Duterte wants Yolanda housing completed by March

MANILA, Philippines — Finish the building of houses for typhoon victims by March or walk around Tacloban carrying crosses.

These were the options President Rodrigo Duterte gave to his housing officials Wednesday during his visit to Tacloban, the area worst hit by Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in 2013.

The president said he was angry when he learned that only 28 families were able to move to new houses three years after the typhoon ravaged the city.

“Until now I am very angry. After three years, the government was only able to accomplish as much… Do not excuse anyone. Only 28 (families) were able to move,” Duterte said.

“By March, everything should be in place, including the water,” he added, drawing applause from the crowd composed of “Yolanda” survivors.

Duterte said his housing officials would suffer the consequence if they fail to finish the task within the next two months.

“In March, I will go back here. If it is not finished, you make five crosses similar to that of Christ. I will ask them to carry the crosses and walk here,” he said.

Duterte even joked about crucifying officials who failed to build the shelters for the typhoon victims.

More than 6,000 people died and more than four million others were displaced when “Yolanda” hit parts of the Visayas four years ago.

‘Severe restrictions’

The president was serious though when he warned government personnel against shortchanging the public. He lamented that some government officials are too lazy to perform their tasks or take their work for granted.

“By the end of maybe February, God willing, if I’m still alive, I will impose severe restrictions on the government,” Duterte said.

The president also complained about state employees who walk around malls during office hours and who delay the processing of documents.

“You work yourself to death. Do not leave your post until you are done,” he said.

“You know guys, you’re supposed to work for eight hours. You are paid to do so. If you don’t go back in the afternoon, you are shortchanging the government. Actually, it’s swindling. You’re swindling the government. It’s punishable by revised penal code under other deceits.”

Duterte said he would only give government directors 15 days and Cabinet officials 30 days to process transactions or documents. He said frontline agencies should process permits within two to three days.

“I am not threatening anybody. I will close the door and kick you. I really kick people but I do not embarrass them. I will kick or slap you. It’s the people’s interest that is always the ladder of your priority,” the president said, referring to erring officials.

Duterte said he does not mind being called a dictator as long as he fulfills his promise to the people.

“I was not fooling the people when I said there will be change. Follow me or we will fight. If I become a dictator, fine. After all, I was chosen by my people to lead,” he said.

“If you don’t want it, wait for a time when you have a lazy president. I expect you to work for the people’s money's worth.”

He also ranted about judges who fail to report to their offices, and consequently delay the release of warrants.

“The policemen keep on returning to the judge to have a search warrant signed. After three days, the judge will sign it. The subjects of their operation have already left,” the president said.

“(Maybe) you’re in connivance (with criminals) so you are delaying it.”

Duterte said he would impose a “zero tolerance” on employees who are corrupt or shortchanging the public.