Heroes Hall, Malacañan Palace
March 6, 2019

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte reaffirmed his vow to end the graft and corrupt practices in the government as he graced the first anniversary of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) held in Malacañan Palace.

In his speech, President Duterte mentioned that the long process of transacting with government offices mostly result to corruption, and the current bureaucracy prone to corruption needs a radical change to stop.

The Chief Executive also expressed his interest to hold a dialogue with the Commission on Audit (COA) to simplify and clear the existing rules and policies in the government in order to implement smooth and efficient transactions. He also vowed to give back to the people his unrelenting service and a more comfortable life for all during his term in office.

“Maybe if I have time, I am so busy, I’d like to sit with the Executive Secretary and maybe invite some guys from the Ombudsman and itong auditing office. And let’s agree on certain procedures,” he said.

On the issue of allowing casinos to operate, he mentioned that he was against the building of a casino in Boracay Island. He also noted that gambling patrons are at risk because of its nature, which involves hefty sum of money that usually attracts and results to the proliferation of crimes.

“I do not want gambling. I’m not envious about people winning big money in gambling…. What I do not like about gambling is kung nasaan ‘yan, nandiyan ‘yung mga vultures, ‘yung mga police, ‘yan. Iyong mga gangster, tapos kikidnapin (kidnap) nila ‘yung nanalo o pautangin nila, hindi makabayad, i-hostage nila, papatayin pa nila,” President Duterte said.

The PACC, which was created under Executive Order (E.O.) No. 43 on October 4, 2017 and later amended by E.O. No. 73 on December 28, 2018, is the lead agency mandated by the President to eliminate all forms of corruption in the Executive Department in close coordination with various government and law enforcement agencies.

 

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