Duterte justifies pay hike vow: I can’t run PH with corrupt cops

“I cannot run a country with corrupt policemen.”

So said President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday as he justified his promise to raise the salaries of police forces in the country.

“Sabi ko: My justification is I cannot run a country with a corrupt police. Huwag puro hingi dito, hingi doon at tumatanggap ng droga. Sabihin ko: At least meron sila, dahan-dahan lang, twice kayo, sinabi ko. Campaign promise iyon,” Duterte said in a speech on Wednesday night during the oath-taking of officers of the league of cities and provinces in Malacanang.

Raising the salary of policemen was one of Duterte’s promises in his campaign, which he anchored on a no-nonsense approach to solving crimes.

“Ang mahirap ang starting salary, entry is P14,000. Kung nandito ka sa Maynila, paano mo pakainin ‘yung pamilya mo? Eh ‘di ganoon ka,” Duterte said, referring to policemen who got involved in the illegal drugs trade.

The President said the drug problem in the country had become a crisis because many policemen were involved in the illegal trade.

“It’s not a drug problem. It’s a drug crisis … 170,000 surrenderees. Is that a police problem? The police cannot solve it. They are into it,” he said.

He said the policemen involved in illegal drugs or protection of syndicates had committed treason.

“Pinaaral ka diyan sa PMA (Philippine Military Academy). Gastos ng gobyerno, four years. Pagka-opisyal mo, bigyan ka ng rango, career, and honorable name. Tapos … you waste everything by committing treason against your own country,” he said.

Duterte vowed to crush those involved in illegal activities.

“I said I have to destroy the apparatus and it’s a very cruel game in this world na you earn a living at the expense of your fellowmen,” he said.

“So, how do you do it? Eh ‘di ang apparatus. Sirain mo talaga ang apparatus. Hanggang maubos, wala kang magawa,” he added./rga