Duterte seriously against corrupt officials, junketeers — Roque

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / JOAN BONDOC

The looming relief of another ranking government executive proves that President Rodrigo Duterte is determined to fight corruption in government, a Palace official said Tuesday.

“Pinapakita lang ng Presidente na seryoso siya, hindi lang sa gera laban sa droga, kundi maging sa gera laban sa katiwalian sa gobyerno,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer.

(It just shows that the President is serious in his fight, not just against illegal drugs but against corruption in government.)

Roque hinted on Monday that another official would be fired by Duterte. The executive’s identity would be disclosed on Jan. 3 during the regular press briefing in the Malacañang.

READ: Palace hints of another gov’t exec on chopping block

The spokesperson did not reveal the offense of the official, but said the President disliked those who are corrupt and those who frequently go on junkets or trips using government funds.

“Ayaw na ayaw niya (Duterte) yung mga korup, ‘yung mga nagjujunket. Dati naman yun sinabi na binabantayan niya yung mga taong gobyerno na mahilig mag-junket,” Roque said.

(He hates the corrupt, those who frequently attend junkets. He already said that before that he closely watches government officials who are fond of joining trips abroad.)

“Sapagkat pag ika’y nag-junket, gumagastos ka ng pera ng taong bayan na dapat sana ay napupunta sa pangangailangan ng taong bayan at bukod pa dyan, yung oras na nawawala sa iyong katungkulan,” he added.

(Because when you attend junkets, you spend the people’s money that should have been used to address their needs. And aside from that, you lose time for your responsibilities in the government.)

Duterte has axed several officials because of junkets and frequent travels abroad. These include Drugs Board chief Dionisio Santiago, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor chief Terry Ridon, and Development Academy of the Philippines President Elba Cruz. /cbb