DAVAO CITY (August 14) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday asked newly appointed government officials to be competent and honest in serving the people.
Duterte urged the 178 new government servants to be sincere in serving the public, after he administered their oath of office at the Heroes hall in Malacañan Palace.
The chief executive issued the call on the day he fired 20 military officials of V. Luna General Hospital over alleged corruption activities.
Addressing himself to the new appointees, Duterte stressed “I see good people around and I hope that you give your best to your country. Just avoid corruption, Wala naman akong guidance na maibigay except that, you know, the standard is simple.”
He emphasized “You must be competent and honest, Basta kayo, magtrabaho lang. The marching order is simple: just protect government interest.”
Government workers, according to Duterte should serve the government to the best of their abilities as they obey the laws and support and defend the Philippine Constitution.
He, however, warned government leaders against excessive allowances and travels, saying that he would be strict in spending government funds and would continue to fight corruption until the end of his term.
He then called on the officials to support his administration’s efforts in combating illegal drugs, noting their significant role in helping the government fulfill its responsibilities.
“I said I will go after drugs kung kaya ko because it will really, really destroy our country now or maybe tomorrow…It’s actually a drug war all over the world,” he said.
“I now task you to be at the forefront of excellent public service in your respective departments and agencies. Be the instruments of fairness, transparency, and justice that the Filipino people expect you to be,” he added.-ezc/
