Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said that he will only need six months to put an end to the country’s problems on peace and order and corruption.
Speaking during a presidential forum held at the De La Salle University in Manila City, Duterte, the standard bearer of the PDP-Laban, noted that while he is not the silver bullet that will solve the country’s ills, he is confident that he can solve the most pressing problems facing the Philippines in six months.
“I have to take control of our country. Our country is in disorder,” he told his audience, mostly students of the university.
Senator Alan Peter Cayeteno, Duterte’s running mate, said the Davao City mayor was referring to problems on illegal drugs, corruption and peace and order.
“If in six months, or by January 1, 2017 you do not feel safer, and that more than half of the drug pushers have either stopped or are gone from this world, that you cannot walk the streets feeling safe, he will resign,” Cayetano, who was also in the forum, said.
The senator said he too is willing to give up his post if Duterte fails to fulfill his promises.
“For those of you who have doubts, don’t even vote for me, but vote for him (Duterte) because vice president is just there to support and help. It is the president who has the power and the right president can really make meaningful change,” Cayetano said
Duterte said his administration will also focus on agriculture, infrastructure and the shift to a federal system of government.
As president, the Davao mayor said he will grant government employees higher pay but this benefit will first be enjoyed by policemen.
He plans to raise the salary of police officers and soldiers to P50,000 or even P100,000 because they will lead the fight against criminality and drugs.
All presidential and vice presidential aspirants were invited in the forum but only the tandem of Duterte and Cayetano made it to the event.