DUTERTE’S ACHIEVEMENTS TO BENEFIT GENERATIONS, EVEN THE CRITICS

Social programs, i.e., free public college, free and universal basic medical care, and 146 Malasakit Centers for the poor, are creating a foundation for us to enter the new economy. Simple improvements in public service like extending the validity of driver’s license from 3 years to 10 years and passports from 5 years to 10 years to double digit decreases in crime rates, among others, are already improving the life for the majority as people even in poor communities would validate.

Record international ratings were achieved with international rating agencies Fitch and Moody’s, among others. The Philippines even reached the top 10 in terms of favorable debt to GDP ratio, surpassing China and the US. At the same time, President Duterte increased the salaries for public teachers, nurses, police and soldiers, all before the pandemic.
The highest reduction of poverty and unemployment rates ever seen in the Philippines was attained, albeit pre-pandemic. Even Inquirer reported in 2019 “Jobs hit 14-year high,” so much so that there were shortages of both wage labor and the professionals. Just ask the recruitment heads throughout the country — able Filipinos not employed were actually being choosy and turning down jobs!

Landmark bills stalled for decades were passed; the Foreign Investments equity limits in the Public Services Act and Retail Trade Liberalization Act were modernized to make our country more competitive. Child marriage was banned and age for rape was increased from 12 to 16. Laws on smoking, firecrackers made for a healthier and safer environment. The serious application of the ARTA — Anti-Red Tape Act — has steadily been improving our bureaucratic steps needed to attain permits, investigations, resolutions, etc.

The success of Build, Build, Build activated the country’s potential and raised the development of EVERY part of the country — with employment, logistics, enterprise and retail hubs growing nationwide, not just in the traditional urban centers. The Skyway, EDSA bus lane, new airports, PUV Modernization, upgrades of MRT and PNR, Bridges in Manila, Cebu Cordova Bridge, etc. — these will generate multiplier effects for the whole economy. These allowed the Philippines to be considered once again by overseas manufacturing investors.

Read More: https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/05/08/opinion/columns/dutertes-achievements-to-benefit-generations-even-the-critics/1842813

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Additional References:
DND chief Lorenzana: Current situation in West Philippine Sea ‘quiet, stable’
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1592829/dnd-chief-lorenzana-current-situation-in-west-philippine-sea-quiet-stable#ixzz7Sy5K8ROj
(May 2022) Higher fisheries yield in and lower poverty incidence among frontline provinces facing the West Philippine Sea (WPS) defy the portrayal of state abandonment of the Filipino fisherfolk under the Duterte administration. Growth in other sectors, such as manufacturing and services are also providing high-paying alternatives from this humble livelihood. All these suggest that the lot of common fisherfolk in the country’s western seaboard is improving, although much remains to be done.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/05/23/opinion/columns/fishing-for-a-fight-or-better-economic-well-being/1800305
(November 2021) Duterte’s diplomacy works; Ayungin in perspective

In October 2016, a few weeks after President Duterte’s state visit, our Filipino fishermen were able to return to Scarborough, reporting record catch. In 2021, “there is a peaceful coexistence between Filipino and Chinese fishermen at the shoal,” president of the fishermen association in Scarborough Eric Naboa said, as reported by Inquirer. 
https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/11/28/opinion/columns/dutertes-diplomacy-works-ayungin-in-perspective/1823886