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The President’s first 100 days
THE TRADITION of marking the first 100 days of a presidency was pioneered by US President Franklin Roosevelt during the Great Depression. In the Philippines, this only began with then President Corazon Aquino. Succeeding presidents followed suit.
Today is the 100th day in office of President Duterte. While he has set the country’s course for the next six years through his first State of the Nation Address, his first 100 days gives a glimpse if he is indeed traversing the path he has promised for the people.
No doubt the Filipinos have felt a welcome change most especially in three major areas – peace process, foreign policy and the campaign against illegal drugs. It is thus not surprising that they gave the President a high satisfaction rating (“very good” +64 net satisfaction rating, according to the Social Weather Stations).
The President is a self-proclaimed Leftist, the first in history. He recognizes that the progressive movement is a force to reckon with hence the immediate resumption of peace negotiations which is now on its second round in Oslo, Norway. This is no small feat. The peace process aims to address the roots of decades-long armed struggle in the country. The President believes that armed rebellion is caused by socioeconomic problems that need to be resolved. It is a departure from the purely capitulation and surrender mind-set of previous administrations. Now is the opportune time to talk peace since there is a deep reserve of goodwill, seriousness and sincerity from both the government and the revolutionary groups.
The President’s proclamation of an “independent foreign policy” is also deemed historic albeit controversial. For the longest time, the Philippines has always been perceived, nay, even treated as a surrogate or vassal state and not as an ally of the US, especially in terms of its foreign policy directions. That our past leaders have allowed such treatment is our country’s grave misfortune. But this major foreign policy tectonic shift will hopefully restore the rightful equal place of the Philippines in the community of nations.
But the administration also fumbled. The antidrug campaign has taken thousands of lives. The relentless campaign is a welcome action considering the magnitude of this public menace but the administration should follow the rule of law and uphold and protect the rights of civilians at all time. Drug abuse can be solved only by addressing the basic problems of hunger, and poverty among others.
There must be no compromise with the already established rules of engagements, due process of law and human rights.
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