MANILA, Philippines — Rather than offering to step down, President Rodrigo Duterte “only needs to be consistent in applying the anti-graft and corruption laws to both friends and foes,” Senator Panfilo Lacson said Tuesday.
Lacson made the suggestion after the President disclosed that he had offered to resign due to endless corruption in the government.
“Strong words and warnings may work, but only when backed by political will and followed by concrete actions. There is no better way,” the senator said.
During a taped address aired late Monday, Duterte also expressed willingness to appear before Congress to discuss measures to end corruption.
The chief executive made a similar pronouncement when he met with leaders of Congress last September 16.
“As for his offer to appear before a congressional hearing, that may not be necessary,” Lacson went on.
“In fact, the Senate is already proposing in a bill to give him Bayanihan-like powers to address red tape in government,” he added.
Lacson was referring to a bill he recently filed with Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon.
The said measure seeks to grant the President powers to “suspend the requirements for national and local permits, license and certifications” during times of national emergencies.