By Genalyn Kabiling
Better start removing water lilies along Pasig River.
MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO (TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)
This was the directive of President Duterte to dozens of customs employees placed on floating status for alleged corruption.
"Nakita mo naman ang water lily hindi na nga makaandar 'yung lantsa ko. O, ayan O 'di, they can start by cutting the water lilies there. You know, the water lily is ever present," Duterte said during a television interview last Wednesday.
"Some say, 'yung mga scientist natin that, it is an anti-pollutant. So when a rebel or a body is so degraded na talagang the contamination and altogether, water lilies will just grow. That is to counter the damage of pollution," he added.
Duterte said he told 64 customs personnel implicated in irregularities to vacate their posts and report to the Palace.
"Inilagay ko sa freezer ," he said about the customs workers.
"Talagang sinabi ko umalis kayo diyan . Do not do your job today. You better just take a vacation. Never mind if the papers would pile up. We can deal with that later," he said.
Duterte said he has zero tolerance for corrupt public servants, adding he would not hesitate to dismiss them.
"You maybe elected the wrong guy. But anyway, I have my purpose. I correct the many wrongs that we are facing. One is corruption. Ayaw ko talaga ‘yan ," he said.