President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he would hire anyone who wanted to work in his administration even if he or she did not meet eligibility criteria as long as they were honest and competent.
The President issued the statement in a speech in Bulacan on Monday, saying one must only be “competent” and “honest” to apply for a job in the government.
“I am not trying to degrade the qualification, the level of qualification but give me an honest person and not corrupt,” he said.
Duterte, known to have appointed military men in his Cabinet, said he was willing to set aside eligibility rules for government appointments provided that the candidates were competent and honest.
Duterte said he would not brag about being incorruptible but vowed to perform his job properly, as he expected his Cabinet and other government officials to work with honesty and honor.
“If anyone who comes into my mind who I would appoint to the government, I’ll just ask, if you want to work during my term: You are competent and you are honest, period. Wala na eligibility-eligibility,” Duterte said.
The President said if a public servant gets embroiled in corruption or other abuse in power, he would not hesitate to fire the person.
There would be no more ceremony, you just go, he said about the dismissal of erring public servants.
“The problem is along the way, the corruption in government is severe. Down to the local level,” he said.
“I am not trying to get points and say I am incorruptible. I will just work. I resolve to do my job properly and expect everybody who works for me with integrity,” he added.