‘If I have my way, I would like to destroy gov’t…,’ says Duterte

FILE – President Rodrigo Duterte INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

Update

DAVAO CITY – President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said if he had his way, he will “destroy government” and replace it with a system that is efficient and has “less power.”

“If I have my way, I would like to destroy government and replace it with something, which move by itself automatically,” Duterte said.

This, he said, was to serve the public efficiently.

Duterte also lashed out against corruption in government, even as he warned government officials suspected of being involved in corruption.

He said officials who might have committed corruption should turn themselves in to him before the end of July “or else resign.”

Duterte likewise called on the public to report to him and name officials, who were involved in illegal transactions using public funds.

He assured informants of his protection.

Speaking before traders here, Duterte also reiterated his stand against corruption, assuring investors that his administration was bent on eradicating corruption.

Last week, the President warned his appointees that he “can fire you anytime” if they will be tempted to engage in corruption.

“All my appointees, I can dismiss them, anytime,” he said in a speech at the 10th Listing Anniversary of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc.

During the campaign, Duterte had promised a corrupt-free government saying it bleeds the government of funds can be used to uplift the poor.

Since coming into office, Duterte said he had fired nearly 100 officials, among them, his campaign spokesperson Peter Laviña as head of the National Irrigation Administration; and Ismael Sueno as Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary.

Laviña was accused of trying to collect money from NIA contractors while Sueno was fired in connection with the irregular purchase of the Rosenbauer firetrucks from Austria.

Both Laviña and Sueno maintained innocence.