Government firms remit P19B to treasury

President Benigno Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

With 21 government-owned and -controlled corporations turning over P19.283 billion in dividend income to the national government, President Benigno Aquino III said his administration had been able to erase the GOCCs’ reputation as a milking cow of unscrupulous officials.

But the President said the job was not done as he had to make sure unscrupulous government officials would now think twice about committing offenses, citing as an example his ongoing battle with Chief Justice Renato Corona.

“The impeachment trial of the Chief Justice is part of this, so we could free the judiciary from officials whose only mission is to serve themselves and their patrons,” the President said in his speech on the occasion of  “GOCC Governance Day” on Monday.

Mr. Aquino made it clear his administration was determined to fulfill its promise to the people.

“Whether you are a president, lawmaker, justice or an ordinary Filipino, do not attempt to deceive the people. If you do something wrong, you have to be held accountable. You cannot escape the judgment of the people,” he said.