BY GENALYN KABILING
Stepping up his anti-corruption campaign, President Duterte has offered cash incentive of much as P100,000 to any person who can provide information about any “ghost project” in government.
Addressing the nation Tuesday night, the President said he is willing to shell out P50,000 to P100,000 for information that will flag an anomalous government contract and unmask the syndicate behind it.
Duterte, who has expressed dismay with rampant corruption in government, assured that informants may remain anonymous if they want, and vowed to ensure their protection.
“Kayong mga walang trabaho, kayong mga casual na ilang taon na all you have to do is to let me know and may price ako. Pagka mayroon kang malaking sindikato, ghost project ni director p*** i***, I will give you 50,000. Bulong mo lang maski sino. Yung kaibigan mo. Wag ka nang magbigay ng pangalan. Sabihin mo lang ‘yung kontrata ,” Duterte said in his remarks.
“Pag malalaking contract, huwag mo na sabihin pangalan, ibulong mo lang na niluluto yan. I’ll give you 100,000,” he added.
The President said he would protect the identity of the tipsters, adding he would come to their aid if they get harassed by the people involved in the anomalous project.
Duterte said he would “deal with the devil” and gladly shoot them.
“I will keep your identity secret until I reach my grave. Hindi ko kayo bubukuhin, hindi ko kayo papasubo,” he said.
“At kung nalaman kayo tapos hina-harass kayo, paalamin mo ako. I will deal with the devil. ‘Yan ang gusto ko. Bumaril ng tao na legal. Kaya kung inaano ka, tinatakot ka. paalamin mo ako. I would be happy to make you happy, ” he added.
Once he gets the information about the suspected anomalous project, Duterte said he would “allow it to ripen into a crime” and take the next appropriate action.
He said the contract becomes the evidence that can be used against the people involved in the anomaly.
“The fact you have the intention to draft a contract prejudicial to the government will be enough to send you to the gallows,” he said.
The President made the remarks after reading aloud another set of names of immigration and public works personnel suspended or charged by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Duterte, in affirming his zero tolerance for corruption, said he would seek the dismissal of the suspended officials next time. (Genalyn Kabiling)