If we are to describe the first year of Digong’s administration in one word, it would be “bloody.” This was the word used by the President himself in several speeches about his ongoing campaign against narco-politics. This war on drugs received mixed reactions, internationally and locally. Over 4,000 people died, some of them innocent. We stress the urgency to investigate these deaths and bring those guilty to justice.
On the upside, more than 700,000 drug users have surrendered. The President signed an Executive Order to establish and support drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers throughout the country. The reduction of drug use, and the commitment of the administration to rehabilitate recovering addicts is laudable. What needs to be done next is to provide jobs and other opportunities for them.
It’s obvious that 2016 was about the war on drugs. 2017 should be about other concerns that are equally, if not more, urgent.
Most of my previous articles tackled the issues of illegal drugs, illegal gambling, corruption, and traffic. We observed that the administration has been trying to address these problems since assuming office. On a latest report by MMDA, Edsa traffic was reduced by seven minutes. Corrupt government officials were asked to resign as a move to fight corruption. However, there are further economic concerns that also need the administration’s attention.
We look forward to the President pursuing other issues now. We wonder if the administration is adequately prepared to cushion the Philippines during these uncertain and challenging times. For example, the peso is trading at all time low, nearing 50 pesos to a dollar. Bloomberg reports that this low rate was last seen during the global financial crisis of 2008. The continued fall of the peso which will increase the cost of commodities. Unemployment, poverty, and traffic are still serious problems. Schools lack classrooms. Food security is at risk—all of these are issues that need the administration’s attention and urgent action.
We have reiterated our request that the President give equal focus to other issues. 2017 is the time to do that.
