Rody warns government men: Reform or die

MANILA, Philippines - Unexplained wealth means “unexplained death.”

President Duterte warned erring government officials that they would die if they would not reform and stop extortion and other corrupt practices.

Speaking before officials of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) the other day, Duterte assured the public that grievances against corrupt officials would be acted upon, especially while he is in office.

“I assure you, pag sinumbong mo na sa akin iyan (if you report it to me), I guarantee you, tawagin ko iyan sa harap mo at sabihin ko talaga, mag-hingi ka uli, p***** i** mo, papatayin kita (I will call him and tell him, ask for a bribe again you son of a b***, I will kill you),” Duterte said.

Faced with strong criticism over the killing of drug suspects, Duterte said that “unexplained wealth” could be synonymous with “unexplained death.”

“Tutal marami namang namatay diyan na (Since there have been many deaths that are) unexplained, eh ‘di unexplained wealth, unexplained death, pareho lang iyan (they are the same),” said Duterte, who is known for his sarcastic remarks.

Duterte has fired a close associate, former interior secretary Ismael Sueno, over the alleged irregularity in the procurement of Austrian-made fire trucks.  

Duterte expressed frustration anew that some state employees still have the gall to ask for bribes in exchange for speedy transactions and release of documents in government agencies.

“So, if there is anything na maghingi (they ask), mag-compromise sa inyo, you do not have to give in. Do not waste your money,” Duterte said.

Duterte warned public officials that he won’t hesitate to remove erring government executives, noting that there are many Filipinos who could replace them in their posts.

He said there are many jobless Filipinos so he won’t hesitate dismissing erring officials from government agencies. 

“If they want to remain corrupt, the erring officials should shift jobs to be ‘hold-uppers’ rather than civil servants,” Duterte said.

The President was also angered by an official who was supposedly involved in supplying barong tagalog to VIP guests during formal events in Malacañang.  

Duterte thanked the Filipino-Chinese businessmen for being a “staunch partner of government in uplifting the lives of the people.” 

He noted that the federation has been involved in supporting government projects that help fellow Filipinos in becoming “catalysts for change.”

He recalled how he vowed during the campaign to make the country suitable for business by improving peace and order and by addressing corruption. “Corruption still remains. I hope it has diminished a little bit. But ang administrasyon ko po ay talagang galit sa (my administration is really against) corruption,” Duterte added.

He urged businessmen to call his attention and report corrupt practices by informing presidential special assistant Bong Go and Rep. Arthur Yap.

Instead of getting his ire, Duterte urged the businessmen to also pay the right taxes, which would go a long way in helping the government pursue its projects for the people.