Sueno: With all honesty and sincerity, I am not corrupt

MANILA, Philippines — Sacked Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael "Mike" Sueno on Tuesday afternoon said he could say with a clear conscience that he is not corrupt.

Sueno, who has been dismissed by President Rodrigo Duterte due to "loss of trust and confidence," said he wholeheartedly accepts the president's decision.

“It is his call if he wants me in his Cabinet or not. But for the record, Mr. President, and I can say this with all honesty and sincerity, hindi po ako corrupt,” Sueno said in a statement.

“My conscience is clear. Inuulit ko po, wala akong ginawa o ginagawang anomalya,” he added.

Sueno, accused by his subordinates, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) undersecretaries—John Castriciones (operations), Jesus Hinlo (public safety) and Emilie Padilla (legislative liaison and special concerns) of abusing power and corruption, denied the allegations.

Prior to his dismissal, Sueno dared the undersecretaries to investigate him and his supposed anomalies.

President fed wrong information

Sueno said he thinks the president was “fed with wrong information by those who were salivating for his post.”

He added: “I just wish the information was validated. If only the president asked DILG personnel from the central (office) down to the regional and field offices, he would have known who amongst us are more credible and trustworthy,” the sacked DILG chief said.

Sueno served the DILG office for 10 months. In his 10 months of service, he said he did his best and gave his whole heart to the job.

“I am also fortunate to have been given a chance to work with dedicated and passionate workforce in the DILG,” he added.

Sueno’s dismissal from office was announced on Monday evening at the 14th Cabinet meeting, which he also attended.