President Duterte to new government officials, councilors: Now is the time to end corruption

President Rodrigo Duterte President Rodrigo Duterte has called on new government officials and councilors in the country to help in the...

President Rodrigo Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte has called on new government officials and councilors in the country to help in the administration’s campaign against graft and corruption.

“If you really want to help improve this country and if you want us to rise a little bit of the ‘yung ano natin sa nakaraan, now is the time,” President Duterte said in his speech during the mass oath-taking of newly appointed government officials and Philippine Councilors’ League in Malacañan Palace on Thursday, March 30.

“Now is the time because I am really with you. Sa graft and corruption, I have a zero tolerance,” he added.

The President said he has quietly asked at least 92 erring government officials particularly in regulatory agencies to quit their posts since he came to power in June last year.

He said he is currently in the process of fulfilling his promises to the nation during the elections such as ending corruption, illegal drugs and criminalities.

He also said he is focusing on implementing law and order to enable businesses to thrive and for further development of the country.

“Ang akin lang kasi wala naman ako ipagmalaki, I do not have the credentials but I can do some things just like what I did in Davao maybe parang template ko. So kung gusto ninyong tapusin ‘yung corruption, and, ‘yung droga ibigay na ninyo sa akin. Hindi naman ako nagyayabang. Sa ating generation ngayon the present crops of politicians and those workers of government medyo ako lang ang makahirit diyan,” he said.

He renewed his call for drug dealers to stop their illegal activities and spare the lives of the youth and the future generation.

“Gawain ko ang gusto ko kung ano ang inutos ng oath of office ko…It is my duty to protect and preserve the Filipino,” he said.

Among those who took their oath include Ricardo Visaya, Administrator and Member of Board of Directors of National Irrigation Administration; Francisco Duque III, Chairman of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Marcial Amaro III, Administrator of Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA); Vincent Balanag, Executive Director of Lung Center of the Philippines; Rogelio Luy, Chairman and Member of Board of Trustees of Local Water Utilities Administration and Mel John Versoza as Deputy Administrator of the National Tobacco Administration. ### PND