PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the dismissal from service of Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Secretary-General Falconi Millar, who is accused of corruption.
"For all of you, disabuse your minds about corruption in government," the President said in a speech delivered during the inauguration of the Cavite Gateway Terminal in Tanza, Cavite on Thursday, November 22.
"In at least dito sa (here in the) executive department, wala ho kami niyan (there's no corruption). Just before I left my office, I signed a dismissal order ng (of) secretary general ng (of) Housing [and Urban Development Coordinating Council], a certain Millar," he added.
Duterte made the announcement nearly a week after he announced that he would fire a high-ranking government official allegedly involved in corruption.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Millar was ordered to vacate his post "immediately."
"The Palace is announcing the termination of services of Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Secretary-General Falconi V. Millar due to allegations of corruption," Panelo said.
"The President’s order takes effect immediately," he added.
Both Duterte and Panelo did not elaborate on Millar's supposed involvement in corruption.
Millar, who was sworn into office in September 2017, was the head of the Task Force Bangon Marawi Secretariat. The task force leads the rehabilitation effforts in war-torn Marawi.
Panelo assured the the public that the delivery of public services would not be disrupted, especially in rehabilitating Marawi City and other affected areas.
The Palace official added that the HUDDC official's termination of service merely proved that Duterte would not allow even just a "whiff of corruption" during his watch.
"There are no sacred cows in the administration, especially in its drive against corruption. As the President said, he will not tolerate even a whiff of corruption in the Executive Branch of Government," he said.
Shortly after the announcement, Millar said his termination from office was an "obvious demolition job."
"It is an obvious demolition job, in protecting the interest of the government, I have annoyed some personalities, I filed my resignation this morning," he said in a statement sent to Palace reporters. (SunStar Philippines)