Last 10 months
THE public is made to believe that President Rodrigo Duterte is determined to pursue the fight against illegal drugs, corruption and criminality up to the last day of his administration.
There are no ifs and/or buts about the need to address our numerous problems as Duterte winds down his stint as President of this graft-prone Southeast Asian country.
Under the Constitution, which was crafted during the incumbency of the late President Corazon C. Aquino, the six-year Duterte government ends at 12 noon on June 30, 2022.
In other words, the tough-talking Chief Executive from natural resources-rich but impoverished Mindanao has only 10 months left to fulfill his 2016 campaign promises.
Duterte, a lawyer, has lived up to his campaign promises of fighting illegal drugs and corruption, as well as criminality, according to Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.
“Needless to say, we have achieved many of the President’s promises, especially on the fight against illegal drugs,” said Roque.
But political analysts and observers see some problems as the May 9, 2022 balloting approaches.
A number of President Duterte’s “trusted lieutenants,” including Cabinet members, have been mentioned to be seeking national or local posts in next year’s politcal exercise.
“Huwag nating kalimutan na kasama na rito ang ilang ‘bright boys’ ng administrasyon. Siguradong maninibago si Duterte pag-alis ng mga ito sa gobyerno,” said an analyst.
In the view of many, the administration, with the support of the people, is still capable of ridding the government of erring public servants and sending to jail other criminals.
