Senator-elect Win Gatchalian of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) is supporting the policy proposals of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte saying these are needed to install order and discipline in the grassroots level.

A 3-term mayor of Valenzuela City himself, Gatchalian said Duterte’s plan to implement a nationwide liquor ban after 1 a.m., a ban on smoking in public places​, as well as a 10 p.m.-​curfew for minors may sound “too local” but these are the building blocks for a peaceful and orderly society.

“Digong is going back to the basics – discipline. His initial pronouncements might sound parochial or too local but they are necessary to install order and discipline at the grassroots level,” said Gatchalian, a second term congressman who successfully run for senator under the NPC.

Gatchalian issued the statement after Maria Fe Mendoza, dean of the University of the Philippines-National College of Public Administration and Governance, observed that Duterte’s proposals are “all local in nature,” adding they show “his being a local manager and micro management, which are way different in the national setting.”

Historian Jose Victor Torres, on the other hand, said such early proposals “are practically laws passed by local government officials… These are not national policy statements.”

Gatchalian emphasized that discipline is necessary for the Philippines’ development, saying: “Discipline is crucial if the Philippines is to continue its progress. Just look at Singapore. It cannot be where it is now if not for discipline.”

During his tenure as chief executive, Valenzuela City implemented Ordinance no. 19 Series of 2008, also known as “Code of Discipline,” which prohibits disorderly behavior in public places and establishments at any time. (Monica Cantilero)