Duterte to shift focus of anti-corruption drive to local execs

MANILA, Philippines — After firing presidential appointees, President Rodrigo Duterte will now focus on cracking down local government units officials, including those in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, in a bid to make good of his campaign against graft and corruption.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced this Tuesday, noting that all government officials, not just presidential appointees, will be subjected to anti-corruption probes.

“The president stated that he will continue the process of cleansing the bureaucracy and that he will turn more of his attention to local government units including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Roque said.

In an interview with CNN Philippines Monday, Roque announced that three more presidential appointees are under investigation.

READ: Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission created

Last October, Duterte created a Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission that will look into excessive lifestyles and graft and corruption activities of government officials.

It will also recommend punishment against erring officials that will range from suspension to removal from office.

“It’s (PACC) been established but it hasn’t been constituted. But the president has not waited for its constitution before he has started the purging of corrupt officials in the government. Even without the commission, he has already fired many of his presidential appointees,” Roque said.

Duterte has already fired several public officials such as former Dangerous Drugs Board Dionisio Santiago, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor Chairman Terry Ridon, along with all of PCUP’s commissioners and Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Marcial Amaro III for frequent travels abroad.

The chief executive also intends to fire several police officers. Philippine Nation Police chief Dir. Gen. Ronald dela Rosa on Monday announced that 67 cops await dismissal from service.