Malacañang bares year-end report

President Rodrigo Duterte’s “strong and decisive leadership” has led to the improvement of the Filipinos’ welfare and concerns in 2018.

In its year-end report released on Monday, Malacañang cited several accomplishments of the Duterte administration in the past year.

These are the return of the historic Balangiga bells, the declaration of the Philippine Rise as a marine resource reserve, the memorandum of agreement with Kuwait to protect domestic workers there, and the rehabilitation and reopening of the popular Boracay Island.

“Since his assumption to the highest office of the land two and a half years ago, the President Duterte has demonstrated strong and decisive leadership in advancing the nation’s interests and people’s concerns,” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

Landmark legislation

Malacañang also noted the passage of several “landmark pieces of legislation,” such as free tuition in 112 state universities and colleges, free irrigation for farmers, a national mental health policy and a national feeding program for undernourished schoolchildren.

It also cited notable executive orders of the President, such as the protection of the right of all workers to security of tenure, the revival of barter trade in Mindanao, and the increase in employees’ compensation benefits in the private sector, and carer’s allowance in government.

The Palace noted that the Philippines jumped to 19th place from 67th place in 2016 out of 193 countries in the United Nations’ e-participation index.

It added that this ranking is expected to improve with the passage of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act.

War on drugs

Citing data from concerned agencies, Malacañang said 164,265 drug personalities were arrested in 115,436 drug operations, while 9,503 barangays had been declared drug free.

The Palace also boasted of its ongoing drive against corruption.

So far, 17 Boracay officials were charged, 237 Ombudsman decisions; 57 complaints against officials investigated; and 16 officials sanctioned for failing to organize the barangay antidrug abuse council.