MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte reminded his newly-appointed government officials to resist the temptation to engage in corrupt practices as the administration continued the fight against corruption.
Speaking during the oath-taking ceremony of newly-appointed officials at Malacanang on Tuesday, President Duterte said that the government officials have his full support as long as they resist the temptation.
“Our people have long suffered from the scourge of corruption and red tape in the bureaucracy. As you assume your respective offices, I expect you to help me in the task of regaining our people’s trust in government by pursuing necessary bureaucratic reforms that will enable us to address the needs of those we serve,” Duterte said.
“Know that you will always have my complete support as long as you resist any temptation that will taint your character and reputation as public servants,” he added.
The President also told his new appointees to cooperate to help institute the necessary reforms for the government to effectively stamp out criminality, illegal drugs, terrorism and the country’s other ills.
“Let us carry out our shared duty of building a stronger and more progressive Philippines that we can all leave behind for future generations of Filipinos,” Duterte said.
“I am saying that they will be dealt with severely if they are involved in any form of corruption,” he added. “I am reminding you of your responsibilities to uphold integrity, accountability and transparency in the institutions you serve.”/PN
