Politicians warned vs abusing authority amid coronavirus

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte updates the nation on the government's efforts in addressing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on March 30, 2020. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to detain politicians who will engage in corruption and politicking in light of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.


In an address to the public on late Monday night, President Duterte said that he will not tolerate corruption, embezzlement, hoarding, and other crimes that could deter the government’s heightened efforts to curb the pandemic.


“I am not a cruel man pero kung may report ang pulis, I will order your detention hanggang matapos itong COVID-19,” President Duterte said. “And for those who are really absconding the money, I will detain you.”


‘Wag na ‘wag kayong mandaya, mangurakot, at taguin ‘yung mga pagkain at ‘yung iba hindi bigyan… Kung mamulitika ka tapos mabalitaan ko na ‘yan ang ngawa mo, I will suspend you ora mismo,” he added.


President Duterte also said that people tasked of distributing the money, food, and relief goods should do their work “to a tee” or risk being detained.


Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año urged the public last week to report local officials who required their constituents to present their quarantine passes or voter’s identification before they were given food assistance or allowed to buy food outside.


Duterte also said requiring a quarantine pass or voter’s ID is not part of the guidelines under the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine to reduce the transmission of the Covid-19 in the country.


He asked barangay officials to think twice about how they treat their constituents as it would be their basis for electing new officials during the next elections./PN

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here