Duterte Vows To Help Businesses Recover

President Duterte vowed government assistance to enable businesses to recover from the ill-effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

- Raymund Antonio, Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos, And Genalyn Kabiling

The Chief Executive pledged this in his 6th and last State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 26.

“Let me assure you the government is committed to assist the private sector to regain the commercial vibrance of the country prior to the pandemic,” Duterte assured.

He also aired his “deepest appreciation for the generosity of the private sector who came to the government’s aid in fighting COVID-19.” “I’m profoundly thankful for your sustained assistance to fellow Filipinos amidst the deleterious effect of the pandemic to our respective industries.”

Several private companies have helped the government in its pandemic response such as the Ayala group, SM, Razon, and San Miguel Corp., among others.

During the SONA, Preside Duterte recalled that his fight with the rich was necessary so he could realize his mission of implementing changes in the country that will help give the people a comfortable life.

Dreams and visions

President Duterte said that when he assumed the presidency in 2016, at the top of his mind were his dreams and visions of a better life for all Filipinos. “I saw them as reachable through the institution of reforms and radical changes in both the structure of government and the mode of governance – changes designed [to yield] responsibility [and] accountability. All in consonance with the truth that public office is a public trust,” he said.

However, the President admitted that he was challenged by the limited amount of time granted to him by the Constitution.