PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday admonished government workers to shape up and said he will implement severe measures to reform the government this February to address corruption and bureaucratic red tape.
In a speech before victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in Tacloban City, Duterte threatened to charge government officials with neglect of duty after government’s efforts were slowing down in various departments.
“By the end of February, God willing, if I’m still alive, I will impose severe steps on the government. The salaries of government workers amount to [billions]. They have to stop [being lazy]. I only receive P130,000 [and] I have two families. That’s true,” Duterte said.
“Let’s not fool ourselves here. Shape up. If you don’t, I’ll file a [case],” he said, warning government directors and even department secretaries to fast-track processing permits and signing documents or face administrative charges.
“I’m warning everybody: directors, 15 days; departments, DPWH, Evasco, 30 days. If it’s just a permit, two to three days. If you don’t follow, then I’ll charge you for neglect of duty, either simple or serious,” he said.
“I will charge you administratively, not criminal charges because that takes too long. Dereliction of duty then I can suspend you and you can go to court. I’ll be happy if you would go to court,” he added.
The President reminded government workers not to “leave your office until you’ve finished your work” to finish jobs required of the bureaucracy.
“Directors, I want you to be the first to report to your office and the last to leave,” he said.