Key men and allies of President Rodrigo Duterte received the required mandate in the elections held last May, which offered the prospect of reduced obstructionism that had waylaid the administration’s legislative agenda, including the enactment of the death penalty bill.

Mr. Duterte handed Congress a list of legislations, which he said will realize his vision for the country before stepping down in 2022.

President Duterte, in his fourth State of the Nation Address, particularly asked for the reinstatement of capital punishment for heinous crimes, particularly drug-related offenses and plunder.

“I am aware that we still have a long way to go in our fight against this social menace,” President Duterte said, referring to narcotics, which he vowed to eradicate before he steps down.

The Chief Executive also implored Congress to immediately pass Package 2 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform program or the TRABAHO Bill to push further, fiscal reforms needed to make Filipinos’ lives more comfortable.

The President’s also aims to further energize the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises and encourage their expansion to provide more jobs and thus take advantage of the so-called demographic sweetspot, in which the majority of the population are of working age.

The House and the Senate majority bloc acknowledge his key measures to get approval in record time.

The rabid and loud critics of the President have derailed the far-reaching reform agenda in the first half of Mr. Duterte’s term.

Mr. Duterte’s final years will be tough, but he promised he will end his term fighting.