Corruption won’t stop unless informants speak out: Palace

FILE: Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. during a press conference at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao City on January 4, 2018. JOEY DALUMPINES/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to offer a reward of PHP50,000 to PHP100,000 to anyone who can provide information about government officials engaged in corrupt activities showed that he was serious in spending his last two terms in fighting corruption, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

“Hayaan na po, nagbibigay na po ng pabuya ang Presidente, patunay na talagang sa natitirang termino niya ay talagang susubukin niya ang lahat, gagawin niya ang lahat para mabawasan kung hindi man tuluyang mawala ang korapsiyon sa gobyerno (Let him be, President’s giving of a reward is proof that he’s determined to do everything he can to alleviate if not eliminate corruption within the government),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roques said in an interview over PTV-4.

Roque also pointed out that informants played a crucial role in combating corruption.

“Ang pakiusap po natin sa taumbayan, hindi po matitigil ang korapsiyon kung hindi tayo magbibigay ng impormasyon (Our appeal to the public, corruption will not stop unless we give information),” he said.

He also assured possible informants that they can discreetly share information as the government will ensure that their identities are hidden.

“Eh ngayon po ang sinasabi ni Presidente, maski hindi ka na manindigan, magbigay ka lang ng impormasyon at bahala na ang gobyerno na hulihin on the act iyong mga taong iyan, eh magbibigay pa siya ng pabuya (Now, the President is saying that even if you deny involvement, just give information and it’s up to the government to catch those people on the act, he’ll even give a reward),” he added.

In a taped public address aired Tuesday night, Duterte vowed to keep the names of the informants anonymous for their safety and protection.

“Ibulong mo lang na niluluto ‘yan (Just whisper to me if they’re cooking up something), I’ll give you PHP100,000 and I will keep your identity secret until I reach my grave. Hindi ko kayo bubukuhin, hindi ko kayo ipapasubo (Just whisper to me if they’re cooking up something. (I will not divulge your identities. I will not put you in a tight spot),” he said.

Duterte also encouraged the informants to tell him if they were being harassed or threatened.

“At kung nalaman kayo, tapos hina-harass kayo, paalamin mo ako. I will deal with the devil. Kaya kung inaano ka, tinatakot ka, paalamin mo ako (And if they find out who you are and harass you, let me know. I will deal with the devil. If they’re threatening you, let me know) I would be happy to make you happy.

Okay?” he said.

He vowed to file both administrative and criminal charges against dishonest officials once proven guilty.

Duterte also read out loud names of government personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Immigration, and Local Water Utilities Administration who were allegedly involved in anomalies within their respective agencies.

On Monday night, he summoned suspended immigration officials in Malacañang and gave them a dressing-down.