Grand Ballroom, Manila Hotel
June 28, 2017
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the 140th founding anniversary of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI) at the Fiesta Pavilion in Manila Hotel.
In his message, the President conveyed his appreciation to the PCCAI for their kind assistance to the less fortunate, charity works, and humanitarian aid. He acknowledged the role of the Filipino-Chinese community for their ‘love to their fellowmen.’ He also witnessed the handover of 20 scholarship grants extended to legitimate children of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops who were killed-in-action in Marawi City.
The Commander-in-Chief also expressed his thoughts for Marawi City and thanked the soldiers who are tirelessly working to free the city from terrorists. He also defended his declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao and said that he will be responsible for it.
“Kapag nabasa ko yung… papel na iyan, tapos nakita ko yung mga wounded and dead, tapos dalawang pages, ako ang nasasaktan. And I feel even if it is right or wrong, the burden of guilt, naisip ko kasi yung mga nawalaan na ng nanay, nawalaan na ng tatay. Kaya kung pabilisan lang, gusto kong matapos na ito,” he said.
Likewise, President Duterte cited his campaign against corruption in the government. According to him, corruption hampers the development of the Philippines as a nation.
“I hate corruption. The reason why this country never really progressed is corruption. Corruption should stop,” he added.
“You’d see me less, less of me until the Marawi incident is over. Nandoon ako sa mga kampo. Everyday lumilipad ako ng mga kampo talaga just to raise the morale (of the soldiers),” the President ended.
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