Duterte suspends 57 government officials due to alleged corruption

DAVAO CITY — A total of 57 officials and personnel of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and Bureau of Immigration (BI) who were suspended and being investigated for alleged corruption.

During the situation briefing on Typhoon Rolly, the President said 13 individuals from PhilHealth were removed from service while eight others were suspended and being investigated.

In the Bureau of Immigration, 44 individuals are being investigated, the President said.

At the same time, the President said 20 individuals from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) were dismissed from service, four were suspended and another four were reprimanded.

One hundred thirty-five are being investigated by the BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and 45 individuals are facing administrative cases before the BOC-Legal Service, he said.

“So, mayroon pa. The next round will be by December. Many will lose their jobs, many will be separated from government, many will face prosecution, and many will go to jail . . . ” President Duterte said.

The Chief Executive reiterated that he will dedicate the last two years of his term to fight corruption in government.

“I said corruption talagang hindi ko matanggap kasi pati kami dito damay lahat. Kaya nga pagdating ng panahon, two generations from now, hindi man sabihin ng tao na ulitin ko.”

Last week, President Duterte directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate allegations of corruption in the entire bureaucracy.

In a memo to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, President Duterte said, “In pursuit of this directive, the DOJ shall have the authority to decide which allegation to investigate taking into consideration the gravity thereof and their impact on the delivery of government service”.

“It may create as many panels as it deems necessary to adequately and may invite or direct other bodies and agencies of the government to assist or be a part of such panel.”

He directed the DOJ to prosecute and file appropriate charges against all those involved in the anomalies whether they are from the government or private sector if there is enough evidence against them.

The directive remains in effect until June 30, 2022, or until the President steps down from power.-Newsline.ph