Government officials should simply resign if they cannot provide efficient service to the public, President Duterte said last Tuesday, amid his campaign for good governance.
Addressing the new set of presidential appointees during their oathtaking in Malacañang, the President said offering efficient and response public service should be the “motto” of the workers in government. If government workers are unable to give such kind of service, Duterte said he would be “happy” if they would vacate their post.
“You go by destiny. If it’s your time, it’s your time. Tulong ako for a cause just to show to the people that we are there for you so, make that a motto,” he said. “Sabihin mo sa tao, ‘Nandito kami para magsilbi sa inyo.’ If you cannot do that, you resign. But if you can, I’d be happy. I’m grateful and I think I made the right decision in appointing you,” he added.
The President insisted that the government has no room for “indolent” officials and employees. He cautioned the new officials against venturing into corruption and red tape especially in government transactions, saying they should swiftly process any application or request from the public.
“Do not add or take out anything there. Ibigay mo sa kanya. Look at your calendar, give him a day to come back and that’s it. If he goes back – back and forth four times. That’s corruption or you are really an indolent, so you do not belong to the government,” he said. “But kung nasa tama ka and you are accused, kagaya nitong mga mayaman they have – take solace because I will defend you to death,” he added. (Genalyn Kabiling)