President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday renewed his pledge to implement zero corruption in the government under his administration.
Duterte in a speech during the installation of the Board of Trustees and Officers of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) that Filipinos could stop graft and corruption by being patriotic and by helping fight abuses in government.
“A Filipino guy must be assertive; kayo lang ang makakahinto dito sa graft and corruption, hindi ako, kayo lang talaga,” the President told Davao City businessmen during the event in Marco Polo Hotel.
Duterte stated that he has a limited time in office, but Filipinos are not bound by any time frame to defend themselves.
He said they should also assert themselves by asking for the service they are entitled to.
“I think that we should have a respite from corruption if you want your country to grow,” he said.
Only the people can combat graft and corruption because as president, Duterte said, he cannot micromanage everything.
“Do not give bribes; I will eventually take notice of it if a commotion happens,” Duterte said.
The public, according to Duterte, must be confident in transacting with the government agencies whether in applying for land certificates or clearing packages at the Bureau of Customs (BoC).
The President added that he would finish the fight against corruption and illegal drugs until the end of his term.
“What I have is just a basic sense of my love for my country and for my children; you get to realize how important your country is when you have children,” Duterte said.
He also told Davao City businesspeople that he has brilliant people in his committee helping him move the country forward.
“While I ensure peace and security, the cabinet members work on improving the economy and uplifting the lives of the people,” he said.
