PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday warned government officials to expect him to be stricter and more unforgiving on corruption in the coming year.
“I’ll be more stricter”•no corruption. I’ll really punch you in public, either I can slap or kick you if you use the money of the people. Do not use that, even a single centavo on the first whiff,” Duterte told ANC.
“If you do that, the Cabinet secretary will have to let you go. If you cannot control your people, go out of your post.”
In a speech before the village captains of Davao City this week, Duterte vowed to wage a relentless campaign against graft.
“I will be strict. For this New Year and the new years to come that I am President, I promise there will be no corruption. Let us make our promises a reality. In my government, avoid corruption because I can’t help it if you get involved,” Duterte said.
“In my government, avoid corruption because I will not really help you. I will go after you instead.”
Duterte had earlier jested he would throw corrupt officials out of a helicopter, saying he had done it before and to a kidnapper.
“I will pick you up in a helicopter to Manila, and I will throw you out on the way,” Duterte said.
“I’ve done it before. Why would I not do it again?”