MANILA, Philippines – At the time when his first anniversary as president comes around, President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies in the House of representatives expectedly gave him high marks on Thursday, while his critics said he “needs improvement.”
Ako Bicol partylist Representative Rodel Batocabe said: “87 percent for improving the peace and order situation. He also connects with people. Just giving them hope and something to look forward to is achievement enough. The economic reforms initiated by his predecessors are being continued by his economic managers.”
For 1-Ang Edukasyon partylist Rep. Salvador Belaro Jr.: “8/10 for the 2017 national budget, policy direction and focus expressed in the Philippine Development Plan, particularly the chapters on human resources, social services, environment, food security, energy and infrastructure.”
Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr.: “4/10 as the President needs to drastically improve his performance if he really wants to use his considerable political capital to deliver on his promise of real and effective change.
“On the plus side, the President should be cited for strengthening of diplomatic ties with more countries, particularly China and Russia, but added that it should not be pursued at the expense of proven beneficial relationships with major partners such as the United States and the European Union.
“He should also be lauded for his efforts to pursue peace talks, the economic agenda and infrastructure development program.
“As for the downside, the most glaring misstep of the Duterte government was its ill-conceived and bloody war on drugs that has taken thousands of innocent lives and made a mockery out of the justice system.
“However, the President disregarded the primacy of human rights, which is a universal tenet and a crucial point of unity in the community of nations.
“Overy focused on the drug issue, he has forgotten his many promises during the campaign such as solving traffic, putting an end to labor contractualization and pursuing real agrarian reform.
“One year of course is not enough to assess an administration’s achievement versus promises. But on the basis of his mantra that change is coming, the change has not been encouraging.”
Minority Leader Danilo Suarez: “6/10 for his first year in office because the administration has failed to address other pressing problems of governance … and poverty and hunger.”
Migrante International: “A year of big talk, band-aid solutions and business as usual for OFWs.”
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas: “He could have done more if only he had the political will and sincerity to address the farmers’ long-time clamor for genuine land reform and national industrialization. The state of the nation one year after he was catapulted to power, will speak for his performance.”