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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Still on firing spree, Duterte to dismiss more Philhealth officials

Still on firing spree, Duterte to dismiss more Philhealth officials

Published Dec 29, 2020 08:42 am

 A new round of dismissal of officials in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is forthcoming in line with the government’s anti-corruption campaign, President Duterte announced Monday night.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (RICHARD MADELO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

Addressing the nation Monday night, the President said he has dismissed many officials and intends to sack more as soon as the investigation is completed.
 
"Marami na akong sinibak. And sa PhilHealth, there will be another round of dismissal. Kinukumpleto lang nila ‘yung investigation (I have fired many people. On PhilHealth, there will be another round of dismissal. They are just completing the investigation)," he said.
 
As part of his anti-corruption drive, Duterte said he has terminated 72 customs personnel and 62 from the immigration bureau. As a result, he noted that the immigration bureau only now has a "skeletal force."
 
On the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the President has ordered the immediate relief of several district engineers allegedly involved anomalous projects. He mentioned the names of the district engineers during his speech and directed them to report to Public Works Secretary Mark Villar on Tuesday.
 
"I do not condemn you. I give you the presumption of innocence just like the congressman. It so happens that your name has cropped up during an investigation," Duterte said. 
 
An imminent reorganization of the DPWH district engineers will also implemented, according to the President. 
 
Duterte asked Villar to submit the list of the district engineers so he can "recognize the assignments." He noted that some may be assigned to Basilan after improved explosive devices used by state enemies have destroyed some roads.
 
The President earlier directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct allegations of corruption in the entire government and prosecute those involved. Exasperated with the rampant corruption in the bureaucracy, Duterte told the DOJ to expand its corruption probe on PhilHealth to cover other state agencies.
 

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