By Argyll Geducos
President Duterte reminded local government units (LGUs) that he would not hesitate to humiliate them if they were found stealing the funds intended for the people amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addresses the nation on the government's efforts against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on April 16, 2020.( KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/MANILA BULLETIN)
In his public address, President Duterte asked LGUs to do their work properly because he was already having a hard time leading the efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"Our country comes first to us. Mahal ko ang bayan ko, mahal natin lahat, gaano man tayo kaliit (I love our country, we all do, no matter how small it is)," he said.
"I hope that God will be with us. May sarili akong Diyos na doon ako nakatutok (I have my own God) to help me because I'm having a... having a hard time carrying the... the load of the nation," he added.
Duterte warned local chief executives. The government is working hard to give assistance to the people so LGUs should not take advantage of it, he said.
"Gusto ko lang ipakita sa mga tao beginning itong ito na paano sugpuin ang mga magnanakaw sa gobyerno. Pero ito ang i-garantiya ko sa iyo, p****** i** ka, huhubaran kita diyan sa harap ng tao (I want to show the people how to rid the government of corrupt people. I promise you I will strip you naked in front of everybody)," he said.
"I do not want to humiliate people. I know that alam mo pagka tanggalan mo ang tao ng pride niya, masakit ‘yan (I know that it hurts when you strip people of their pride)," he added.
Despite having a hard time, President Duterte said he would continue to fulfill his duty amid the global health crisis.
"Ako ayaw kong maghiya ng governor, mayor. Sino ba naman ako (I don't want to shame governors or mayors. Who am I to do that)? But you know, I have a more... a greater burden there, iyong pinapasan ko na trabaho... medyo sagrado eh, sa tao ito (the job I do is more sacred)," he said.
"So we take our oath of office. We are very proud. Mag-presidente na ako tapos ganun. Gawain ko talaga lahat (I am now the President so I will do everything I can)," he added.
President Duterte has extended the ECQ in Metro Manila and other "high-risk" areas in the country due to the threat of COVID-19. To date, the country has recorded 7,192 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 477 of whom have died while 762 recovered.