(Eagle News) – President Rodrigo Duterte again urged businessmen and other Filipino citizens to report to him any government official who is engaged in questionable transactions, especially graft and corruption, saying he is “ready to give you an audience anytime.”
Speaking at the concluding ceremonies of the 44th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) at the Manila Hotel on Thusday, Octo. 18, the President again vowed he would strike hard against those engaged in corruption in government.
“So I promised you that corruption would be dealt with severely and I am doing it. That’s a campaign promise which I’m doing now. What is utterly lacking is the assertiveness of the Filipino people of their constitutional, civil, and political rights,” President Duterte said.
“Ang Pilipino… ‘yan eh because you surrender, you give in to people in government who are into graft and corruption. Ang makatulong niyan, magsama tayo. Isumbong mo lang at sinabi ko nga, anybody who is complaining about graft and corruption, I will give you an audience any time,” he said.
The 73-year old Philippine leader reiterated his campaign promise to fight corruption in government, and criminality hounding the streets.
He said he had already dismissed a lot of his cabinet members who had been the subject of corruption complaints.
I struck hard against corruption. I have dismissed a lot of my — a number of my Cabinet members for corruption. Ayaw ko na lang magyabang pero I tend to really be also violent. Lahat ng napaalis ko yung — lahat yan nakatikim ng not only verbal,” he said.
Duterte said that he would just need the name of the government official, and that those complaining need not give their names. He even said that he would slap the government official in front of the one complaining if this is what is needed.
“Kasi kung gusto mo bureau, director, department o Cabinet member, you just tell me. You need not give me your name. Basta malaman ko lang na may racket diyan.” he said.
“Pag gusto mo tawagin ko yung tao nirereklamo mo, tawagin kita, at sa harap mo sampalin ko yan,” he said.
Duterte also vowed to the businesspeople that he would give them “100 percent satisfaction” as long as they would not give in to corruption.
“I’m advising foreign investors, you have to tell me the truth. If you have something to complain especially about corruption, please talk to me and I will give you 100 percent satisfaction.”
“Yan ang pangako ko sa inyo. And you will be protected kung magsumbong ka sa akin,” he continued.
The President then emphasized his administration’s commitment to impose law and order and combat graft and corruption in the country.
He cited that this thrust is not solely the government’s responsibility, but the entire Filipino people.
(with a PND report)
