President Duterte is willing to appear before Congress and discuss his “almost radical” proposal to cut corruption and further simplify government processes to ensure the ease of doing business in the country.
In a public address aired over state television Monday night, the President has asked for the lawmakers’ support to pass a legislation that will address red tape and corruption in the bureaucracy.
“I want Congress to know that I’m ready to appear there in Congress and discuss with them, but they should allow me to talk first then discuss how we can cut corruption, simplify the ease of doing business. I have some recommendation, almost radical," he said.
Duterte, whose allies dominate the two houses of Congress, noted that a president's appearance before Congress was not common in the country. "It has not been done for the --- for the --- you know not in the Philippines. It’s only done in parliamentary countries where the Prime Minister is grilled during the Question Hour," he said.
In his remarks, Duterte said Congress may introduce a bill that will compel government agencies to act on applications or requests within three days to a week. He said he was certain that the concerned agencies could complete the task during this period.
"Ang sabi ko sa Congress limitahan natin. Three days, three days, three days, that’s --- that’s enough. I’m sure… Otherwise, you guys are not doing your work. I mean three days if you really put your heart into it and work hard, you can finish the job. Let's say even one week," he added.
Duterte however will not tolerate any agency that will deliberately delay the processing of transactions. He said he would not hesitate to "shame" any office that has not acted on applications for two years.
"I will name the office probably towards the end of the year. Iyong na --- may application na umabot ng dalawang taon, p***** i** ninyo magbantay kayo mumurahin ko talaga kayo (Those with application that reached two years. Son of a b*tch, better watch out. I will really curse you)," he said.
"I will name you in public and put you to shame that I am suspecting that you are waiting for some remuneration that is not due you and you are not doing anything. Naghihintay ka lang ng pera (You're just waiting for the money)," he said.
Duterte also urged anew the public to report complaints about red tape and corruption to his office. He said they can send him letters and promised to read them. The erring public official will then be summoned to a meeting with the President so he or she can explain his side.
"Kung sino ‘yung nakahawak ng papel nang matagal. And maybe if it is inordinately delayed, I will ask the idiot to sit there --- to sit here in this table tapos ibuhos ko itong tubig sa mukha niya (then I will throw water into his face)," he said.
"You better come up with an explanation that is really good to hear because kung mawalaan ako ng pasensya, bastusin talaga kita (if I lose patience, I will really be rude to you)," he said.
Duterte also said he has no qualms about Congress setting up oversight committees on government projects. He said lawmakers could even tighten the rules to ensure public funds are not wasted.
"That is good. More people watching the people’s money, the better. Wala akong ano diyan sa sabihin ninyo intrusion into the domain of the separation of power because it’s legit," he said.
In 2018, the President signed Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act to help make government transactions faster. The law requires government agencies to act on applications within three days for simple transactions, seven days for complex ones and 20 days for those which are classified as highly technical.