Duterte vows to double soldiers, cops’ pay; pour biggest budget into education, agriculture

Davao City  mayor and presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte speaks during the proclamation rally at the Moriones Plaza in Tondo, Manila. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

AN ADMINISTRATION against criminality, illegal drugs and corruption was the theme of the proclamation speech of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in Tondo on Tuesday night.

“It must stop,” Duterte said in front of thousands of his supporters who packed the Morga and Zamora streets in Tondo.

The tough-talking mayor arrived at his proclamation past 7 p.m. with his common-law wife and 12-year-old daughter.

A boisterous crowd chanting “Duterte, Duterte,” welcomed the presidential aspirant.

Duterte kissed some of his women supporters who mobbed him as he went onstage to deliver his speech.

During his speech, he reiterated his promise to end the drug menace and criminality within the first six months of his administration if elected president.

Duterte said he would allot the biggest budget of his administration to education and agriculture.

To discourage police officials from doing unlawful activities, he said he would double the salary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

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