Limlingan: The legacy of Digong

IN less than a couple of weeks from now, there will be a citizen Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte, who shall be retiring from government service particularly from the presidency after giving out his best for six years.

It seems just only a few years ago when he assumed the highest government position in the land after he was overwhelmingly voted into office. He was so popular then after "surprising" Filipinos into running into the topmost governmental post.

When he won the election and assumed office, his first order of the day is to declare an all-out war on illegal drugs. He began it by naming those allegedly involved in the proliferation of drugs whether they are "small or big time" persons.

He showed statistics and data, whether accurate or otherwise, while warning those in his list to do away with their doings. He warned them of a "bloody battle" that is to come after he assumed office. The battle was indeed made literally bloody.

If all the information of the President were all true, we have to think that the drug menace in the country is at its alarming stage, is very serious and needs to be resolved immediately. His legacy is that he has dug deeper into the menace.

During Duterte's term, a number of corrupt officials were either terminated or highlighted. Corruption was somehow given action or attention if not totally eradicated.

Aside from touching on the drug problem, he had his "Build, Build, Build" program that immensely initiated various infrastructure projects that now benefit the public.

There is no doubt that a long line of roads, a great number of bridges and various buildings were constructed during his time. These are lasting legacies of the outgoing administration. Even countryside roads were constructed and rehabilitated.

The Dutere administration is on the brink of its end. Good or bad, his legacy shall live on. He is the first city mayor to rise into presidency. When he becomes an ordinary citizen in a few days from now, he will leave an indelible mark in Philippine politics for having many firsts. He will now have more time to de-stress and spend time with his family and his big bikes.

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