President’s Hall, Malacañan Palace
October 4, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addressed former and current military and police officers in his speech as he hosted a dinner for the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Incorporated (PMAAAI) at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace.

In his opening remarks, the Commander-in-Chief assured the military and police officers that he remains incorruptible, leaving government transactions at the hands of his Cabinet secretaries.

“Dito ako sir mag-concentrate sa corruption. I am doing it. For God’s sake, I am doing it. So much so na ayaw kong ma-contaminate ako. And I assure you and you can ask all the Cabinet members present — diyan sila nandito almost all, General Año, General Lorenzana, si General Esperon — I do not allow transactions of government to reach my table here or in the house across,” he stated.

Further down in his speech, the Commander-in-Chief vowed to continue his unrelenting war against illegal drugs at all cost.

“Iyong droga sir, hindi talaga ako bibitaw diyan. As I have told you, even if it would cost me my life, my honor, and the presidency. Pagka bumigay ako dito sa droga, kawawa ang Pilipino,” he said.

“And I will never allow any soldier or policemen whether in drugs or something else. And if you do it in the line of duty — in the performance of your duty — I will protect you,” he added.

The PMAAAI is a non-stock, non-profit corporation composed of six (6) major chapters, namely:  Army Chapter, Air Force Chapter, Navy Chapter, PNP Chapter, PCG Chapter, and Business Industry and Retirees Chapter (BIRC) and several fraternal chapters. It aims to safeguard the prestige and reputation of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), as well as to promote the general welfare and protect the interest of its members.

President Duterte also announced Philippine Army (PA) Commanding General Rolando Bautista, who is set to retire on October 15, as the new Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary.

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