By Genalyn Kabiling
President Duterte has directed newly appointed government officials to shun corruption and excessive foreign travels while in service.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Addressing the 178 government officials who took their oath in Malacañang last Monday, the President said government workers must provide "excellent public service" and become "instruments of fairness, transparency, and justice"
“Wala naman akong guidance na maibigay except that, you know, the standard is simple. You must be competent and honest,” Duterte said.
“I see good people around and I hope that you give your best to your country. Just avoid corruption,” he added.
Duterte also warned the public servants against taking frequent trips abroad as well as "excessive allowances." He has promised to be strict in spending government funds as he remains committed to combat corruption in the remainder of his term.
“I now task you to be at the forefront of excellent public service in your respective departments and agencies. Be the instruments of fairness, transparency, and justice that the Filipino people expect you to be,” he said.
He also reminded government workers to serve the public to the best of their abilities and uphold and defend the Constitution.
“Basta kayo, magtrabaho lang. The marching order is simple: just protect government interest,” he said.
Duterte likewise asked the government officials to rally behind the government's relentless crackdown on the illegal drug trade.
“I said I will go after drugs kung kaya ko because it will really, really destroy our country now or maybe tomorrow...It’s actually a drug war all over the world,” he said.