July 26, 2023
To help President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. usher in a “Bagong Pilipinas”, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) vowed to maintain the intensity of its peace and order efforts, especially the campaign against illegal drugs and the purge against scalawags of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said the Department will remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law to strengthen the foundation of the country’s transformation.
“Katulad ng sinabi ng ating Mahal na Pangulo, dumating na ang Bagong Pilipinas, at asahan ninyong mas magiging maigting ang ating kampanya upang panatilihin ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa bansa na siyang gagabay sa patuloy nating pagsulong,” Abalos said.
In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos declared that the campaign against illegal drugs, which has “taken on a new face”, will continue, citing the DILG’s Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program that focuses on the areas of education, livelihood, rehabilitation, health, and wellness in addressing the drug problem.
The President likewise stressed the government’s hard-nosed stance against unscrupulous law enforcers who have been involved in the illegal drug trade.
“We will not tolerate scalawags in the police ranks. The President has already accepted the resignations of 18 police officers due to their involvement in illegal drug activities. But make no mistake about it. Hindi tayo diyan natatapos. Magpapatuloy ang ating paglilinis sa hanay ng PNP,” Abalos said.
The DILG Chief likewise expressed the Department’s full support in the plans of the Marcos administration to improve the economy, bring jobs to Filipinos, improve the ease of doing business, boost agricultural production, ensure food security, and continue social programs for the poor and the vulnerable.
Abalos also emphasized support for the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” program, which according to him, will not only help ensure food security but will also address stunting and malnutrition as it provides affordable and nutritious food to the public.
Lastly, the Secretary also vowed to continue to capacitate LGUs to aid the country’s transformation to a new and better Philippines, through meaningful and calibrated devolution of national government functions to local governments.
“We have heard the comprehensive report of the President, and the DILG will continue to carry out its mandate and deliver quality public service to help him attain his goals for a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Philippines,” Abalos said.
Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/As-PBBM-ushers-in-Bagong-Pilipinas-DILG-vows-continued-campaign-vs-drugs-erring-cops/NC-2023-1126