By Genalyn D. Kabiling
The sacked Maritime Industry Authority administrator may not be the last government official to get the boot over excesses in public service.
Some government officials, including police officers, could be fired over allegations of frequent travels and other anomalies once an inquiry is complete, according to presidential spokesman Harry Roque.
Roque admitted that the Palace is looking into these complaints against some officials as part of due process, assuring the President will spare no one in the campaign against corruption.
“Naku madami pa,” Roque said when asked if more officials are next on the chopping block following the dismissal of Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Marcial Amaro III over excessive foreign travels.
“Ngayon po alam ko mayroon pang dalawang pending na reklamo diyan at pinatitingnan po talaga iyan sa Presidential Management Staff,” he added.
Roque also said the list of the suspected erring officials may be released before the end of the month.
He affirmed that these complaints involved a mix of allegations of excessive travels and other corrupt practices, which he claimed the President considers betrayal of public trust if proven true.
The President recently fired Amaro after a Department of Transportation report showed he made a total of 24 foreign trips in the last two years. A complaint from MARINA employees was also received by the President about the same concern.
Roque said the President does not ignore the complaints sent by citizens to the Palace about the performance or conduct of government officials.
“Pinapansin po niya,” Roque said about the public complaints against officials.
“At ang bibliya naman ng Presidente iyong ating Saligang Batas dapat eh – public service is a public trust, kinakailangan simple ang buhay at siyempre iyong mga batas na umiiral laban sa anti-graft,” he added.
