DU30'S 30 PROMISES

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Kill big-time drug lords and suppress drug trade

"[D]rugs, which is my main target, I hope to suppress them to the end."

Time period: 3 to 6 months
When he said it: Feb. 22, 2016, March 20, 2016, and April 24, 2016
Where he said it: Presidential debate venues in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and Dagupan cities
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Bring back death penalty for all drug users and traders, even if it's a member of his own family
  2. Go after drug lords through the military and police
  3. Recruit militiamen who have completed basic ROTC and former soldiers who have experience in gunhandling and law enforcement for the fight against drugs
  4. Provide P5 million bounty for every drug boss caught and smaller bounties for other drug suppliers
Context: As of June 15, 2016, the Philippine National Police has arrested 17,680 persons and killed 68 for illegal possession of drugs since the start of 2016, according to data from the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management. Of this number, 3,760 were arrested and 29 were killed between May 10 to June 15 alone, one month after the 2016 elections.

Suppress crime by end of 2016

"We must begin by addressing criminality, ensuring law and order. And I assure you, under my leadership, you’ll feel the difference in six months. I will start not in terms of years, not in terms of months, but I will do it in the first weeks of my tenure if destiny brings me to Malacañang."

Time period: 3 to 6 months
When he said it: April 27, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Shoot-to-kill order for organized crime
  2. Lobby in Congress to pass the death penalty for serious crimes
Context: Between 2010 and 2015, the Philippine National Police recorded a total of 383,116 crimes committed in the top 15 chartered cities in the Philippines, according to data from the latest PNP crime index. Quezon City ranked as the most dangerous city, followed by Manila, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro cities. Considered crimes are murder, homicide, robbery, theft, carnapping and physical injury. A separate rape index by the PNP showed that a total of 6,374 rape cases were reported in the same 15 cities, within the same time period. Davao City ranked second on the list with 843 cases logged.

Improve wages and equipment of police and military

"I will increase the salary of our police and military and equip them properly to fight criminality, and offer rewards to those who perform their duties well ... [T]hey will have their salaries increased immediately upon my assumption. Doble na."

Time period: Immediately upon assumption / 6 years
When he said it: April 27, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Double salaries of military and police immediately upon assumption • Buy new equipment
  2. Offer incentives and rewards for jobs well done
Context: New PNP recruits, or PO1, and privates under the AFP both start with a base salary of P14,834. The PNP Chief Director General and his Army counterparts–those who possess the rank of General or Admiral–earn a base pay of P67,500. Salaries listed do not include benefits and allowances. The PNP modified their pay scale in February 2016 while the AFP last revised its pay scale in April 2012.

Hire 3,000 new police, create two new Army divisions

"We have a problem in this country, especially in Mindanao. I would need more warm bodies but I cannot tell you how I would deploy them. That’s something I cannot share with you. I would need about 3,000 more policemen to take control of this country."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 27, 2016 and May 29, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues and press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Hire 3,000 policemen
  2. Create two new Army divisions for his personal use
Context: According to the 2013 PNP Accomplishment report, 7,615 P01s were recruited out of the total 9,973 quota set for that year. In 2014, 8,232 P01s were recruited out of the total 22,200 recruitment quota.

Roll out Davao City's law-and-order measures on the national level

"The police should not arrest minors. They do not have the discernment of what they are doing out there ... Arrest the parents instead.”

Time period: 3 to 6 months
When he said it: May 16, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Implement 10 p.m. curfew for minors without parental supervision, and throw the parents of caught children in jail for "abandonment"
  2. Impose 2 a.m. curfew for drinking in public places
  3. Implement smoking ban in enclosed public places
  4. Ban late-night karaoke sessions
Context: Curfew for Minors (Davao City Ordinance No. 84): “It shall be unlawful for any child below sixteen (16) years of age to be loitering around after seven (7) o`clock in the evening unless they are in company with their parents or guardians; and for any such child to be sleeping in public places like the markets, wharves, empty bodegas or houses, sidewalks or alleys, showhouses, etc.”

Smoking Ban (Ordinance No. 0367-12): “It shall be unlawful for any individual to smoke or allow smoking of any tobacco product, or use Electronic Device Systems, Shisha and the like, in all forms of Public Conveyances, Government-owned Vehicles, Accommodation and Entertainment Establishments, Workplaces, Enclosed or Partially Enclosed Public Places, Public Buildings, and Public Outdoor Spaces, except in duly designated smoking areas… within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City.”

"Liquor ban (Ordinance No. 004-13, amendment): “All persons selling or serving liquor, alcoholic beverages, coconut wine and other nature wines and the like that cause intoxication are hereby prohibited to sell or serve beginning 1 o’clock in the morning (1:00 a.m.) until 8 o’clock in the morning (8:00 a.m.).”

Release all political prisoners

"I might decide to just free them (political prisoners) before the [end of the] talks ... It is a show of confidence-building. Maski hindi maganda dahil wala namang negotiation na maganda talaga (Even if it’s not nice, but then what negotiation is nice). Whether civil or uncivil, in good manners or hindi, basta nagsimula na, sige i-release ko na (not, once it’s started, all right, I’ll release them)."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: May 23, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Use ongoing peace talks with Leftist and militant groups as a precondition to freeing political prisoners
Context: According to human rights group Karapatan, there are at least 543 political prisoners still detained as of May 2016. Of this number, 18 are peace consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, while 88 need proper medical treatment and 48 are elderly. Detainees include Communist Party of the Philippines leaders Benito Tiamzon and his wife, Wilma.

Stop corruption in government

“'Yung may mga (those who have) cases, alis na (leave), I do not care kung wala pang (if there’s no) judgment [yet]. 'Pag hindi (if not), I plan to invade Jolo, [the lair of the] Abu Sayyaf. Prepare now for combat duty there, kayo ang uutusan ko (I will order that you serve there). At kung kayo ang ma-hostage doon (And if you are taken hostage), say your our father’s name because I will never, never pay to retrieve you.”

Time period: 6 months
When he said it: Feb. 22, 2016, March 20, 2016, April 24, 2016 and May 18, 2016
Where he said it: Presidential debate venues in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and Dagupan cities, and press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Force corrupt police and generals to resign or retire from servce
  2. Impose 72-hour processing times for government certificates and clearances
Context: According to the 2015 corruption index of global watchdog Transparency International, the Philippines is ranked 95 out of 168, with 1 being the least corrupt and 168 the most corrupt. The country scored 35 in the index, or more corrupt than its 2014 score of 38.

Amend the Constitution to lift laws restricting foreign investments

"I can be comfortable with 70-30 percent [in favor of foreign ownership] ... I can give you (foreign businessmen) a lease renewable for 40 years. That is a lifetime. But if you leave the country, [it would be] automatic na [that you cannot pass it on to another corporation]."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: Feb. 4, 2016
Where he said it: Wallace Business Forum
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Hold a Constitutional Convention to ratify the Constitution
Context: The Philippine Constitution currently restricts foreign ownership to 40 percent of certain businesses. Should it be amended, Duterte has said he would prefer it be done through a Constitutional Convention, or Con-con, which involves electing representatives through a special election and voters ratifying the resulting amendment.

Bury the body of President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayan

“I will allow the burial of President Marcos sa Libingan ng mga Bayani not because he is a hero but because he was a Filipino soldier, period ... 'Yang issue sa burial ni President Ferdinand Marcos sa Libingan ng mga Bayani has created division among our people… I am sure that I will erase among our people one hatred."

Time period: 3 to 6 months
When he said it: May 23, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Decree that Marcos be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani
Context: While it is customary for Philippine presidents to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, many believe that Ferdinand Marcos, who died in September 1989, should not be allowed to rest there due to the widespread plunder and human rights violations under his 21-year term. Marcos' body today remains in his ancestral house in Ilocos Norte province.

Pardon former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

"If I am elected President, I will release her. Why? Because the evidence [against her] is weak. I know that. I am a lawyer."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: Feb. 6, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Allow Arroyo to apply for presidential pardon and accept her application
Context: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is currently detained at Veterans’ Memorial Medical Center over the alleged misuse of P366 million in intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office from 2008 to 2010 for personal gain.

Decentralize power in the Philippines by pushing for a federal form of government, particularly in Mindanao

"Let me focus on Mindanao and what is happening today. With the failure of BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law), there is a great, great hurt there. Unless, I said, we can come up with another card which is federalism, nothing, nothing at all, can appease Mindanao. ‘Yan ang nangyayari diyan (That is what's happening there) and that is why it is very important na kung ako ang mapupunta diyan (if I will go there), I would not only offer the BBL–which is the same configuration–but I will offer federalism to all, pati kay Nur Misuari on the western side. That would maybe appease everybody because every Moro politico would really like to see federalism kasi po palpak nga ang BBL (because BBL is a failure) and we have to do this because, as I said, nothing, nothing short, will appease and bring peace to Mindanao. ‘Yan ang importante sa lahat diyan (That's the most important thing of all). You have to right the historical wrong committed against the Moro people."

Time period: 2 years (to come up with detailed proposal)
When he said it: Feb. 23, 2016
Where he said it: First presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Create a commission to accept proposals on the switch to a federal form of government
  2. Give the new commission, composed of Moros, Christians and lumad as members, two years to finish the proposal
  3. Call for a constitutional convention and ask the Filipino people about the need for a federal system of government
Context: Federalism, according to Merriam Webster dictionary, is the distribution of power in an organization (as a government) between a central authority and the constituent units. An example of a modern federalist country is the United States, which is run by both its national government and independent federal governments per US state.

End illegal labor contractualization

"The moment I assume the presidency, contractualization will stop ... I said, 'Immediately.' What I will do is I will call the Speaker and the Senate President after their elections and everybody, may Constitution na doon, internal. Then I will call all, mostly, the majority, mga Liberal Congressman, you pass this bill immediately. 'Senate,' sabihin ko (I'll say), 'I need it first week of my administration.' Ganoon lang. Gawin ninyo (That's it. Just do it)."

Time period: June 30 noon time; first week of his admin / 3 to 6 months
When he said it: April 24, 2016
Where he said it: Third presidential debate in Dagupan City, Pangasinan
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Call on Congress to prioritize to pass immediately a bill making illegal contractualization
  2. Distinguish between "endo" workers, which are illegal, and contractual workers hired for jobs with set periods of time
Context: The Department of Labor and Employment does not have specific statistics on the number of contractual workers in the country. However, it is regarded as common practice for companies to hire "endo" workers, or 5-5-5, to supplement their labor forces without paying for government benefits. An endo worker is one who is hired as a contractual worker and fired after five months, so that the company does not have to hire him or her as a regular employee.

Create a bank specifically for OFWs

"I will create a bank para ang remittances, nila hindi na sila magpunta doon sa mga dicer (so that OFWs don't have to go to sketchy places). They can go to the bank and we will have a bank in every place where they are."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 24, 2016
Where he said it: Third presidential debate in Dagupan City, Pangasinan
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Put up a central bank specifically for remittances, with branches in every country where there are OFWs
Context: In 2015, OFWs worldwide sent $25.7 billion worth of remittances. This has grown steadily from $24.6 billion in 2014, $22.9 billion in 2013, and $21.3 billion in 2012.

Provide better, mandatory services for OFWs

"I propose to create one government only to take care of the OFW (overseas Filipino worker). Lahat ng kailangan, permit, ano, diyan na nila kukunin sa administrasyon na 'yan (All they need, permits, they will get it from only one administration)–[there's] going to be a department to take care of them."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 24, 2016
Where he said it: Third presidential debate in Dagupan City, Pangasinan
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Create a department or office specifically for OFW concerns and applications
  2. Provide free hospitalization and airfare for abused OFWs who want to go back to the Philippines
Context: Currently, there are several government offices handling OFW concerns: there is an undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs under the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and there are the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), all under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). According to the 2014 accomplishment report of the DFA, it provided assistance to 20,955 Overseas Filipinos through its Assistance to Nationals Fund (ATN). It spent P410.3 million out of the total P462 million budget allocated.

Promote small- and medium-scale enterprises

"[A]t itong small-scale, medium (enterprises), dito ako magplano magbuhos ng P1 billion per region. Ang problema lang nito is how to really educate the people na hindi ito puwedeng pang-konsumo (I will pour P1 billion per region for small- and medium-scale enterprises. The problem is how to educate people that this can't be only for their personal consumption)."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: Feb. 23, 2016 and April 27, 2016
Where he said it: First presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, and MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Allot P1 billion per region for small- and medium-scale enterprises
  2. Build more food terminals
  3. Establish more credit unions and cooperatives
  4. Teach cooperatives the value of integrity, so that its leaders do not run away with the funds
Context: According to the Department of Agrarian Reform, 2,431 cooperatives are duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority as of end of 2013.

Continue the 4Ps program of the Aquino administration

"[This] Pantawid [program], I will continue."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 27, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Continue the existing Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
  2. Expand the Conditional Cash Transfer program
Context: In 2010, there were 786,523 beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer program. This rose to 4.3 million in 2015.

Improve and make more progressive the income tax system

"We will index that to inflation and say that you know maybe now what P500,000 was then is equivalent to a million pesos now, so the tax bite should be lower for those earning P500,000 today,” said Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: May. 12, 2016
Where he said it: Press statement
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Index tax collection to inflation rate, "to enable those who earn a little to have more in their pockets"
Context: During his administration, President Benigno Aquino III had opposed calls to lower personal and corporate income taxes, saying that lowering income tax may lead to a budgetary deficit and negative credit ratings from international agencies.

Dismantle the cartel of alleged rice smuggler Davidson Bangayan

"[W]hen I testified in the Senate, I identified somebody there. (David) Bangayan. He was one of those smuggling rice. ‘Yong cartel nila, madali ‘yan (Their cartel is easy to take down). I’ll do it in three days. As president, sabi ko nga three to six months tapos lahat ito eh (I said I can finish this all in three to six months). No, really. I am willing to stake my honor, my profession and my life."

Time period: 3 to 6 months
When he said it: Feb. 23, 2016
Where he said it: First presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Dismantle the alleged rice cartel of David Bangayan
Context: In 2014, the Senate launched an inquiry into reports that a big-time rice cartel headed by a certain "David Tan" used farmers’ cooperatives to smuggle rice and manipulate its prices. Duterte also testified during one of the hearing to confirm that "David Tan" is really Davidson Bangayan, a businessman from Davao City. The case continues to languish in the courts.

Halt previous land reform program

"Land reform, I will study kasi it is not a successful [program] ... It has failed miserably, and I would tell the communists, do not [lobby for] it ... I will not continue land reform, it has not done anything for the Filipinos, for the landlord and the tenant."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 27, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Disregard demand of militant groups to properly distribute land to farmers
Context: According to the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) is "the redistribution of public and private agricultural lands to farmers and farmworkers who are landless, irrespective of tenurial arrangement." The program has since been scrutinized for its snail-paced implementation, particularly the granting of certificates of land owenership award to farmers and the distribution of land among agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Distribute coco levy funds to farmers and develop new coconut farms

"[Agriculture Secretary Manny] Piñol said in a statement that Duterte told his designated Cabinet officials... that the levy 'is an emotional issue for the coconut farmers” and “should be given to the farmers.' He said Duterte issued the directive, specifically addressed to his presidential legal adviser, Salvador Panelo, when Piñol asked for a policy statement on the coconut levy funds."" • ""Piñol also said he had presented to Duterte a draft policy paper, dubbed Copra (Coconut Productivity and Rehabilitation Program), which explains a proposed six-year initiative of developing 600,000 hectares of new coconut farms."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: June 16, 2016
Where he said it: Press statement
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Release P100 billion worth of accumulated assets from the coco levy fund to farmers
  2. Develop 600,000 hectares of new coconut farms
Context: In the 1970s, coconut farmers paid added tax for a share in future investments in the coconut industry. These taxes, now known as the coco levy fund, were instead used by then President Ferdinand Marcos and Danding Cojuanco, among others, purchase the United Coconut Farmers Bank and invest in San Miguel Corp. The Presidential Commission on Good Government has estimated that the levy, including assets bought using it, to be worth at least P83 billion. The families of the original farmers who paid tax, most of whom have already passed, continue to fight to get back their investment.

Open health facilities in every barangay, each with a resident doctor

"I will commit all the earnings of Pagcor (Philippine Gaming Corp.), which run into billions, to hospitals for medicines and hospitalization."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 27, 2016 and June 4, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues and Davao Thanksgiving party
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Make sure that each barangay hospital or clinic has a dedicated doctor
  2. Finance additional beds and amenities for barangay hospitals, among other health care needs, using Pagcor funds
Context: During his stint as health secretary, the late Juan Flavier initiated the "Doctors to the Barrios" program, which deploys doctors to far-flung barangays without local physicians for two years a term. In 2014, however, former Health Secretary Enrique Ona called for a review of the program, as local government units have relied too much on the deployed doctors instead of hiring their own permanent physicians.

Promote family planning to prevent overpopulation

"[Family planning] will do us good. Mas maraming magawa ‘yan, walang kasamaan ‘yan (It will accomplish many things, it won’t do any harm). Ako naman, I said, I am a Christian but I am a realist and we have to do something about overpopulation."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: May 22, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Suggest a three-child-only national policy
  2. Promote family planning, as stated in the reproductive health law
Context: In 2010, the National Statistics Office projected that the Philippine population could reach 142 million by 2045. As of 2015 the current Philippines population is 100.98 million with an annual growth rate of 1.72 percent from 2010-2015.

Legalize medicinal marijuana

“[Medical marijuana] is really an ingredient of modern medicine now ... [But] if you just smoke it like a cigarette, I will not allow it ever."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: May 22, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Allow the use of marijuana but only for medicinal purposes
  2. Arrest and kill those who use marijuana for recreational purposes
Context: On May 28, 2014, then Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III sought to legalize medical marijuana by filing in the 16th Congress House Bill No. 4477, or "Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act." Among its staunchest advocates, however, were Sen. Vicente Sotto III and the Philippine Drug Enforecement Agency; the Department of Health had also said it would reserve judgment until further research was done. The bill has since been archived.

Prioritize education in order to build stronger middle class

"[E]ducate the people and build a strong middle class ... I will increase scholarships, especially sa baba (for lower grades), and training programs for the teachers. And it should be accessible to everybody. I would not know how to do it because of the constraints of finances but I think I will cut down on major projects outside."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 27, 2016 and May 22, 2016
Where he said it: MBC-MAP Presidential Dialogues
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Increase the number of government scholarships, particularly for tertiary level
  2. Cut further spending from other departments and divert funds to education
  3. Continue implementation of K-12 program
Context: President Benigno Aquino in 2013 signed into law Republic Act No. 10533, or the Enhanced Basic Education Act. The act, also called the K-12 law, overhauls the country's previous 10-year education track by adding an extra three years to the high school level, in the hopes that Filipino graduates will be more competitive on a global level upon graduation. The K-12 law, however, has come under fire in recent times due to the alleged lack of preparation and funding for the program.

Lay claim to the nearest Chinese-occupied island

"We have to establish the legitimacy of our claim. Kailangan hawak-hawak natin dokumentong nanalo tayo sa korte (We need to hold on to the document that we won in court). And then, we demand sa China to empty the place. Amin 'yan (That's ours), exclusive economic zone. So kung ayaw ninyo at ayaw tayong tulungan ng America at magka-giyera (So if China doen't like it and if America does not want to help us in the war), that will be a massacre. I will not commit the lives of Filipino soldiers. Kaya ako na lang ang pupunta doon (I'll be the one to go to war instead)."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 24, 2016
Where he said it: Third presidential debate in Dagupan City, Pangasinan
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Win the Philippines' case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague
  2. Upon winning, demand that China evacuate the Philippines' exclusive economy zone
Context: After a couple of rounds of hearings, the Philippines has completed the submission of its case before the International Arbitral Tribunal regarding the maritime dispute against China over the South China Sea. The final award/decision of the court is expected to be issued in 2016.

Put a stop to big mining companies in Mindanao that damage the environment

"Mining people must shape up. Most of what you do today, especially in Surigao, is dig holes. And they are destroying Mindanao, and they are only a few [who operate] who are from Manila ... Lahat ng mining na malalaki na sumisira (All mining companies that destroy big portions of the environment), they have to stop.”

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: June 4, 2016
Where he said it: Davao Thanksgiving party
ACTION PLAN:
  1. If big mining companies do not put a stop to their practices that destroy the environment, have local investors take over their concessions
  2. Use military against big mining companies
  3. Support local miners and teach them how not to destroy the land
Context: Mindanao has long been regarded as a land rich with untapped minerals, with 21 large mining projects in the Caraga region alone. President Duterte is a known antimining advocate, having banned mining within Davao City's perimeter.

Solve present traffic problem in Metro Manila

"There is no silver bullet and magic to solve the traffic problem now. And the six years that’s given to the president–and maybe I would take about a year or two to improve ... We are pumping in 300-plus thousand motor vehicles every month. Eh yan, papasok lahat yan sa ating highway, sa ating EDSA. Saan natin ilagay yan (These new cars pass through our highway, our Edsa. Where do we put all of them)? And we cannot stop them except that we have to improve the mass transit of people then try to explain that one by one for those dilapidated and earlier models must be out of EDSA. That’s the only solution that can [happen]. Nothing else would really solve the problem. That’s the reality on the ground."

Time period: 2 to 3 years
When he said it: April 24, 2016 and May 28, 2016
Where he said it: Third presidential debate in Dagupan; Press conference in Davao
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Improve alternative mass transport systems, such as trains and ferries
  2. Retire and ban old car models from traversing roads in the city
Context: Crippling traffic has been a long-standing problem in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized cities as a result of accelerated development in the city and an increase in the number of cars plying roads in constant need of maintenance. In 2013, a study by Japan International Cooperation Agency said the Philippines was losing P2.4 billion a day in potential income due to traffic congestion, which eats up time that could have been used for productive pursuits.

Hike infrastructure spending to up to 7 percent of GDP

"“The Duterte administration will not spend money for spending’s sake,” incoming Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno told the Inquirer. “The economy is deficient in all types of infrastructure—highways and bridges, ports and airports.” Specific infrastructure projects to be pursued by the Duterte government include “small, medium and large-scale projects [that] will be done in all regions—[both] highly developed and lagging—simultaneously, not sequentially,” Diokno said.

Time period: 6 months
When he said it: June 3, 2016
Where he said it: Press statement
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Hike spending higher than the 5 percent of the Aquino administration
  2. Spend money on small-, medium- and large-scale projects like airports and highways around the Philippines
  3. Make sure developments around the country are done at the same time and not just one big project after another
  4. Address bottlenecks in public-private partnerships
Context: The latest data from the Department of Budget and Management showed that while the Aquino government's infrastructure spending jumped 52.8 percent to P104.8 billion in the first quarter, the government continued to underspend below the level it should to support faster economic growth. Among current projects underway are Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project and the NAIA Expressway Phase II project.

Build new railways and train extensions throughout the country

"My first big project is the establishment of a railway for the Philippines. There are those who want to help, and we will ask them, what’s the payback? ... Maybe China [will be involved]. I tell you frankly, we do not have the money for it."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: April 24, 2016
Where he said it: Third presidential debate in Dagupan City, Pangasinan
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Extend the MRT and LRT lines
  2. Build new train lines connecting Manila to Nueva Vizcaya province in the north, Sorsogon and Batangas provinces in the south, and a system for the whole of Mindanao
Context: The NorthRail project, a Chinese-led endeavor initiated under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was meant to link northern Metro Manila with Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark Field, Pampanga, but was canceled in 2012. The Aquino administration has since announced plans to expand existing train lines, such as the MRT 7 and the Philippine National Railway.

Improve internet connectivity and access

"You (telecommunication companies) improve the service or I will open [up] the Philippines. All (foreign competitors) can come in ... I will make it a public policy—the Internet connectivity."

Time period: 6 years
When he said it: May 22, 2016
Where he said it: Press conference in Davao City
ACTION PLAN:
  1. Compel telecommunication companies to improve their services, to better the Philippine economy
  2. Open up the Philippines to foreign telcos to drive competition
Context: According to the Q4 2015 State of the Internet report published by Akamai, the Philippines has the second lowest average connection speed (3.2 Mbps) in the Asia Pacific region. This, despite Filipinos ranking second highest on time spent on social media (4.3 hours daily).