In what his supporters called a break from tradition, President Duterte is set to report his accomplishments as chief executive on Aug. 18 – his 50th day in office, and not on his first 100 days.
In a post on Facebook, Duterte’s son Sebastian or Baste called on supporters of the President to change their cover photo on the social networking site to demonstrate their support for “breaking the status quo of 100 days.”
“Hello everyone! Please support our campaign by changing your cover photo. We are again making history with President Duterte’s #50FirstDays,” he said.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella confirmed the date, adding the President would tackle, among other issues, the freedom of information, traffic congestion in Metro Manila and the drug problem.
The Facebook page of the Presidential Communications Office said Nico Faustino would direct Duterte’s accomplishment report dubbed as #50FirstDays while Abella would do the voice-over. It would be aired live over PTV 4 at noon on Aug. 18.
A photo showing Abella meeting with Communications Undersecretary Noel Puyat and Assistant Secretary Ramon Cualoping III for the preparations was also released.
On its Facebook page, PIA 12 Soccksargen also encouraged the people to join its “Tell Us Your Story” campaign.
“Bilib ako kay President Duterte dahil _____ (I believe in President Duterte because ____),” one of the posts that call for a response read.
Mhel Caniero also asked those with Facebook accounts to show their support by changing their cover photos with the official #50FirstDays cover, which can be downloaded from Baste’s official Facebook page and uploaded on the account holder’s page.
Abella said Duterte was simply breaking away from tradition when he decided to report his accomplishments on his 50th day in office.
“It has unfolded, it has rolled out all things that are happening as part of the first 50 days. It is basically a short presentation that documents the accomplishments of the President during the first 50th days,” Abella said, adding he is not sure if the President would still deliver a report on his first 100 days in office.
The “first 100 days” tradition began during the administration of the late Corazon Aquino.
Baste’s post was met mostly with approval. One Danny Escabarte gave a “double thumbs up” for the President.