President Rodrigo Duterte (center) gestures as he delivers his first State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Monday. Duterte announced a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels who are waging one of Asia’s longest insurgencies, and urged them to reciprocate.(MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday expressed his readiness to step down from power if a federal and parliamentary form of government is adopted via constitutional amendments in his fourth or fifth in office.
In his first State of the Nation Address, Duterte, nonetheless, said that there must be a president who should head the parliamentary and federal government. He, however, said that such head of government would not be him.
“I can commit today to the Republic of the Philippines that if you will hurry up the federal system of government and you can submit ito to the Filipino people by the fourth or fifth year, you call for a referendum, and after that call for a presidential election,” Duterte said.
“Then I will go. Sibat na ako,” he added.
Duterte also called on government officials under his administration to do their job.
“To our police officers and government officials, do your job and you will have the unwavering support of the Office of the President,” Duterte said.
Duterte also warned government officials against abuse of power and dereliction of duty.
“I will be with you always. Abuse your authority and there will be a hell to pay, “ Duterte said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
“For you will have become worse than criminality itself,” he added.
To ensure that erring men in uniform will be held accountable, Duterte directed the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to hasten the conduct of administrative investigations on complaints of against police allegedly involved in criminal activities.
Duterte also directed the Napolcom to craft policies on the conduct of lifestyle check on all the members of the PNP.
“I order the National Police Commission to hasten the conduct of investigation and adjudication of administrative cases against police officers involved in criminal activities and illegal activities and prescribe policies on lifestyle check for PNP members,” Duterte said.
As for the local government officials, Duterte directed the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to “strictly monitor” their performance.
“The DILG is also directed to strictly monitor how LGUs perform their supervision, functions over the police and those found not performing will be sanctioned, including the lost of police deputation from the Napolcom,” Duterte said.
Duterte then called on the government officials to help achieve his advocacy of ending criminality.
“In this quest, I will put at stake my honor, my life and the presidency itself,” Duterte said drawing applause from the audience. (MNS)