Dozens of Customs workers accused of corruption should resign or else get fired by President Duterte, Malacañang said yesterday.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the concerned employees of the Bureau of Customs have been directed to report to Malacañang after they were placed on floating status.
“Siguro kagaya ng posisyon niya either you resign or you will be booted out after the investigation or charges filed against you,” Panelo said. “They’re to report here muna habang they’re facing administrative and criminal charges. Kumbaga naka-float, naka-freeze nga sila. Kaya marami kayong magiging bagong mga kaibigan dito sa Palasyo,” he said.
The Customs workers will not report to the Palace every day, Panelo said, explaining that the President’s statement was just a figure of speech. “Ang ibig lang sabihin noon ay naka-float ka so hindi mo puwedeng gawin iyong dati mong ginagawa,” he said.
Last Friday, the President announced that he has removed the entire administrative section of the BoC, saying he will never forgive those involved in corruption.
The President said he told the affected 64 Customs workers to report to Malacañang for their next assignment, mainly to conduct the cleanup of Pasig River. He said they must remove the water lilies floating on the river.
“Galit talaga ako sa corruption. Galit na galit ako sa… Magkasala ka, huwag ‘yang corruption kasi hindi kita talaga papatawarin,” he said during a gathering of overseas Filipino workers in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
“All that I ask is that you avoid corruption. ‘Yang Customs na ‘yan, sabi nila hindi maputol-putol na – sa Bisaya napura. Napuno na ako. Kaya sabi ko, “Hindi talaga mahinto itong p**** i**** ‘to, umalis kayong lahat,” Duterte said. (Genalyn Kabiling)