Duterte warns the three “most corrupt” government agencies.
Presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte is eyeing to abolish the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Bureau of Customs which he named as the three “most corrupt” state agencies.
Speaking to reporters, the outgoing Davao City Mayor said that it may be better to shut down the agencies.
“I’m very sorry pero sabihin ko sa inyo, isa sa pinaka-corrupt na agency ang BIR, Customs, LTO — iyang tatlong iyan… I-abolish ko na lang para wala na,” he said.
However, it was uncertain if Duterte is serious about his remarks since he also admitted that he is still looking for individuals that will lead the departments.
Meanwhile, the customs officials reacted to Duterte’s statement about his plan to abolish the agency.
Customs deputy commissioner Jessie Dellosa agreed to the tough-talking mayor’s observation in the agency, but he added that his plan to abolish the BOC should be further studied.
He also hopes that Duterte would appoint personnel that will free the agency from corrupt activities.
“He will have to find someone who is committed and make (anti-corruption) his advocacy,” he was quoted by Philstar.
BIR commissioner Kim Henares also reacted to Duterte’s statements, saying that she was hurt because the efforts of her employees was not recognized.
Henares also admitted that corruption was not fully eradicated from BIR, noting that it was only “minimized.”
According to Henares, even private constitutions cannot rid of corruption, but they can only minimize it.
