted toward the
development of these sectors would translate to millions of Filipino lives lifted from
poverty.

Much-needed political economic reforms, in particular the hybrid federal system

proposed by the ruling PDP-Laban, warrants positive attention. Accordingly, the
rationale behind the institution of a federal government lies in the characteristic features
of Philippine society where there is “a lopsided development; poverty, inequality and
instability; and multi-cultural composition.” Further, such restructuring is accompanied
by other necessary institutional reforms.

In addition, a daily concern of the population and the economy as well is traffic
congestion in urban areas. While it is obviously a complex problem that cannot be
resolved easily, concrete programs and infrastructure projects need to be undertaken
soon.
 Even so, President Duterte’s popularity could easily dissipate if things are not done as he
has promised. Much is at stake in his second year in office. It is time to speak less and
act more.

DUTERTE’S 30 PROMISES

Kill big-time drug lords and suppress drug trade

"[D]rugs, which is my main target, I hope to suppress them to the end."
Time period: 3 to 6 months
When he said it: Feb. 22, 2016, March 20, 2016, and April 24, 2016
Where he said it: Presidential debate venues in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and
Dagupan cities
ACTION PLAN:
 Bring back death penalty for all drug users and traders, even if it's a member of his
own family
 Go after drug lords through the military and police
 Recruit militiamen who have completed basic ROTC and former soldiers who have
experience in gunhandling and law enforcement for the fight against drugs
 Provide P5 million bounty for every drug boss caught and smaller bounties for other
drug suppliers
Context: As of June 15, 2016, the Philippine National Police has arrested 17,680 persons and killed
68 for illegal possession of drugs since the start of 2016, according to data from the PNP Directorate
for Investigation and Detective Management. Of this number, 3,760 were arrested and 29 were killed
between May 10 to June 15 alone, one month after the 2016 elections.

Suppress crime by end of 2016

"We must begin by addressing criminality, ensuring law and order. And I assure you,
under my leadership, you’ll feel the difference in six months. I will start not in terms of
years, not in terms of months, but I will do it in the first weeks of my tenure if destiny
brings me to Malacañang."
Time period: 3 to 6 months
When he said it: April 27, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues
ACTION PLAN:
 Shoot-to-kill order for organized crime
 Lobby in Congress to pass the death penalty for serious crimes
Context: Between 2010 and 2015, the Philippine National Police recorded a total of 383,116 crimes
committed in the top 15 chartered cities in the Philippines, according to data from the latest PNP
crime index. Quezon City ranked as the most dangerous city, followed by Manila, Cebu, Davao and
Cagayan de Oro cities. Considered crimes are murder, homicide, robbery, theft, carnapping and
physical injury. A separate rape index by the PNP showed that a total of 6,374 rape cases were
reported in the same 15 cities, within the same time period. Davao City ranked second on the list
with 843 cases logged.

Improve wages and equipment of police and military

"I will increase the salary of our police and military and equip them properly to fight
criminality, and offer rewards to those who perform their duties well ... [T]hey will have
their salaries increased immediately upon my assumption. Doble na."
Time period: Immediately upon assumption / 6 years
When he said it: April 27, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues
ACTION PLAN:
 Double salaries of military and police immediately upon assumption • Buy new
equipment
 Offer incentives and rewards for jobs well done
Context: New PNP recruits, or PO1, and privates under the AFP both start with a base salary of
P14,834. The PNP Chief Director General and his Army counterparts–those who possess the rank
of General or Admiral–earn a base pay of P67,500. Salaries listed do not include benefits and
allowances. The PNP modified their pay scale in February 2016 while the AFP last revised its pay
scale in April 2012.

Hire 3,000 new police, create two new Army divisions

"We have a problem in this country, especially in Mindanao. I would need more warm
bodies but I cannot tell you how I would deploy them. That’s something I cannot share
with you. I would need about 3,000 more policemen to take control of this country."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 27, 2016 and May 29, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues and press conference in
Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
 Hire 3,000 policemen
 Create two new Army divisions for his personal use
Context: According to the 2013 PNP Accomplishment report, 7,615 P01s were recruited out of the
total 9,973 quota set for that year. In 2014, 8,232 P01s were recruited out of the total 22,200
recruitment quota.

Roll out Davao City's law-and-order measures on the national level

"The police should not arrest minors. They do not have the discernment of what they
are doing out there ... Arrest the parents instead.”
Time period: 3 to 6 months
When he said it: May 16, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
 Implement 10 p.m. curfew for minors without parental supervision, and throw the
parents of caught children in jail for "abandonment"
 Impose 2 a.m. curfew for drinking in public places
 Implement smoking ban in enclosed public places
 Ban late-night karaoke sessions
Context: Curfew for Minors (Davao City Ordinance No. 84): “It shall be unlawful for any child below
sixteen (16) years of age to be loitering around after seven (7) o`clock in the evening unless they are
in company with their parents or guardians; and for any such child to be sleeping in public places like
the markets, wharves, empty bodegas or houses, sidewalks or alleys, showhouses, etc.”

Smoking Ban (Ordinance No. 0367-12): “It shall be unlawful for any individual to smoke or allow
smoking of any tobacco product, or use Electronic Device Systems, Shisha and the like, in all forms
of Public Conveyances, Government-owned Vehicles, Accommodation and Entertainment
Establishments, Workplaces, Enclosed or Partially Enclosed Public Places, Public Buildings, and
Public Outdoor Spaces, except in duly designated smoking areas… within the territorial jurisdiction
of Davao City.”

"Liquor ban (Ordinance No. 004-13, amendment): “All persons selling or serving liquor, alcoholic
beverages, coconut wine and other nature wines and the like that cause intoxication are hereby
prohibited to sell or serve beginning 1 o’clock in the morning (1:00 a.m.) until 8 o’clock in the
morning (8:00 a.m.).”

Release all political prisoners

"I might decide to just free them (political prisoners) before the [end of the] talks ... It is a
show of confidence-building. Maski hindi maganda dahil wala namang negotiation na
maganda talaga (Even if it’s not nice, but then what negotiation is nice). Whether civil or
uncivil, in good manners or hindi, basta nagsimula na, sige i-release ko na (not, once
it’s started, all right, I’ll release them)."
Time period: 6 years
 When he said it: May 23, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
 Use ongoing peace talks with Leftist and militant groups as a precondition to freeing
political prisoners
Context: According to human rights group Karapatan, there are at least 543 political prisoners still
detained as of May 2016. Of this number, 18 are peace consultants of the National Democratic Front
of the Philippines, while 88 need proper medical treatment and 48 are elderly. Detainees include
Communist Party of the Philippines leaders Benito Tiamzon and his wife, Wilma.

Stop corruption in government

“'Yung may mga (those who have) cases, alis na (leave), I do not care kung wala pang
(if there’s no) judgment [yet]. 'Pag hindi (if not), I plan to invade Jolo, [the lair of the] Abu
Sayyaf. Prepare now for combat duty there, kayo ang uutusan ko (I will order that you
serve there). At kung kayo ang ma-hostage doon (And if you are taken hostage), say
your our father’s name because I will never, never pay to retrieve you.”
Time period: 6 months
When he said it: Feb. 22, 2016, March 20, 2016, April 24, 2016 and May 18,
2016
Where he said it: Presidential debate venues in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and
Dagupan cities, and press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
 Force corrupt police and generals to resign or retire from servce
 Impose 72-hour processing times for government certificates and clearances
Context: According to the 2015 corruption index of global watchdog Transparency International, the
Philippines is ranked 95 out of 168, with 1 being the least corrupt and 168 the most corrupt. The
country scored 35 in the index, or more corrupt than its 2014 score of 38.

Amend the Constitution to lift laws restricting foreign investments

"I can be comfortable with 70-30 percent [in favor of foreign ownership] ... I can give you
(foreign businessmen) a lease renewable for 40 years. That is a lifetime. But if you
leave the country, [it would be] automatic na [that you cannot pass it on to another
corporation]."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: Feb. 4, 2016
Where he said it: Wallace Business Forum
 ACTION PLAN:
 Hold a Constitutional Convention to ratify the Constitution
Context: The Philippine Constitution currently restricts foreign ownership to 40 percent of certain
businesses. Should it be amended, Duterte has said he would prefer it be done through a
Constitutional Convention, or Con-con, which involves electing representatives through a special
election and voters ratifying the resulting amendment.

Bury the body of President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga

Bayan
“I will allow the burial of President Marcos sa Libingan ng mga Bayani not because he is
a hero but because he was a Filipino soldier, period ... 'Yang issue sa burial ni President
Ferdinand Marcos sa Libingan ng mga Bayani has created division among our people…
I am sure that I will erase among our people one hatred."
Time period: 3 to 6 months
When he said it: May 23, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
 Decree that Marcos be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani
Context: While it is customary for Philippine presidents to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani,
many believe that Ferdinand Marcos, who died in September 1989, should not be allowed to rest
there due to the widespread plunder and human rights violations under his 21-year term. Marcos'
body today remains in his ancestral house in Ilocos Norte province.

Pardon former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

"If I am elected President, I will release her. Why? Because the evidence [against her] is
weak. I know that. I am a lawyer."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: Feb. 6, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga
ACTION PLAN:
 Allow Arroyo to apply for presidential pardon and accept her application
Context: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is currently detained at Veterans’ Memorial Medical
Center over the alleged misuse of P366 million in intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity
Sweepstakes Office from 2008 to 2010 for personal gain
 Decentralize power in the Philippines by pushing for a federal form of
government, particularly in Mindanao
"Let me focus on Mindanao and what is happening today. With the failure of BBL
(Bangsamoro Basic Law), there is a great, great hurt there. Unless, I said, we can come
up with another card which is federalism, nothing, nothing at all, can appease
Mindanao. ‘Yan ang nangyayari diyan (That is what's happening there) and that is why it
is very important na kung ako ang mapupunta diyan (if I will go there), I would not only
offer the BBL–which is the same configuration–but I will offer federalism to all, pati kay
Nur Misuari on the western side. That would maybe appease everybody because every
Moro politico would really like to see federalism kasi po palpak nga ang BBL (because
BBL is a failure) and we have to do this because, as I said, nothing, nothing short, will
appease and bring peace to Mindanao. ‘Yan ang importante sa lahat diyan (That's the
most important thing of all). You have to right the historical wrong committed against the
Moro people."
Time period: 2 years (to come up with detailed proposal)
When he said it: Feb. 23, 2016
Where he said it: First presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis
Oriental
ACTION PLAN:
 Create a commission to accept proposals on the switch to a federal form of
government
 Give the new commission, composed of Moros, Christians and lumad as members,
two years to finish the proposal
 Call for a constitutional convention and ask the Filipino people about the need for a
federal system of government
Context: Federalism, according to Merriam Webster dictionary, is the distribution of power in an
organization (as a government) between a central authority and the constituent units. An example of
a modern federalist country is the United States, which is run by both its national government and
independent federal governments per US state.

End illegal labor contractualization

"The moment I assume the presidency, contractualization will stop ... I said,
'Immediately.' What I will do is I will call the Speaker and the Senate President after
their elections and everybody, may Constitution na doon, internal. Then I will call all,
mostly, the majority, mga Liberal Congressman, you pass this bill immediately. 'Senate,'
sabihin ko (I'll say), 'I need it first week of my administration.' Ganoon lang. Gawin ninyo
(That's it. Just do it)."
Time period: June 30 noon time; first week of his admin / 3 to 6 months
 When he said it: April 24, 2016
Where he said it: Third presidential debate in Dagupan City, Pangasinan
ACTION PLAN:
 Call on Congress to prioritize to pass immediately a bill making illegal
contractualization
 Distinguish between "endo" workers, which are illegal, and contractual workers hired
for jobs with set periods of time
Context: The Department of Labor and Employment does not have specific statistics on the number
of contractual workers in the country. However, it is regarded as common practice for companies to
hire "endo" workers, or 5-5-5, to supplement their labor forces without paying for government
benefits. An endo worker is one who is hired as a contractual worker and fired after five months, so
that the company does not have to hire him or her as a regular employee.

Create a bank specifically for OFWs

"I will create a bank para ang remittances, nila hindi na sila magpunta doon sa mga
dicer (so that OFWs don't have to go to sketchy places). They can go to the bank and
we will have a bank in every place where they are."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 24, 2016
Where he said it: Third presidential debate in Dagupan City, Pangasinan
ACTION PLAN:
 Put up a central bank specifically for remittances, with branches in every country
where there are OFWs
Context: In 2015, OFWs worldwide sent $25.7 billion worth of remittances. This has grown steadily
from $24.6 billion in 2014, $22.9 billion in 2013, and $21.3 billion in 2012.

Provide better, mandatory services for OFWs

"I propose to create one government only to take care of the OFW (overseas Filipino
worker). Lahat ng kailangan, permit, ano, diyan na nila kukunin sa administrasyon na
'yan (All they need, permits, they will get it from only one administration)–[there's] going
to be a department to take care of them."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 24, 2016
Where he said it: Third presidential debate in Dagupan City, Pangasinan
ACTION PLAN:
 Create a department or office specifically for OFW concerns and applications
 Provide free hospitalization and airfare for abused OFWs who want to go back to the
Philippines
Context: Currently, there are several government offices handling OFW concerns: there is an
undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs under the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and there
are the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA), and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), all under the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). According to the 2014 accomplishment report of the
DFA, it provided assistance to 20,955 Overseas Filipinos through its Assistance to Nationals Fund
(ATN). It spent P410.3 million out of the total P462 million budget allocated.

Promote small- and medium-scale enterprises

"[A]t itong small-scale, medium (enterprises), dito ako magplano magbuhos ng P1 billion
per region. Ang problema lang nito is how to really educate the people na hindi ito
puwedeng pang-konsumo (I will pour P1 billion per region for small- and medium-scale
enterprises. The problem is how to educate people that this can't be only for their
personal consumption)."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: Feb. 23, 2016 and April 27, 2016
Where he said it: First presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis
Oriental, and MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues
ACTION PLAN:
 Allot P1 billion per region for small- and medium-scale enterprises
 Build more food terminals
 Establish more credit unions and cooperatives
 Teach cooperatives the value of integrity, so that its leaders do not run away with the
funds
Context: According to the Department of Agrarian Reform, 2,431 cooperatives are duly registered
with the Cooperative Development Authority as of end of 2013.

Continue the 4Ps program of the Aquino administration

"[This] Pantawid [program], I will continue."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 27, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues
ACTION PLAN:
 Continue the existing Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
 Expand the Conditional Cash Transfer program
Context: In 2010, there were 786,523 beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer program. This
rose to 4.3 million in 2015.

Improve and make more progressive the income tax system

"We will index that to inflation and say that you know maybe now what P500,000 was
then is equivalent to a million pesos now, so the tax bite should be lower for those
earning P500,000 today,” said Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: May. 12, 2016
Where he said it: Press statement
ACTION PLAN:
 Index tax collection to inflation rate, "to enable those who earn a little to have more in
their pockets"
Context: During his administration, President Benigno Aquino III had opposed calls to lower
personal and corporate income taxes, saying that lowering income tax may lead to a budgetary
deficit and negative credit ratings from international agencies.

Dismantle the cartel of alleged rice smuggler Davidson Bangayan

"[W]hen I testified in the Senate, I identified somebody there. (David) Bangayan. He was
one of those smuggling rice. ‘Yong cartel nila, madali ‘yan (Their cartel is easy to take
down). I’ll do it in three days. As president, sabi ko nga three to six months tapos lahat
ito eh (I said I can finish this all in three to six months). No, really. I am willing to stake
my honor, my profession and my life."
Time period: 3 to 6 months
When he said it: Feb. 23, 2016
Where he said it: First presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis
Oriental
ACTION PLAN:
 Dismantle the alleged rice cartel of David Bangayan
Context: In 2014, the Senate launched an inquiry into reports that a big-time rice cartel headed by a
certain "David Tan" used farmers’ cooperatives to smuggle rice and manipulate its prices. Duterte
also testified during one of the hearing to confirm that "David Tan" is really Davidson Bangayan, a
businessman from Davao City. The case continues to languish in the courts.
 Halt previous land reform program
"Land reform, I will study kasi it is not a successful [program] ... It has failed miserably,
and I would tell the communists, do not [lobby for] it ... I will not continue land reform, it
has not done anything for the Filipinos, for the landlord and the tenant."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 27, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues
ACTION PLAN:
 Disregard demand of militant groups to properly distribute land to farmers
Context: According to the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Program (CARP) is "the redistribution of public and private agricultural lands to farmers and
farmworkers who are landless, irrespective of tenurial arrangement." The program has since been
scrutinized for its snail-paced implementation, particularly the granting of certificates of land
owenership award to farmers and the distribution of land among agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Distribute coco levy funds to farmers and develop new coconut farms
"[Agriculture Secretary Manny] Piñol said in a statement that Duterte told his designated
Cabinet officials... that the levy 'is an emotional issue for the coconut farmers” and
“should be given to the farmers.' He said Duterte issued the directive, specifically
addressed to his presidential legal adviser, Salvador Panelo, when Piñol asked for a
policy statement on the coconut levy funds."" • ""Piñol also said he had presented to
Duterte a draft policy paper, dubbed Copra (Coconut Productivity and Rehabilitation
Program), which explains a proposed six-year initiative of developing 600,000 hectares
of new coconut farms."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: June 16, 2016
Where he said it: Press statement
ACTION PLAN:
 Release P100 billion worth of accumulated assets from the coco levy fund to farmers
 Develop 600,000 hectares of new coconut farms
Context: In the 1970s, coconut farmers paid added tax for a share in future investments in the
coconut industry. These taxes, now known as the coco levy fund, were instead used by then
President Ferdinand Marcos and Danding Cojuanco, among others, purchase the United Coconut
Farmers Bank and invest in San Miguel Corp. The Presidential Commission on Good Government
has estimated that the levy, including assets bought using it, to be worth at least P83 billion. The
families of the original farmers who paid tax, most of whom have already passed, continue to fight to
get back their investment.
 Open health facilities in every barangay, each with a resident doctor
"I will commit all the earnings of Pagcor (Philippine Gaming Corp.), which run into
billions, to hospitals for medicines and hospitalization."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 27, 2016 and June 4, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues and Davao Thanksgiving
party
ACTION PLAN:
 Make sure that each barangay hospital or clinic has a dedicated doctor
 Finance additional beds and amenities for barangay hospitals, among other health care
needs, using Pagcor funds
Context: During his stint as health secretary, the late Juan Flavier initiated the "Doctors to the
Barrios" program, which deploys doctors to far-flung barangays without local physicians for two
years a term. In 2014, however, former Health Secretary Enrique Ona called for a review of the
program, as local government units have relied too much on the deployed doctors instead of hiring
their own permanent physicians.

Promote family planning to prevent overpopulation

"[Family planning] will do us good. Mas maraming magawa ‘yan, walang kasamaan ‘yan
(It will accomplish many things, it won’t do any harm). Ako naman, I said, I am a
Christian but I am a realist and we have to do something about overpopulation."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: May 22, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
 Suggest a three-child-only national policy
 Promote family planning, as stated in the reproductive health law
Context: In 2010, the National Statistics Office projected that the Philippine population could reach
142 million by 2045. As of 2015 the current Philippines population is 100.98 million with an annual
growth rate of 1.72 percent from 2010-2015.

Legalize medicinal marijuana

“[Medical marijuana] is really an ingredient of modern medicine now ... [But] if you just
smoke it like a cigarette, I will not allow it ever."
Time period: 6 years
 When he said it: May 22, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
 Allow the use of marijuana but only for medicinal purposes
 Arrest and kill those who use marijuana for recreational purposes
Context: On May 28, 2014, then Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III sought to legalize medical
marijuana by filing in the 16th Congress House Bill No. 4477, or "Compassionate Use of Medical
Cannabis Act." Among its staunchest advocates, however, were Sen. Vicente Sotto III and the
Philippine Drug Enforecement Agency; the Department of Health had also said it would reserve
judgment until further research was done. The bill has since been archived

Lay claim to the nearest Chinese-occupied island

"We have to establish the legitimacy of our claim. Kailangan hawak-hawak natin
dokumentong nanalo tayo sa korte (We need to hold on to the document that we won in
court). And then, we demand sa China to empty the place. Amin 'yan (That's ours),
exclusive economic zone. So kung ayaw ninyo at ayaw tayong tulungan ng America at
magka-giyera (So if China doen't like it and if America does not want to help us in the
war), that will be a massacre. I will not commit the lives of Filipino soldiers. Kaya ako na
lang ang pupunta doon (I'll be the one to go to war instead)."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 24, 2016
Where he said it: Third presidential debate in Dagupan City, Pangasinan
ACTION PLAN:
 Win the Philippines' case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in
The Hague
 Upon winning, demand that China evacuate the Philippines' exclusive economy zone
Context: After a couple of rounds of hearings, the Philippines has completed the submission of its
case before the International Arbitral Tribunal regarding the maritime dispute against China over the
South China Sea. The final award/decision of the court is expected to be issued in 2016.

Put a stop to big mining companies in Mindanao that damage the

environment
"Mining people must shape up. Most of what you do today, especially in Surigao, is dig
holes. And they are destroying Mindanao, and they are only a few [who operate] who
are from Manila ... Lahat ng mining na malalaki na sumisira (All mining companies that
destroy big portions of the environment), they have to stop.”
Time period: 6 years
 When he said it: June 4, 2016
Where he said it: Davao Thanksgiving party
ACTION PLAN:
 If big mining companies do not put a stop to their practices that destroy the
environment, have local investors take over their concessions
 Use military against big mining companies
 Support local miners and teach them how not to destroy the land
Context: Mindanao has long been regarded as a land rich with untapped minerals, with 21 large
mining projects in the Caraga region alone. President Duterte is a known antimining advocate,
having banned mining within Davao City's perimeter.

olve present traffic problem in Metro Manila

"There is no silver bullet and magic to solve the traffic problem now. And the six years
that’s given to the president–and maybe I would take about a year or two to improve ...
We are pumping in 300-plus thousand motor vehicles every month. Eh yan, papasok
lahat yan sa ating highway, sa ating EDSA. Saan natin ilagay yan (These new cars
pass through our highway, our Edsa. Where do we put all of them)? And we cannot stop
them except that we have to improve the mass transit of people then try to explain that
one by one for those dilapidated and earlier models must be out of EDSA. That’s the
only solution that can [happen]. Nothing else would really solve the problem. That’s the
reality on the ground."
Time period: 2 to 3 years
When he said it: April 24, 2016 and May 28, 2016
Where he said it: Third presidential debate in Dagupan; Press conference in
Davao
ACTION PLAN:
 Improve alternative mass transport systems, such as trains and ferries
 Retire and ban old car models from traversing roads in the city
Context: Crippling traffic has been a long-standing problem in Metro Manila and other highly
urbanized cities as a result of accelerated development in the city and an increase in the number of
cars plying roads in constant need of maintenance. In 2013, a study by Japan International
Cooperation Agency said the Philippines was losing P2.4 billion a day in potential income due to
traffic congestion, which eats up time that could have been used for productive pursuits.
 Hike infrastructure spending to up to 7 percent of GDP
"“The Duterte administration will not spend money for spending’s sake,” incoming
Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno told the Inquirer. “The economy is deficient in all
types of infrastructure—highways and bridges, ports and airports.” Specific
infrastructure projects to be pursued by the Duterte government include “small, medium
and large-scale projects [that] will be done in all regions—[both] highly developed and
lagging—simultaneously, not sequentially,” Diokno said.
Time period: 6 months
When he said it: June 3, 2016
Where he said it: Press statement
ACTION PLAN:
 Hike spending higher than the 5 percent of the Aquino administration
 Spend money on small-, medium- and large-scale projects like airports and highways
around the Philippines
 Make sure developments around the country are done at the same time and not just
one big project after another
 Address bottlenecks in public-private partnerships
Context: The latest data from the Department of Budget and Management showed that while the
Aquino government's infrastructure spending jumped 52.8 percent to P104.8 billion in the first
quarter, the government continued to underspend below the level it should to support faster
economic growth. Among current projects underway are Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project and
the NAIA Expressway Phase II project.

Build new railways and train extensions throughout the country

"My first big project is the establishment of a railway for the Philippines. There are those
who want to help, and we will ask them, what’s the payback? ... Maybe China [will be
involved]. I tell you frankly, we do not have the money for it."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 24, 2016
Where he said it: Third presidential debate in Dagupan City, Pangasinan
ACTION PLAN:
 Extend the MRT and LRT lines
 Build new train lines connecting Manila to Nueva Vizcaya province in the north,
Sorsogon and Batangas provinces in the south, and a system for the whole of
Mindanao
 Context: The NorthRail project, a Chinese-led endeavor initiated under President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo, was meant to link northern Metro Manila with Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in
Clark Field, Pampanga, but was canceled in 2012. The Aquino administration has since announced
plans to expand existing train lines, such as the MRT 7 and the Philippine National Railway.

Improve internet connectivity and access

"You (telecommunication companies) improve the service or I will open [up] the
Philippines. All (foreign competitors) can come in ... I will make it a public policy—the
Internet connectivity."
Time period: 6 years
When he said it: May 22, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
 Compel telecommunication companies to improve their services, to better the
Philippine economy
 Open up the Philippines to foreign telcos to drive competition
Context: According to the Q4 2015 State of the Internet report published by Akamai, the Philippines
has the second lowest average connection speed (3.2 Mbps) in the Asia Pacific region. This, despite
Filipinos ranking second highest on time spent on social media (4.3 hours daily).

DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ACHIEVEMENTS

2016

War on drugs

 1,007,153 drug users and pushers surrendered to government.

 42,978 pushers and users arrested as of December 30.
 73 government officials arrested for involvement in illegal drug trade, as
of October 7, 2016
 2,166 drug personalities killed during police operations as of December
30.
 5,868,832 houses of suspected drug personalities visited by police to
invite them to surrender to government for rehabilitation, under Project
Tokhang.
 Mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Fort
Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija inaugurated. It is being run by the Department of
Health.
  P1.266 billion worth of illegal drugs seized by BOC as of end of November
2016: P933.3 million worth of shabu, P314.7 million worth of cocaine, and
P17 million worth of ecstasy.
 New PNP Special Action Force troopers deployed to guard New Bilibid
Prison in place of old security.

Economy

 10-point Socio-economic Agenda of Duterte administration presented to

international and local business groups, foreign institutions and
governments, and other stakeholders.
 Draft of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act submitted to
Congress. It is meant to exempt most Filipinos from paying taxes while
collecting revenue from affluent taxpayers and corporations.
 17 major projects approved by National Economic Development Authority
Board.
 Online streaming of closed-circuit television launched by Bureau of
Customs (BOC) as measure against corruption.
 P1.3 billion worth of smuggled goods seized by BOC, including smuggled
rice, fuel, fake clothes and cigarettes.
 93.3% of P409 billion target for BOC revenue collection collected as of
December 2016.

Reduction of red tape

 1,419 cities and municipalities (87% of total) streamlined processing of

business permits and licensing systems to involve only one form, 5
required signatures, and a maximum of 5 steps. This was facilitated by the
Department of Interior and Local Government.
 Bureau of Internal Revenue begins simplification of the processing of tax
clearances and certificates authorizing registration for real property and
shares of stock to 3 to 5 days. Use of credit, debit, or prepaid payments
cards and payment centers are added as options to encourage tax
payment.

Care for Overseas Filipino Workers

 One-stop service center for OFWs opened at the Philippine Overseas

Employment Agency (POEA) in Mandaluyong City. It has served 219,697
clients as of December 7, 2016.
  P455.1 million in emergency assistance extended to 10,233 OFWs
displaced due to drop in oil prices in the Middle East. Of these, 2,401
availed of the government’s repatriation program.
 Overseas Employment Certificate no longer a requirement for vacationing
OFWs. Their exemption from travel tax and terminal fee also being eyed.

Transportation

 Inter-agency Council on Traffic formed by Department of Transportation

for more streamlined system for addressing traffic. The council includes
Metro Manila Development Authority, PNP-Highway Patrol Group, Land
Transportation Office, and Land Transportation Franchising and
Regulatory Board.
 401 colorum vehicles impounded
 6,883 illegally-parked vehicles towed
 5,738 sidewalk vendors cleared
 Validity of driver’s license extended from 3 years to 5 years
 Drivers licenses applied for from January to October 2016 can now be
claimed in 36 LTO licensing offices in Metro Manila
 No report of laglag-bala (bullet-planting scam) since start of Duterte
administration
 Punctuality of take-off of airplanes (on-time performance) at the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport (NAIA) improved to 78% from 47% due to strict
enforcement of rule that pilots must take off within 5 minutes or be put at
the back of the line.
 Fleet of 21 premium Mercedes Benz buses launched to bring
passengers from NAIA to Makati and Roxas Boulevard.

Labor

 2,531 workers found to be under abusive end-of-contract system

regularized after Department of Labor and Employment inspection of
establishments, principals, and contractors.
 3-day maximum processing time for Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA) applications implemented.

Fight vs terrorism

 597 major military operations conducted against Abu Sayyaf Group by

the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
 94 ASG bandits killed, 21 surrendered, 17 captured
  ASG leaders Nelson Muktadil, Braun Muktadil, and sub-leader Mohammad
Said among those killed during operations.
 44 combat operations launched against Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighters and Maute Group by AFP.
 50 BIFF or Maute Group personalities killed as a result of operations.
 3 suspects of the September Davao City bombing arrested 32 days after
incident.
 Agreement signed with Malaysia and Indonesia to enhance military
cooperation in addressing piracy, kidnap-for-ransom, terrorism,
transnational crimes in common maritime areas.
 Military personnel deployed for mobile check points, visibility patrols, and
other security-related activities in cities like Davao, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro,
General Santos, and Metro Manila in order to comply with declaration of a
state of national emergency on account of lawless violence.

Foreign relations

 Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secured the release of 5 Filipino

seafarers among crew of Omani ship hijacked by Somali pirates.
 DFA helped drum up support for Philippines’ chairmanship of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2017. With help from DFA,
President Rodrigo Duterte visited 8 ASEAN countries.
 Duterte made visits to China and Japan.
 Duterte participated at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’
Meeting in Peru.

Health

 First CT Scan in Maguindanao Provincial Hospital in Shariff Aguak

inaugurated by Department of Health.

Telecommunication

 Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT), National

Telecommunications Commission, and telecom companies agree to
standardize voice call charges between different networks to P2.50.

Law and order

 911 National Emergency Hotline launched

Agriculture
  The Presidential Agrarian Reform Council, the highest policy- and
decision-making body on land reform and land disputes, is reconvened for
the first time after 10 years.
 The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributes land ownership
awards to 50 farmers in Cebu City, 35 farmers in Sorsogon, 175 in
Occidental Mindoro, and 300 in Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte.
 5,586 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations are assisted by DAR.
 A P40.7 million rubber processing plant turned over in Banisilan, North
Cotabato by DAR.
 2,865 common service facilities turned over to farmers by DAR.
 P1.9 billion worth of loans released to 516 farmer organizations by DAR.
 Color-coded Agri Map launched on December 1, 2016 by Department of
Agriculture (DA). Maps are supposed to help the government and investors
determine what crops can best be grown in particular areas based on soil
properties, elevation, water availability, rainfall pattern, hazard risks, and
climate change vulnerability.
 10,632 beneficiaries receive 5,581 gill nets and 10,271 other fishing gear
from the DA - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
 12,484 beneficiaries receive 53.15 million pieces of fingerlings, 3441,388
kilograms of seaweed propagules, and 3,155 sets of seaweed farm
implements from BFAR.

Education

 600,000 out-of-school youths pass the Accreditation and Equivalency

Program, certifying them as eligible for either high school or college, as
part of the Alternative Learning System program of the Department of
Education (DepEd).
 Guidelines issued on utilization of funds for the Madrasah Education
Program by DepEd for public schools with Muslim students.

Energy

 26,321 households connected to energy supply by Department of Energy

and private sector. Of this, 2,662 were identified as priority for
energization.
 Philippine Energy Plan 2016-2030 Update completed by DOE. The plan
is supposed to set the strategy for short, medium, and long-term goals for
electrification in the country.
 Two major power plants begin commercial operation: 414-megawatt San
Gabriel natural gas power plant, and 97-megawatt Avion natural gas power
plant.
Environment

 41 metallic mines audited by the Department of Environment and Natural

Resources (DENR) to ensure compliance with responsible mining
standards. Of these, 10 were suspended, 20 were recommended for
suspension, while 11 were given the passing rate.
 DENR hotlines launched: #DENR or #3367 for landline and 0917-868-
DENR or 0917-885-DENR for mobile.

Public works and highways

 Hotline for citizens to report, ask, or make suggestions about any

Department of Public Works and Highways project launched. Text hotline
is 2920 while landline hotline is (02)165-02.

Weather

 271 new weather stations installed by Department of Science and

Technology (DOST).
 Zamboanga Doppler Weather Radar System installed by DOST

Social welfare

 P9.1 million worth of relief assistance given to victims of natural disasters.

 P135.3 million worth of emergency shelter cash assistance provided to
27,052 households affected by Typhoon Lawin.

Tourism

 Memorandum of Agreement for Philippines hosting of Miss Universe

pageant signed by Department of Tourism and Miss Universe
Organization.
 11.65% increase in tourist arrivals as of October 2016.

Trade and industry

 35.5% increase in investments registered with the Philippine Board of

Investments from January to November 2016 compared to same period in
2015.
 Department of Trade and Industry, DILG, DICT sign Joint Memorandum
Circular shortening processing of business permits to a maximum of 3
days.
Peace process

 Executive Order creating Bangsamoro Transition Commission signed.

 4 meetings held with Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
 Suspension of warrant of arrest of Moro National Liberation Front chairman
Nur Misuari for 6 months so he can participate in peace talks.
 Peace talks with the National Democratic Front
 Unilateral ceasefires of the military and New People's Army

Yolanda rehabilitation

 49% or 3,965 out of 8,000 target Yolanda families transferred to

resettlement sites in Tacloban.

Transparency, anti-corruption

 Executive Order on Freedom of Information (FOI) signed.

 Freedom of Information online portal launched by Presidential
Communications Operations Office with 312 requests as of December 22,
2016.
 130 out of 185 (70%) of departments, agencies, and government-owned
and controlled corporations create their own FOI manuals.
 8888 Citizen Complaints Hotline launched.

2018

 A 6.1% growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product for the third quarter of 2018;
 A 3.3% increase of the country’s total export valued at $6.11 billion from $5.91 billion as of
October 2018;
 A 31% increase on year-on-year Foreign Direct Investment inflows at $7.4 billion from
January to August 2018, compared to $5.7 billion recorded in the same period the previous
year;
 The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Philippines and Kuwait, wherein
both countries agreed to uphold ethical recruitment policies, systems, and procedures for the
recruitment and employment of domestic workers;
 The completion of major infrastructure projects such as Taguig Integrated Terminal
Exchange; Caraycaray Bridge in Biliran; Lisap Bridge in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro;
Davao River Bridge in Davao City, Davao Del Sur; Sugpon Bridge in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur;
Adriatico Bridge replacement; the P8.53-million road repair leading to the Caticlan Jetty Port
in Malay, Aklan; Napindan Bridge II, Taguig City; Pasac-Culcul Bridge 1 and 2; and the
reconstruction of Otis Bridge;
 The groundbreaking for the construction of major infrastructure projects such as the
Philippine National Railways Manila-Clark Project Phase 1; South East Metro Manila
Express way Project; Binondo-Intramuros Bridge and Estrella Pantaleon Bridge; Phase 2,
Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project; and Panguil Bay Bridge;
 Installation and construction of 6,392 small-scale irrigation projects from July 2016 to
November 2018 to provide supplemental irrigation to high-value crops during the dry season;
 The signing of key pieces of legislation such as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary
Education Act, the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, the Ease of Doing
Business Act, the Philippine Mental Health Law, the Universal Health Care Law, the
Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act, the Balik Scientist Law, the Organic Law for the
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Free Irrigation Act, and the
Philippine National Identification System Act;
 The launch of the Overseas Filipino Bank to cater to the needs of OFWs, strengthen
government’s presence in the remittance market and eventually influence lower costs of bank
remittance;
 And an 8.32% increase in tourist arrivals with 5.36 million foreign-visitor arrivals from
January to September 2018.