Duterte Tells Corrupt Gov’t Personnel; Faeldon Vows To Catch Smugglers, Customs Cohorts At All Costs

Alabel, Sarangani – Incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte called on government officials and personnel who are into corrupt activities to shape up now while reiterating his commitment to cleanse the bureaucracy of corruption in his upcoming administration.

Duterte, who graced the oath-taking here Wednesday afternoon of Senator-elect Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and the newly elected officials of Sarangani and General Santos City, said the crackdown against corruption will be among his top priorities as promised during his campaign.

He rallied incoming set of officials to join him and do their share in the campaign against corruption.

“Let’s give the Filipinos a respite from corruption. If you really want to help your country, now is the time that I’m there,” he said in his speech at the jam-packed provincial gymnasium here.

The incoming President said his anti-corruption campaign will not mainly target certain personalities but on the cleansing of government institutions.

He said he will start with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which he described as “an institution known to be corrupt since time immemorial.” Former Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon has been designated to head the BOC, while Cesar Dulay will be at the helm of the BIR.

Duterte said he is aware that some officials and employees of the two offices are “earning on the side that makes your (regular) salaries appear like mere allowances.”

“Kailangang huminto na kayo (You need to stop now). This time you have to change your lifestyles and try to be just an ordinary government worker,” he said.

“We’re just humans who make mistakes. But milking the people of the Republic of the Philippines – that’s hard to accept. I’m not used to that,” Duterte said.

The President-elect said he will act on complaints against corrupt government officials and employees “even through whisper.”

“Whatever government agency (you are in). When you will be found involved in corruption, I will fire you or place you somewhere. You can choose – in ComVal (Compostela Valley) or Jolo (Sulu). I will not hesitate really,” he added.

FAELDON’S WARNING

Responding to the challenge, Faeldon vowed to implement Duterte’s campaign against corruption at all costs. “I will first apply the power of persuasion among all Customs officials and personnel as well as all stakeholders to stop their shenanigans and instead toe the line of the Duterte administration,” Faeldon told Manila Bulletin, stressing that if this fails, he will use his option No. 2.

“If the smugglers who are all publicly known and their cohorts inside BOC run too fast and I cannot catch up with them, I might as well just shoot them,” Faeldon warned.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Philippine News Agency

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