Pres. Duterte renews commitment to fight corruption, abuses in gov’t




“Ang sabi ko noong kampanya, I will give you a respite, makapaghinga lang naman tayo ng six years, wawalain ko ang corruption and I am starting it,” he told OFWs gathered at Lusail Sports Arena here in Doha, Qatar.

 (Photo: Presidential Communications (Government of the Philippines)/ Facebook)

DOHA–President Rodrigo Duterte renewed on Saturday, April 16, his commitment to fight corruption, criminality and illegal drugs when he met overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) here in Qatar.

The President, who won overwhelmingly among OFWs, run on a platform of eliminating abuses in government, illegal drugs and criminality.

“Ang sabi ko noong kampanya, I will give you a respite, makapaghinga lang naman tayo ng six years, wawalain ko ang corruption and I am starting it,” he told OFWs gathered at Lusail Sports Arena here in Doha, Qatar.

In fact, he said he fired some members of his government who were involved in corruption.

And to protect OFWs who are returning home especially during holidays, the President said he prohibited the opening of suitcases and balikbayan boxes at the airports.

He also encouraged Filipinos to be assertive of their rights whenever they encounter abusive and corrupt officials.

At the same time, President Duterte said he will go after large companies that do not pay correct taxes.

Some of them he said tried to contribute to his campaign when he was running for president but he turned them down.

The President also reported about the developments at home, telling OFWs that the economy is doing well.

There is better trade relations with China and that Philippine products can now enter that country without much restrictions.

China has also offered to build major infrastructures in the Philippines following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Japan, another Asian economic giant, also pledged to help the Philippines, he said.

President Duterte has been in a three-country tour to Middle East countries, visiting Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar.

His trip is aimed at advancing the welfare of OFWs and enhance trade as well as cultural relations with those countries.