(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday warned local government officials they would be suspended if they allowed corruption to “thrive” in their area of jurisdiction.
Duterte made the announcement upon his arrival from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Da Nang, Vietnam on Saturday night.
“I will suspend any local government official and especially appointed by me pag nakita ko na pinapahirapan ninyo (ang tao)..,” he said during a press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
He said prior to this, he “will order the new secretary of (the Department of the Interior and Local Government) General (Eduardo) Año to give you about three days to explain.”
“If I am not satisfied, delay delay..gusto nito pera, (I will suspend you),” he said.
Corruption
In announcing his new policy, Duterte noted that corruption was among things dragging down the country.
“Yan problema dyan. Ok tayo. (We’re) one of the fastest growing economies but I want to hurry it (up) more. The only way to do that is (to facilitate) ease (of doing business),” he said.
He reiterated his warning to Cabinet members that papers should be in their possession only for a maximum of one month.
“…Either you deny it and state it clearly why not, but do not hang on to (the papers) ..Give me a reason to doubt your integrity and I will fire you,” he added.
