Corruption has become “almost a plague” that could derail the country’s growth unless stamped out, President Duterte declared last Tuesday.
At the Philippine Air Force anniversary ceremony in Pasay City Tuesday, the President expressed concern that corruption is “embedded in all government structures,” disrupting the delivery of public services.
“As long as na wala tayong katapusan sa graft and corruption, walang mangyari sa bayan na ‘to I tell you even if you give me fives terms gratis, and the system remains,” he said in his remarks.
“It’s almost a plague already affecting our country for so many decades. From one administration to the other,” he said.
With corruption still rampant in the bureaucracy particularly in the “higher echelons of government,” Duterte has renewed his resolve to combat the menace and ensure the efficient delivery of public service.
He admitted that he recently reminded Cabinet members to reduce the red tape that causes delays in government transactions.
“There was this meeting last (Monday) night with the Cabinet members here present. Sinabi ko talaga sa kanila, ‘I do not want delay. Delay is what is eating, eroding this government,'” he said. (Genalyn Kabiling)
