MISAMIS Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano on Tuesday, July 24, said he is giving President Rodrigo Duterte a passing grade for his performance in fighting illegal drugs and corruption.
Emano said it would be unfair to specifically rate Duterte's performance because he has remaining years to accomplish the administration's plans for the country.
“I will give him a passing grade kay (because) it will be unfair to grade people nga naa pa sa middle sa term (who are still in the middle of their term). Didto nako mogrado after sa 6 years (I will give my assessment after his 6 years),” Emano said.
The governor has lauded Duterte's third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, as it showed the consistency of his administration in accomplishing programs, especially in the war on drugs and fight against corruption.
“Nakita ko nga magkalig-on ang campaign against illegal drugs ug ang pagbantay batok korupsyon (I can foresee the strengthening of the campaign against illegal drugs and fight against corruption),” he said.
The governor also commended the plans of Duterte to pour out more funds to Mindanao in the succeeding years.
Emano said he is hopeful that the local government units will be given powers to approve requirements the capitalists only secure from the national offices to have an ease in doing business.
“Nalipay ko nga iyang gi-mention nga ang Mindanao will have a significant budget nga dili ta mabentahaan sa pondo kay nakita nato nga mapadayon ang paggama sa dalan, tabang sa mga mag-uuma ug uban pa (I am happy that he mentioned for Mindanano to have a significant budget and that we will not be at a disadvantage in the appropriation of funds because we can now see the continuation of the construction of roads that will help our farmers and other people),” Emano said.
The capitol's top official said he will tie up with the “Malasakit Center” program of Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go to expand the services of the Misamis Oriental Care System (MisOr Cares).
Emano said the Malasakit Center was mentioned by Duterte during his Sona.
“Makig-partner ta sa (we will partner with) Malasakit Center ni SAP Bong Go aron mapalapad ang serbisyo sa MisOr Cares kay mas komprehensibo ang ila (so that we can extend the services of MisOr Cares because they have a more comprehensive program),” the governor said.
However, he said he likes the president's old, extemporaneous way of delivering his Sona.
“I like it the way before katong extemporaneous kay matugkad gyud nimo siya (when he was speaking freely because we can size him up). Siguro part na ang pamalikas (perhaps, cursing is part of it) but it’s not the way how you say it but how you do things for the country I think,” Emano added.