Cebuano’s Hail President Duterte’s Inaugural Speech

Cebuanos, who gave newly-sworn in President Rodrigo Roa Duterte more than one million votes in the May 9 elections, Thursday hailed his 15-minute inaugural speech and expressed hopes for a better country.

“It was quite reassuring when he said that as a lawyer and a former prosecutor, he knew ‘the limits of the power and authority of the president,'” said Rodrigo Urbiztondo, a Cebu City lawyer.

Urbiztondo said he was happy that President Duterte’s promise to end criminality, illegal drugs and corruption in government is now qualified with the phrase “by all means that the law allows.”

Duterte’s tough words against illegal drugs have prompted suspected drug lords and drug pushers in Cebu to surrender, especially after some suspected big-time drug lords were slain in encounters with the police.

“I like him when he uttered words in Cebuano. Nanlimbawot akong balhibo when he said ‘tinud-anay nga kausaban’ (I had goosebumps when he said real change in Cebuano),” said Jun Cuyos, a meat vendor at the F. Ramos Market in Cebu City.

“Bisaya gyud siyang dako (He’s a real Cebuano),” Cuyos said.

Duterte, the first president from Mindanao, traces his roots to Cebu.

“I hope he continues to listen to the people and make their lives better,” said Jet Ricardo, a dentist.

Duterte said he will listen to the “murmurings of the people, feel their pulse, supply their needs and fortify their faith and trust in us whom they elected to public office.”

“There’s plenty of hope when a new leader takes over. We knew President Duterte won’t fail us,” said Joy Publeo, a sales and marketing executive. (PNA) FFC/EB/EDS