Duterte: I will fire more execs next week

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night said he would fire more officials next week but did not identify them.

“I will fire more next week,” Duterte said in his speech during the distribution of financial grants to the beneficiaries of the government’s unconditional cash transfer program in Koronadal City, South Cotabato on Tuesday night.

“I am just waiting for their report. But I said: You give me your report and if I find it justifiable, you can stay. But if there is corruption, I’m sorry,” he added.

Though he did not name the officials, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said last week that the President had required officials of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to submit a report on the water shortage in Metro Manila and nearby areas then he would “decide whether heads will roll or whether the contracts of the concessionaires will be terminated.”

READ: MWSS administrator: No need to resign for now

Panelo said an “outraged” Duterte berated officials of the MWSS, Maynilad and Manila Water as he warned to fire officials over the water service interruptions in parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“In a stern message delivered without even once looking at the officials, the obviously outraged President threatened to fire the MWSS officials and terminate the concessionaires’ contracts,” Panelo said. /atm