Duterte tells his appointees: Just be honest

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte only expects one thing from the people he appoints to government positions: honesty.

The President said he chose his presidential appointees with the public and government’s best interest in mind, defending his preference for retired military and police officials.

Zero tolerance

“My selection, really, is based on what is to the best interest of the public and the government. That’s it. I don’t ask for anything else, just honesty,” the President said.

Referring to retired military and police officials he named to government posts, he said: “These are the guys who stayed long enough to know the art of governance. And just to be honest, that’s all.”

The President made the remarks in a PDP-Laban campaign rally in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, on Tuesday last week.

The President is known for his zero tolerance stance on corruption and has fired even those close to him during his days as Davao City mayor.

‘Recycling’

Last week, he vowed to fire more government officials for allegations of corruption, saying he will sack them this week.

However, the President has been criticized for “recycling” officials who have failed to defeat corruption in their offices, assigning them to other government posts.

In his speech in Koronadal City, the President defended anew his preference for appointing retired military and police officials to civilian positions in the government.