Duterte ends 2-hour Sona with plea to stop corruption in gov’t

President Rodrigo Duterte is applauded by Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (left) and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez after his second State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Monday July 24, 2017. (Photo by AARON FAVILA / AP)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday ended his two-hour speech by calling for an end to corruption in government, adding he will let the people to assess his first year in office.

“Whether or not my first year of administration is a year of gains or a year for setbacks is not for me to say, but for the people to judge,” Duterte said.

He also called on the public to remain vigilant against corruption which remains deeply embedded in government.

“My fellow citizens, much remains to be done. Corruption persists like a teaspoon stuck in the throat. It pains and it is disconcerting. We need to put an end to corruption which is deeply embedded,” Duterte said.

“Nevertheless let us work together and lay a new foundation upon which a better Philippines can be reconstructed. Help me build a better tomorrow,” he added.