Duterte to assign corrupt execs in strife-torn areas

President Rodrigo Duterte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday warned that corrupt government officials would be reassigned in areas in Mindanao hardest hit by conflict.

Speaking to reporters at the Davao International Airport after his arrival from Indonesia, Duterte reiterated his campaign against corruption in government.

“When I said that corruption will stop, it will stop. Maniwala kayo (Believe me)…To all government (employees), ‘wag ninyo akong hiyain ditto (do not embarrass me),” he said.

READ: Duterte: Gov’t purge to stop corruption

The President said he would be “happy” to assign corrupt workers in government in Basilan or Sulu.

“I am planning to put an extension office of the national government, I plan to put it in Basilan or Jolo. Be my guest, I will be happy to assign you there,” he said.

The island province of Basilan and the town of Jolo in Sulu have been marred by strife between the Philippine government and Islamist militants.

He said poor Filipinos were mostly the victims of graft and corruption in government.

“Huwag ninyong galawin ang maliit na tao, kasi sila ang nangangailangan ng gobyerno (Do not victimize the ordinary people, because they are in most need of the government),” he said,

“Wala nang pahinga ang tao sa kanyang paghihirap (The people have not gotten a break from their hardships),” he added.

The chief executive said he was keen on installing closed-circuit television cameras in government offices.

“I will place cameras there, like a Gestapo. And it’s perfectly alright for me. Why? This is government. This is not a private enterprise. There is no such thing as a violation of privacy there,” he said, referring to the secret police agency of Nazi Germany.

He said the government must be “open” to the people.

“Kung sa gobyerno ka (If you serve in the government), it must be open,” he said.

End contractualization

Aside from corruption, Duterte reiterated his warning to end contractualization in the country.

“You guys in the business sector. I do not want to quarrel with you. I will protect you. I said there will no more be shakedowns in the Customs and in the BIR,” he said.

“I’m warning you again. But with all the protection that this government is giving you, you continue with the contractualization, magka-diperensya talaga tayo (we will really have conflict),” he added.

READ: Duterte threatens to close down firms defying order vs contractualization

Aside from drugs and criminality, ending contractualization was a campaign promise of Duterte.

The chief executive has repeatedly threatened to shut down companies engaged in contractualization.

“One day, I might just decide to go to you and close your store,” he said.

“Huwag ninyong abusuhin ang tao (Do not abuse the people),” he added. IDL