IN LINE with his vow to maintain a "clean" government, President Rodrigo Duterte announced Tuesday, March 26, that he will be firing more government officials "next week."
Duterte made the revelation in a speech in South Cotabato, but did not elaborate.
"Lesser ang corruption [in government] but I will fire more next week," the President said during the distribution of financial grants to the beneficiaries of the government's unconditional cash transfer program in Koronadal City.
He said he was awaiting a report that would form the basis for the dismissal of some officials.
"Hinihintay ko lang 'yung report nila (I am just waiting for their report). But sabi ko na you give me your report and if I find it justifiable, you can stay. But kung corruption (But if there is corruption), I'm sorry. Hanggang ngayon nagpapaalis pa ako ng tao (Until now, I get rid of erring officials). I'm trying my best [to rid the government of corruption]," Duterte said.
On March 19, an "outraged" Duterte met with the officials of state water regulator Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), and private water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad Water Service to personally tell them to "shape up or ship out" for their failure to solve the low water supply.
Duterte also gave the MWSS, Manila Water, and Maynilad until April 15 to address the supposed water crisis in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
He also threatened to fire MWSS officials and terminate the contracts of Mania Water and Maynilad Water Service if they fail to comply with his directive.
On March 21, Duterte refused to make early judgment on the water shortage, saying he would only decide if the report has already been submitted to him.
"I will not make a prejudgment. I asked them -- everybody concerned -- to submit a report by April 10 and I will decide before April 15," the President said earlier.
"Anong nangyari (What happened)? Who was responsible for it? Was there negligence or was there really something which is beyond the competence of the MWSS to control," he added. (SunStar Philippines)