Cash aid for government workers eyed to curb corruption

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has expressed willingness to give financial aid to government personnel who are in need to discourage them from committing corruption.

Duterte said state workers with financial problems should not hesitate to approach him because he could find ways to provide for their financial needs. 

“I know that there are events in your life… that would be extraordinary in the sense that you need more than what you are paid for. When that time comes, just approach me. I have the money. You collected in behalf of the government. Let’s all share. And I’m willing to do that, but make it legal,” Duterte said during the destruction of smuggled vehicles and motorcycles in Manila last Wednesday.

“When it comes to humanitarian matters, we are always open. Especially to those who are working... Just tell me and I will make it legal for you to get the money from government,” he added. 

Duterte said government workers do not need to resort to illegal activities to find means to settle their bills. He lamented that some Customs personnel involved in illegal importation are tarnishing the reputation of civil servants. 

“A few guys are destroying the government, engaging in this illegal importation and all. The same is true with Customs. People look down (on) them. People would say ‘that house is owned by someone from Customs, someone from the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue).’ That’s the way it is,” the President said. 

“It’s really difficult. The salary of people in government is small... If there is anything that you cannot afford... you can always go to my office. There’s money. You do not have to extort us or beg,” he added. 

Duterte said he has friends who can lend him money if the state funds are not enough to cover the needs of the government workers. 

“All you have to do is say ‘Mayor, I have a problem. My spouse has cancer.’ I will look for ways. If not, I will borrow. I won’t think twice about borrowing from other people,” he said. 

Duterte reiterated that he would not condone any form of corruption during his term and he would not hesitate to fire anyone involved in irregularities. 

“Help me. Give the nation a respite (from corruption) until I finish my term,” he added. 

Double standard

As this developed, a militant lawmaker yesterday slammed what he described as a double standard in the Duterte administration’s campaign against corruption.

ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said it seems Duterte’s vow to weed out corruption in government is just for show after he defended Solicitor General Jose Calida, who is facing various allegations regarding his family’s security agency, alleged extramarital affair and allowances from his office.

He said Duterte seems to have ignored reports that Calida’s security agency bagged several contracts with government institutions.

“The President has defended him despite clear signs of conflict of interest in the actions of Calida,” Tinio said in a news forum.

Calida’s situation is different from other government officials whom Duterte swiftly removed on reports of irregularities such as excessive travels abroad.

“What we are seeing here is there is a double standard where you are fired if not that important to the President,” Tinio said.

Tinio urged Duterte to stay true to his promise of firing officials who are facing allegations of corruption.

It seems that Duterte only resorts to firing officials close to him when the issue is already problematic, Tinio added.