AMID allegations that he has hidden wealth, President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated Friday his pledge to solve corruption during his six-year term.
"I would hit hard against corruption so I must set the example because if I don't, I cannot demand obedience. You know, how people have endured corruption all throughout the years, I would not like to be a person of you know, into the blame game," Duterte said at a dinner with Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1967 in Baguio City.
"At least during my time, there will be a respite for the people and corruption will really be controlled or stopped. I can assure you of that," he added.
The issue of Duterte's alleged P2.4-billion in his bank accounts has been revived by his vocal critic, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
Trillanes has said the issue is not new to the public but is yet to be addressed by Duterte's camp.
The President, however, shrugged off the allegation and challenged the senator to ask the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to sue him, if the latter sees strong evidence against him.
Speaking before the PMA alumni, Duterte called the documents released by Trillanes as "pure garbage."
To prove that the claim of Trillanes is not true, the President said he had instructed the AMLC to release his net worth.
"It's pure garbage but you know, I'm president. I've ordered AMLC and everybody to give information about what's my worth in this, in terms of pesos in this planet. So I will not put you in shame," Duterte said.
"No one from my children or not even me, I have not signed any voucher even for myself. I only receive a salary and that's it. I do not accept my allowances. I don't. I avoided it and it will be so until the end of my term," he added.
He also reiterated that he would not hesitate to give up the highest position in the land, if there is proof that he and his family is involved in corruption.
"Just to make clear, it's a matter of principle also and honor. I said during the campaign that if any of my family or even me would be involved in corruption in government, you can be sure you have my word, I will resign immediately," Duterte said.
Trillanes initially revealed Duterte's alleged unexplained wealth during the campaign period for the 2016 presidential polls, but despite the controversy, the former mayor of Davao City became the country's 16th president after winning the elections be a wide margin. (SunStar Philippines)
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