President Duterte Hosts Dinner for PMAAAI

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday, October 4, thanked the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Incorporated (PMAAAI) for recognizing his administration’s efforts.

“Thank you for this honor and the show of your camaraderie with me as a government worker like you,” President Duterte said as he graced the dinner event held at the President’s Hall of Malacañang.

The “Sama-Samang Pasasalamat Para Sa Pangulo” is a celebration initiated by the PMAAAI as an expression of gratitude for President Duterte’s exemplary leadership in fighting corruption and maintaining peace and order both as the country’s leader and as the military’s Commander-in-Chief.

President Duterte, who is an adopted member of PMA Class 1967 and an honorary member of the PMAAAI, reiterated that he has been fulfilling his campaign promises such as putting a halt on graft and corruption, eradicating illegal drug trade, having dialogues with the enemies of the state, and attracting more investments.

Regarding inflation, the Chief Executive was explicit about the issue, noting that it was affected by the continuous oil price increase in the global market. “I am trying to explain to everybody, and you would notice that every time there is an increase in oil [prices], everything increases. That’s what inflation is all about,” he said.

“Wala man akong masabi but I assume responsibility for the rising prices. I am the worker assigned here to answer for all of these things. Wala man rin akong magawa na every time there’s a rise in oil [prices], everything also rises,” he continued.

The new DSWD Secretary

At the same event, the Commander-in-Chief announced that Philippine Army Chief Lieutenant General Rolando “Rolly” Bautista would be the next Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary.

“The next DSWD Secretary… Rolly Bautista,” he said.

Bautista will be retiring from the military this coming October 15 and is set to replace DWSD Acting Secretary Virginia Orogo once officially delegated.

Also present during the event were Secretary Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año, and Philippine National Police Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde. (PND)