Manila, Philippines – President Duterte revealed that he has sacked 92 government employees from different agencies this month due to their alleged involvement in corruption.
“I have fired 92. I have fired so many Customs officials, BIR, LTFRB. Ninety-two all of them this month alone, March. I said go,” Duterte said.
According to Duterte, he allowed these 92 to step down from their positions silently as some have children from reputable medical institutions like the Saint Luke’s Hospital and the Philippine General Hospital.
“I said, “Go silently.” I won’t want to embarrass you. It was enough that you earned money. People from Customs, BIR, their salaries are somewhat just like a tip. Their main source of income is – Well, it has to stop,” he said.
Duterte said he even sacked an unnamed government official who was with him since 1988 over corruption issues.
“The guy who was with me since 1988, he was part of my team but when we were already in the government, and I heard that he was suggesting this and that, and I said you have to go,” Duterte said. “The first whiff of corruption, it’s finished,” he added.
Earlier this month, Duterte revealed that he fired a “close associate” over extortion issues. His revelation came a day after National Irrigation Administration chief Perter Laviña reportedly quit his post over corruption allegations.
Aside from getting rid of drugs, Duterte has been firm in his vow to stop corruption in the government. He said he is even willing to step down from the presidency if he or any of his children are proven to engage in any form of corruption.
“But I will not tolerate corruption. You can be assured that there will be no corruption. (Expletive), I’ll kill you all,” he said. “I will do everything to make it big, to blossom into something. That’s my legacy,” he added. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)