Duterte’s Christmas wish: More funds for soldiers, cops

MANILA, Philippines — If there is one thing President Duterte wants for Christmas, it’s more stable funds for the country’s uniformed personnel.

The President voiced his Christmas wish at a dinner he hosted the other night at Malacañang for members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

He said he hopes to get funds from the lease of government lands. He added he envisions a self-sustaining pension system for the police and military and allied agencies, with capital coming from rentals of military reservations.

He also expressed desire for the establishment of a bank that will cater to the needs of soldiers and policemen.

The President said he expects Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III to submit by next year a blueprint for the planned banking institution.

The President also attended the other night the Christmas gathering of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Sergeants Major, Wounded-in-Action (WIA) Soldiers and children from the Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) at the Heroes Hall of Malacañang.