Change has come in Duterte’s first 30 days in Malacañang.
On July 30, President Rodrigo Duterte has made it to his first 30 days in Malacañang.
Though a newbie, the president has already accomplished some things that have big impact on national interest.
During campaign period, the then presidential candidate Duterte said on his sorties that he wants to eliminate illegal drugs and use of it, crime and corruption. Adding on the list is his dream of achieving long lasting peace in the country and to grow the economy in order to alleviate poverty.
In his first thirty days as president, Digong made huge accomplishments such as the signing of the Executive Order on Freedom on Information (FOI) which would enable the citizenry to gain access on public information, record and documents. The FOI bill has long been in the Legislative mill under the administration of then Pres. Benigno Simeon Aquino III but it was not enacted for some not-so-clear reasons.
Duterte has also proven his sincerity in eliminating illegal drug trade, use and abuse. During his first month in power, 700 drug personalities were killed, some 200 drug pushers and addict have submitted themselves to the Philippine National Police while about 5,000 were arrested in police operations nationwide since July 1.
On July 27, the first National Security Council (NSC) Meeting under the present administration was called and signed for attendance were the four predecessors of Duterte namely Fore Presidents Fidel Ramos, Gloria Arroyo, Joseph Estrada and Aquino. The meeting tackled issues concerning national security including that of the West Philippine Sea, campaign against prohibited drugs, the planned amendment of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, etc.
On his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), Duterte declared unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF aiming to hasten and make the attainment of peace simpler but on July 30, Duterte called it off following an incident where the rebel group members reportedly ambushed CAFGU members which left one CAFU dead and four others critical.
READ ALSO:Duterte Lifts Short-lived Ceasefire With NPA.
The same SONA made history when long gowns were gone and congressmen and their spouse chose to wear simple business attire.
The Palace also appealed not to attach the word ‘His Excellency’to honor Duterte and the word ‘Honorable’ to the members of his Cabinet in addressing them in official communications, occasions and other materials.
The commander-in-chief has also made rounds on military camps to know the actual soldiers’situation.
In the next days and months of Duterte in Malacañang, the enactment of significant bills are expected to happen. Bills like lowering the personal and corporate income tax, re-imposition of death penalty, and amendment of the constitution to give way to the shift in the form of government to Federalism.