MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said his administration will be relentless and “harsh” against elements that would stand against the Philippines’s economic growth and development.
In his remarks during the closing dinner of the 51st Asian Development Bank (ADB) Annual Meeting in Mandaluyong City, the tough-talking leader said the government aims to sustain a growth of 7 percent and bring down the poverty rate to 14 percent before he steps down in 2022.
“Our institutions are threatened not only by terrorism but also by drug syndicates but also by corrupt public servants. We will be unyielding but to me personally I will be harsh on all fronts,” Duterte said.
He said the government has to “put our house in order” to achieve the country’s goals.
“We need to fix our transportation system. We have stop corruption. We shall continue our campaign against illegal drugs within the limits of the law allows, and of course, as always and has been the fight will be relentless,” he added.
Duterte said his administration will not compromise in the maintenance of law and order.
“We will not buckle in face of threats of militants and terrorist. We are fully aware that when the civil order weakens progress will no longer be possible,” the President said.
Build and link
Duterte also cited his administration’s ambitious infrastructure program as “key element” of the government’s growth strategy.
“[The] infrastructure program will bring out our investment to something more like 7.5 (percent) of GDP by 2022. Build, Build, and Build and we Link, Link, and Link, that is the battle cry of the moment,” he said.
“Build and link all these islands and all communities so that united in purpose in acting as one will bring our infrastructure base to match or even surpass those of neighboring economies. That will allow us to compete for investments for even more attractive terms,” he added.
The President also emphasized the need to focus development in Mindanao as it has been neglected for several years by the central government.
“It surprises no one that the island became the center of rebellion and communal conflict,” Duterte said.
“With the massive infrastructure investments, we expect Mindanao to lead the nation’s growth. These investments shall accompanied by intensive efforts and reform in government,” he said.
Duterte said the Marawi siege last year underscores not only the need to trickle down the fruits of development in Mindanao but also the importance of civil order. (GMA News)
