Duterte invokes command responsibility on corruption

MANILA, Philippines — Invoking the principle of command responsibility, President Duterte warned all heads of offices to intensify the fight against corruption in the bureaucracy or face dismissal.

The President issued the warning late Thursday before a gathering of new appointees who took their oath at the Palace. In his remarks, Duterte admitted having a hard time carrying out his anti-corruption drive as some erring officials have become brazen.

“Kung ako ang magbantay doon sa baba, mahihirapan ako (If I start from the bottom, it will be difficult). I cannot and it might not surface at all. Wala akong kakayahan niyan (I don’t have the capability). I do not have the wherewithal of how to go about weeding corruption sa maliliit na bagay (on a small scale),” he said.

“It may be like command responsibility which is applicable only to the military. But, at times when there is really a crooked line there somewhere, at tapos (and) it redounds to the failure of government service, talagang marami na po ako (there are many). I have fired about five Cabinet members,” he said.

Since he assumed office in 2016, the President has either dismissed or accepted the resignation of some of his closest officials, including Ismael Sueno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Vitaliano Aguirre of the justice department, Patricia Licuanan of the Commission on Higher Education and Wanda Teo of the tourism department.

The President dismissed Sueno for lack of confidence and accepted the resignation of Aguirre, who drew flak for his handling of controversial cases including the dismissal of cases of suspected drug suspects.

Licuanan stepped down after reports emerged regarding her frequent travels and delays in the release of allowances of government scholars. Teo resigned after she was embroiled in a controversy over the placement of P60-million tourism ads on TV shows hosted by her brothers.

Addressing the new batch of government appointees, Duterte also urged the group to push through with the administration’s development agenda in their respective offices. 

“I am confident that all of you will advance this administration’s development agenda – para ito sa tao lahat (it’s for everyone). Wala kami ni kaunti para sa (There is nothing for) any other person or group of persons or other organizations. That I am confident that all of you will advance this administration’s development agenda in your respective offices,” he said.

Duterte also urged them to always adhere to the high standards expected of government officials.

“As you take your oath of office, may all of you be reminded of our noble obligation to serve our country with integrity, impartiality and independence,” he said.

As government workers, Duterte said they are duty bound “to uphold the Constitution, aid in the administration of justice, serve selflessly and promote transparency and good governance.”

“I am optimistic that you will lead by example and inspire your fellow civil servants to be strong willed, dedicated, able, fearless and honest in dealing with our people. Be vigilant against corruption and other unethical motives and interests that diminish public (trust),” he said.