Palace credits Duterte’s ‘strong and decisive leadership’ for 2018 feats

MANILA, Philippines —President Rodrigo Duterte has shown “strong and decisive leadership” in advancing the nation’s interests since taking office two and half years ago, Malacañang said in its 2018 yearend report.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, in Malacañang’s 54-page report, cited some of the Duterte administration’s achievements in the past year which include the return of the historic Balangiga Bells, declaration of the Philippine Rise as a marine resource reserve, signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Philippines and Kuwait for the protection of overseas Filipino workers, the rehabilitation of Boracay, and the government’s “anti-endo” campaign or the campaign to end the practice of labor contractualization.

Panelo also mentioned the signing of “landmark pieces of legislation” including free irrigation, free tuition in 112 state universities and colleges, a national mental health policy and a national feeding program for undernourished school children.