DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte is set to fire another high-ranking official when he returns to Manila after the Holy Week.
“The executive department is mine. I can do this. How many people have I already kicked out ? Several of them. And when I get back to Manila I am going to fire another one,” the President said in Visayan the other night.
Duterte was the guest of honor during the 16th anniversary of the Supreme Tribal Council held at the 3rd Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Malagos, Calinan district.
However, the President refused to give details on who he would fire next week.
Duterte is spending the Holy Week here where he is also expected to spend his birthday on March 28.
Duterte has fired a number of government officials due to alleged graft and corruption.
The President likewise explained the separation of powers between the legislative, the judiciary and the executive departments, which means he is not in control of the entire government given that Congress and the judiciary are separate and equal branches.
“Those who enrich themselves, it is true. Why would we lie about it. But I am telling you that in my time, I am not in control of government. We are separate but equal. And you know it,” the President said.
Duterte said he cannot meddle in the affairs of Congress.
“The congressmen, I really cannot do it. We should not meddle with them,” Duterte said.
The President said that he also could not meddle with the affairs of the Supreme Court.