READ: 10 ‘changes’ in 10 days: A list of things that the Duterte government has done so far! INCREDIBLE!

ADS Today marks President Duterte’s 10th day in office as the new head of state since he was inaugurated on June 30—and it looks like change has come.

Here are 10 “changes” the Duterte government has imposed – so far.

1. Faster processing of government transactions

President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech after being sworn in as president during a ceremony at the Malacanang Palace in Manila.

During his inaugural speech, the President ordered all department secretaries and the head of agencies to reduce the number of requirements and processing time of all government transactions – from submission of requirements to release of documents. He also ordered the removal of redundant requirements. Compliance of requirements with only one department or agency will now be sufficient for other departments or agencies.



2. Goodbye drug syndicates

President Duterte has vowed during the campaign period to eradicate illegal drugs. Together with PNP chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the new administration appears to be seriously implementing this campaign promise.

President Duterte and Gen. Dela Rosa

During the 69th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force Tuesday, the President surprised everybody named five police generals who are allegedly protecting illegal drug trade. Two days after his explosive announcement, the President released a chart of a drug trade network, revealing the top three drug lords operating in the country.

3. Peace on the way

During Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Change of Command Ceremony, the President shared that even before he was proclaimed as the new head of state, he was already busy going around Mindanao talking to people to bring about peace in the land.

President Rodrigo Duterte chats with Vice-President Leni Robredo, during their first meeting since winning the election last May 2016, during the AFP Change of Command Ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, July 1, 2016.

“Started with the left and with the NPAs (New People’s Army), and we got a favorable answer from the leaders, including Jose Maria Sison,” he said.

In the same ceremony, the President announced that he is set to talk to the MILF, “eventually I think I’ll have to travel to Jolo to talk to Nur [Misuari]. I’m willing to give them safe conduct passes, only the leaders.”

Formal peace talks between the Philippine government and the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) will resume this month.

4. No to ‘online gambling’

Goodbye e-games.

The President directed Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chief Andrea Domingo to revoke licenses given to online gaming operators. “Online gambling must stop. It opened up a lot of avenues. It’s out of control. Kung saan-saan na lang nag-sprout. In Davao, I stopped it in time,” he said.

5. Executive Order on Freedom of Information

President Rodrigo R. Duterte shows a copy of the draft executive order operationalizing in the Executive branch the people’s Constitutional right to information and the state policies of full public disclosure and transparency in the public service of the freedom of information

The draft of the Executive Order (EO) on the freedom of information (FOI) is already in the hands of the President and is expected to be signed soon.

FOI will require government offices under the executive branch to release details of their transactions.

6. Task force vs media killings

The President’s relationship with the media may not be smooth, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t care. In fact, the government has prepared a draft for an administrative order that will set up a task force against media killings.

“Isa rin po sa ginagawa natin para mapanatag po ang loob ng ating mga kasamahan sa media at matigil na po itong pamamaslang, itong extrajudicial killings sa mga miyembro po ng media, ay ‘yung presidential task force against media killings,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in his interview with state-run dzRB.

7. No VIP treatment for gov’t officials in airports

In his first meeting with his cabinet members, the President directed them to shun priority treatment at the airports,”We should treat ourselves just like any other Filipino traveling,” he stated.

President Rodrigo Duterte travels from Manila to Davao City in an ordinary commercial flight of the Philippine Air Lines on July 7, 2016

Setting an example, President Duterte returned to his home in Davao City on board a commercial flight of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Thursday night – in economy class.

8. Complaints and emergency action centers

Malacañang announced that the government will launch its complaints and emergency hotline in August. Filipino citizens may call 8888 for complaints and 911 for emergencies.

Communications chief Andanar said 911 will replace the current 117 emergency hotline.

9. No more ‘laglag bala’

Senior Superintendent Mao Aplasca, new director of the police Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) announced that as per President Duterte’s order, no traveler would be detained or charged in court if a bullet is confiscated in their possession.

Instead, passengers caught with bullets will undergo profiling to clear them of criminal intention and links to any terrorist or criminal group.

“Laglag-bala modus operandi is a thing of the past and we assure the public that they should no longer worry that they will miss their flight or get arrested at our airport for possession of ammunition,” Aplasca said.

10. Agrarian Reform office opens doors

After almost two decades, the gates of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) have been opened to farmers and even to protesters. This act, according to DAR secretary Rafael Mariano, symbolizes that DAR will remain open on all levels following a policy of continuing, open and productive dialogues between officials and employees and other stakeholders of agrarian reform, especially farmers, agricultural workers, and advocates.

Source: ( Manila Bulletin )

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