President Duterte is dismayed by the sluggish work of some civilian workers in the bureaucracy.
The President admitted that civilian sector tend to be “slow” and “legalistic,” prompting him to appoint former military men to do the job instead.
“Why do I prefer the military? This is not to derogate or to belittle the services of the civilian sector. What I don’t like about the civilian sector is…It is ever so slow and legalistic and they aren’t able to produce any output,” Duterte said during his visit to General Santos City Thursday. “Sometimes, but not all, would run out of money when that happens,” he added.
The President noticed the slow work rendered by some civilian employees after serving in government for many years. “I was the mayor of Davao City for the last 23 years. Then I became a congressman for three years, then I became a vice mayor for my daughter and then I became President,” he said.
Duterte highlighted how efficient former military men in the Cabinet follow his orders and get the job done fast.
He cited that former military chief now Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu managed to lead the cleanup of Boracay drive in six months as directed. “So just like the military, I told Secretary Año, ‘Secretary, clean up Boracay in six months,'” he said.
Duterte is also all praises for the integrity and competence of former police officer now Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Isidro Lapeña. He said Lapeña now leads the TESDA that provides skills training and other livelihood aid to Filipinos.
“TESDA is a department that focuses on teaching you livelihood skills. It’s headed by Secretary Lapeña, si Sid. He used to be my chief of police in Davao,” he said. “He has all the qualities of a public servant. I appointed him because he’s hardworking and he’s an honest guy,” he added.
Last April, the President hinted that he was inclined to appoint more former military officers to his administration due to integrity and perseverance. Duterte said he has “a special fondness for the military for being fundamentally honest at industrious.” (Genalyn Kabiling)