Cayetano tells corrupt gov’t officials: Your days are numbered

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano warned corrupt public officials on Wednesday that their days are numbered under the administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

“Sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte, hindi na pwede ang mga opisyales na korap, mabagal at pateka-teka (Under the Duterte administration, there is no room for corrupt, slow and inefficient officials.). It’s either they shape up or ship out. They have one month,” Cayetano, who ran with Duterte in the last May 9 elections, said in a statement.

Duterte will assume office on July 1, 2016.

Cayetano said government officials and employees should use the time before Duterte’s inauguration to prove their worth to the people, who he said have high expectations from the new government.

“Sanay si Presidente Duterte sa mabilis na aksyon at matapang na solusyon (President Duterte is used to quick action and brave solutions). We must therefore match his political will and the people’s expectations for real change by making sure that we become the best agents of change,” he said.

He also warned corrupt public officials that their days are numbered.

“Kayong mga kurakot sa gobyerno, bilang na ang araw ninyo. Kung hindi ninyo kayang magbago, umalis na kayo sa pwesto ninyo (The days of corrupt government officials are numbered. If you cannot mend your ways, you better resign). The Duterte government will give no quarter for the corrupt,” Cayetano said.

Duterte’s legislative agenda

For his part, Cayetano reassured the public that he would remain supportive of Duterte’s plan of ending the disorder in the country by pushing for his legislative agenda in the Senate.

READ: Duterte vows to fight corruption, criminality if elected president

“I have always believed in President-elect Duterte’s vision and leadership. I will help him by pushing and passing laws that are necessary for him to build a government that will be truly responsive to the people’s needs and aspirations,” he said.

Cayetano is among those eyeing the highest position in the chamber currently occupied by Senate President Franklin Drilon. IDL

READ: Cayetano as Senate head gets Duterte nod