• Duterte dismisses recent allegations as “pure garbage”
• Duterte pitches for common good at PMA homecoming

In a speech before the PMA Class 1967 where he is an honorary member, the President described the issue as a matter of principle and honor for him.

He reiterated his campaign pledge that should any of his family members or he himself be involved in corruption in government, he will resign immediately from office. He also gave his word that he would not bring shame to PMA Class 1967.

“Kaya ang gusto ko lang sabihin sa inyo because it’s politics again. It’s a rehash of what they… it is pure garbage,” the President said in his speech at the Cordillera Convention Hall in Baguio Country Club on Friday, February 17.

“But you know, I’m President. I’ve ordered AMLC and everybody to give information sa ano ang… what’s my worth in this… in terms of pesos in this planet. So hindi ko kayo hiyain,” the President said.

The President said no member of his family or himself is involved in corruption, noting that he has not signed any voucher for extra benefits or accepted allowances. He admitted he only gets his salary.

The President vowed to hit hard against corruption, adding that he must lead by example in order to command obedience.

“You know our people have endured corruption all throughout the years. I would not like to be a person of you know, into the blame game,” he said.

“But at least during my time, there will be a respite for the people. And corruption will really be controlled or stopped. ‘Yan ang masiguro ninyo.”###PND

In a speech during the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Homecoming 2017 here in Fort Del Pilar, the President said as an immigrant from Visayas to Mindanao, he and his family hoped for a better life in the so-called ‘Land of Promise.’

But now, it is threatened by climate change caused by man-made disasters like extractive industries, he lamented.

“The rest of the nation is threatened by the widening gap between the rich and the poor, crime, corruption, criminality, and illegal drugs,” Duterte said.

“Government must now deliver goods and services to really serve the people, not just the interest of the few. In the past, our government was on the verge of failure because those who were in the position to help deliberately made wrong decisions which favored only themselves,” he added.

As part of his commitment during his first State of the Nation Address, he said his administration is working to ensure that basic human services are available to all, that there is food and medicine, water and sanitation, shelter, public safety, education, and economic opportunities.

The President vowed to always uphold the sanctity of the common good as the highest goal that always benefits the next generation of Filipinos.

Attaining peace and order is paramount, he said, noting if there is peace and order, businesses and everything else will follow like Davao City where he was mayor for more than 20 years.

Duterte said what happened in Davao City can happen nationwide with the support of the public especially the military, who can help provide the protection of communities. There are major threats confronting the nation today, one is illegal drugs and the other is Islamic extremism, he said.

The President noted that the PMA, with the support of the AFP, was given instruction to wage war against illegal drugs which has already made significant inroads.

In the government’s fight against terrorism, the President said Isnilon Hapilon, the overall leader of the ISIS in the Philippines, has been severely wounded in an encounter with the military. To secure Mindanao, Duterte said he has directed the AFP and PNP to continuously contain the ISIS threat by intensifying operations against them.

Meanwhile, he said righteousness and discipline are the foundation of a nation, adding he desires a Philippines that is prosperous and inhabited by peaceful, law-abiding citizens.

“That is why I appreciate the PMA. You have the template of discipline and civility. I ask that you continue this tradition and thank you for inviting me to be part of you,” he said.

“Let us together build a nation worthy of the Filipinos; Filipinos worthy of their nation; Pilipinong nararapat sa Pilipinas; Pilipinas na nararapat sa Pilipino; Nasud nga angay sa Pilipino, Pilipinong angay sa Pilipinas.” ###PND