President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday claimed he was able to fulfill most of his campaign promises to the public during his term.
During his speech at the inauguration of Zamboanga City Seaport Development Project on Thursday, Duterte said he decided to end peace negotiation with the National Democratic Front-Commuist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NDF-CPP-NPA) after it allegedly took advantage of his good faith.
He cited how the three Cabinet positions he offered to representatives of NDF-CPP-NPA were supposedly used by communist leaders to siphon funds from the government.
“They did nothing but use the funds of their offices and send it to the other side. That is why I removed all of them,” Duterte said.
To note, Duterte appointed Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano, National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Liza Maza, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, upon the recommendation of NDF.
Mariano and Taguiwalo was removed from their Cabinet positions after their appointments were rejected by the Commission on Appointments.
Meanwhile, Maza decided to later resign from her post.
Duterte also recalled how CPP executives Benito Tiamzon and his wife, Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, whom he allowed to be released from detention to participate in the peace talks later, are now missing after the government peace talks with NDF collapsed.
He was also irked on how the NDF-CPP-NPA wants to have a hand in government leadership without being elected by the people.
Despite his frustration on the failed peace talks, Duterte said he still managed to deliver many of his campaign promises, which includes combating illegal drugs, large scale infrastructure projects,
“But I said my term is nearing its end. I can say with with a little bit of pride that almost all of the things, which I promised were fulfilled,” Duterte said.
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