Vientiane, Lao PDR
September 5, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was greeted with loud cheers from the Filipino community of Lao People’s Democratic Republic as he attended their gathering on the first day of his visit to Vientiane.

In his remarks, the President said, “Government is here to protect you” and introduced Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. to the audience, saying that they can get in touch with the DFA head anytime to raise their problems.

He promised that his administration would be a clean government, stressing, “Iba na ang sistema doon….Marami na akong pina-resign.”

Likewise, he assured the more than 700 Filipinos in the event that once they arrive in their country, they would be accorded with respect and dignity from their government.

At the same time, he thanked the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for taking care of the Filipinos in their second home.

The President introduced the Cabinet members accompanying him during the trip, emphasizing that they are the people who would make a difference for the Philippines.

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