Duterte’s first 2 years in office ‘fruitful’

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday described President Duterte’s first two years in office as “fruitful” despite controversies stirred by his tirades against critics and his bloody war on illegal drugs. 

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte has “fulfilled many of his promises of real change” because of his leadership and political will. 

“I have witnessed first-hand the President’s hard work, dedication and sense of duty.  Major promises have materialized because we are headed by someone who has strong political will, decisive leadership and compassion for his fellowmen,” Roque said in a statement. 

‘The first two years of the Duterte administration has generally been fruitful.  Much has been accomplished but much more needs to be done.  It is a continuous work in progress in achieving and actualizing the promise of genuine and meaningful change for the Filipino people,” he added. 

Roque said the government is winning the war against illegal drugs, a problem that Duterte claimed has contaminated millions of Filipinos.

Citing data from the Philippine National Police, Roque said a total of 91,704 anti-drug operations were conducted by law enforcement agencies from July 2016 to March 20, 2018, resulting in the arrest of 123,648 drug suspects.

He added that the intensified effort against illegal drugs also led to the dismantling of 189 drug dens and clandestine laboratories in the country.

A total of P13.46 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu and P19.67 billion worth of drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals, and laboratory equipment were  also seized by government forces. 

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency claimed that as of April 2018, a total of 6,462 barangays in the country have been declared drug-free. Roque made no mention of suspects killed during drug-related operations. 

He also cited what he described as “significant economic feats” by the administration. 

He said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.7 percent for last year, making the Philippines one of the the fastest growing economies in Asia. The government is targeting a seven to eight percent GDP growth next year. 

“The Duterte administration’s independent foreign policy with other countries has also proven beneficial to the country.  The President’s state and official visits in the past months resulted in billions worth of investments and are expected to create thousands of jobs for Filipinos,” he added.