Progressives ready ‘wish-list’ for Duterte
PROGRESSIVE GROUPS from various sectors and regions gathered at the University of the Philippines yesterday for the “Pre-Summit to People’s Change” to discuss various issues they hoped would be addressed by the incoming Rodrigo Duterte administration. The list will be presented at the National People’s Summit on June 29, also at UP.
Initially a broad 15-point agenda, the forum divided the list into four issues: economic development, social policy, corruption and government, and peace and human rights.
The progressives are calling on President-elect Duterte to focus on agriculture, labor and industry in his government’s economic development programs and to prioritize education, women’s rights and health in his social policy programs.
They also expressed support to Duterte’s plan to rid government of corruption and called for pro-poor policies on peace and human rights and the resumption of peace talks with rebel groups.
Furthermore, they called on Duterte to uphold national sovereignty and implement a nationalist foreign affairs policy. 
Attendees hope to see positive results within the first 100 days of the Duterte administration and wish to see “achievable medium-term goals” put in place within the first few months of the new government.
Summit convener Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) announced that the National Summit will be followed by a rally on Duterte’s inauguration on June 30.
Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes clarified it is not a protest against Duterte but an effort to inform him of the specific issues affecting poor Filipinos. (With reports from AL Ayroso. Photos by Divine Miranda)
