FILE PHOTO: President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his second state of the nation address (SONA) on July 24, 2017.

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte did not fail to mention his continuing campaign against corruption in his Third State of the Nation Address.

This time, he issued another warning against government agencies that do not adhere to the government policy in making business in the Philippines easier and simpler.

The Chief Executive also warned the government agencies particularly under the Executive branch of government which was reported to have the most number of red tape complaints.

“I particularly call the attention of the agencies with the [most] number of red tape-related reports from the public. Make your services truly customer-friendly. Our people deserve efficient, effective, and responsive government services. They deserve nothing less,” the President said.

He also directed all local government units to implement the law on ease of doing business and make the process simpler.

Meanwhile, President Duterte also appealed to his friends and supporters in government whom he appointed in office.

He said he had to fire several high ranking officials who were close to him over allegations of corruption.

“I value friendship, make no mistake about it. But it has its limits. This is a lonely place I am hemmed in. Do not make it lonelier by forcing me to end our friendship because you gave me the reason to end it,” he said.

Temporary setback

Meanwhile, despite the non-ratification by of the Bangsamoro Organic Law by the House of Representatives, the Chief Executive mentioned he will sign the law within 48 hours or two days.

He said he wants to study it carefully before signing it.

“When the approved version is transmitted and received by my office… the law has been passed actually and I intend to… give me 48 hours to sign it and ratify the law. [applause] Babasahin ko pa bago ko pipirmahan. Baka may isiningit kayo diyan na hindi maganda para sa — para sa ibang tao.”

Meanwhile, according to the Presidential Communications Operations Office, President Duterte will go back to Davao City tonight.

The Chief Executive’s next public engagement is scheduled on Wednesday in his hometown. — Rosalie Coz | UNTV News & Rescue

Tags: Bangsamoro Organic Law, President Duterte, red tape, SONA

NDFP chief negotiator Fidel Agacaoili (left) with government back channel negotiator Hernani Braganza. (Photo taken from Braganza’s Facebook account)

The government has suspended all back channel talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) to give way to a three-month review of all signed agreements on the peace talks.

According to government negotiating team member Hernani Braganza, this was discussed in a meeting with NDF leaders, Fidel Agcaoli and Joma Sison in Utrecht, Netherlands.

Nevertheless, Braganza clarified that communication between the two parties has not been suspended.

The Government of the Philippines Panel went to the Netherlands to formally relay to the rebel group the government’s decision to re-schedule the resumption of peace talks. — UNTV News & Rescue

Tags: Hernani Braganza, National Democratic Front

 New People’s Army 

The supposed resumption of formal peace talks between the government and National Democratic Front peace panel will not push through on June 28 according to Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jess Dureza.

He said President Rodrigo Duterte has directed them to seek first the consensus of the public and other government sectors on the issue.

“There is a need to engage the public all the more and get their support before we are able to work our certain agreements with the leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines,” said Dureza. — Rosalie Coz | UNTV News & Rescue

Tags: National Democratic Front, peace talks