DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, April 17, called on newly appointed government officials to stand up to any temptation that may hurt their good name.
The President administered the mass oath taking of officials from various government offices at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace.
“Resist any temptation that will taint your honor and reputation as public servants,” the President said in his speech following the mass oath taking.
Duterte also reminded them that government officials are called to embody the highest standards of inclusiveness, openness and impartiality in their respective offices.
“Remember, you are pledging your commitment to the ethical and honorable behavior as government officials. You are committing to do something that is larger than yourselves,” he added.
The Chief Executive underscored that it is important for government officials to remain steadfast in finding better ways to serve the people to the best of their abilities.
“Let us therefore motivate all of you and to all our citizens and contribute to sustainable development and lasting peace,” he said.
For his part, President Duterte assured that the officials have his full support and confidence in advancing the nation’s common good as they embark on their own journey.
“May this occasion renew our dedication in achieving a truly prosperous and more robust society,” he said.
“I ask all of you to continue demonstrating solidarity and active participation of our shared task of building an active participation in our nation’s task,” he further said.
The officials were appointed to the Office of the President (OP), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), among others.
Meanwhile, the President announced that he has fired last week another set of high officials, noting that these were the ones who convinced him to run for the presidency.
He added that these people were the ones who vowed thay they will help him to repair the nation, to rehabilitate everything and to stop corruption.
“My lamentation is… ‘bakit ka pumunta sa akin noon na ganun.’ Nagpapa-corny lang pala tayong lahat dito kasi kung sinabi lang ninyo ng ganun, it’s either hindi ako tumakbo or hindi ko kayo tinanggap,” the President said. –PND
