Coming: Duterte tabloid

The Duterte administration is intensifying its campaign for its priority programs, including the controversial war on illegal drugs, with the Palace’s launching on Thursday of a bimonthly tabloid to be distributed to the public.

The banner headline of the tabloid’s first edition trumpeted the administration’s “victory” in its drive against illegal drugs, which has drawn concern amid the rising number of executed drug suspects.

The eight-page paper is called “Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa” and will be given out for free, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a press conference in Davao City.

Andanar announced the launch of the tabloid alongside the release of the list of the Duterte administration’s achievements in its first 50 days.

He said 5,000 copies of the paper were printed for free by the government’s printing presses as part of its corporate social responsibility.

The first edition chose to focus on the administration’s antidrug program, which had been the centerpiece of the President during his campaign. Subsequent issues would tackle other programs, said Andanar.

The tabloid contains news reports about the administration’s achievements. It also has an entertainment section that featured blind items on show biz personalities allegedly into drug use.