Employees of the Energy Regulatory Commission are at risk of losing their salaries if the top officials of the agency refuse to step down over corruption allegations, a Palace official said yesterday.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte intends to ask Congress to discontinue the annual budget of the ERC if the commissioners cling to their post.
“Kung halimbawa ay hindi nag-resign iyong mga opisyal, ay idadamay niya lahat ng mga trabahador ng ERC at wala silang susuwelduhin,” Andanar said in a radio interview.
“Sabi ni Presidente, I will request for zero budget sa Congress. Nasa kanila iyon, ibig sabihin, madadamay iyong maraming mga trabahante, mga tao, trabahador,” he added.
The President earlier called on the ERC officials to resign over alleged corrupt practices, including hiring of too many consultants. If they refuse to resign, Duterte said he would consider other options such as abolition or reorganization of the ERC. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)