Duterte fires two Malacañang employees for ‘using influence’

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the Agrilink/ Foodlink/ Aqualink 2017 opening ceremonies at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City on October 5, 2017, expresses his gratitude to the organizers saying that these events contribute to country’s vision of having a more productive and progressive agricultural sector. MARCELINO PASCUA/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he fired two Malacañang employees for supposed corrupt practices and for ‘using their influence.’

In a speech at the Agrilink, Food Link, Aqualink 2017 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City before he leaves for Brunei, Duterte made the admission as he echoed his vow to eradicate corruption in the government.

“I promised you corruption. I will stop it. I will stop it. I just fired two… two employees from Malacañan for making a tool and suggesting that, you know, they were suggesting,” Duterte revealed.

“Yesterday… I said, talk — I fired Cabinet members at this early,” the president added.

In an interview uploaded to Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson’s Facebook page on Friday morning, the president reiterated this statement: “I even fired today, I signed, firing two people from Malacañang for using their influence…Empleyado diyan tapos kung anu-anong pinagsasabi sa labas, na malakas [They are Malacañang employees and yet they look arrogant saying they have connections inside]. I hate that.”

“I have fired so many. I just haven’t announced in fairness to the family. Some of them have children who are doctors, lawyers. They might be shamed,” Duterte added.

Malacañang has yet to respond to requests for details on the president’s statement.

Duterte also called on the public to call the 8888 hotline for their complaints against government personnel, saying he would give them protection.

“As a matter of fact, you’re afraid to make an expose? Go to Malacañang, there are two small rooms there. I’ll give you the bigger one. And every citizen… there’s an 888. Or if you want, an alias. AKA. Also known as. ‘This is Ernie, and I’d like to report to you the register… The registrar of deeds,'” the president said.