Duterte reminds new gov’t appointees to resist temptation

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administers the oath to the newly appointed officials during a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on August 5, 2019. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday reminded new government appointees that they have his full support as long as they resist the temptation to engage in corrupt practices.

During the oath-taking ceremony of newly-appointed officials, Duterte mentioned how Filipinos have “long suffered” from both corruption and red tape in the bureaucracy and that it was their job to regain the people’s trust.

“Our people have long suffered from the scourge of corruption and red tape in the bureaucracy. As you assume your respective offices, I expect you to help me in the task of regaining our people’s trust in government by pursuing necessary bureaucratic reforms that will enable us to address the needs of those we serve,” Duterte said in his speech.

“Know that you will always have my complete support as long as you resist any temptation that will taint your character and reputation as public servants,” he added.

Duterte urged the new appointees to cooperate to help institute the necessary reforms so that the government may effectively stamp out criminality, illegal drugs, terrorism and the country’s other ills.

He challenged them to help him steer the course towards lasting peace and greater development.

“Let us carry out our shared duty of building a stronger and more progressive Philippines that we can all leave behind for future generations of Filipinos,” Duterte said.

Duterte reminded them of their responsibilities to uphold integrity, accountability and transparency in the institutions they serve.

In closing, he also warned them that they will be dealt with severely if they are involved in any form of corruption.

Duterte officiated the oath of about 100 newly-appointed officials including judges, directors, administrators, assistant secretaries, and undersecretaries.