No ‘sacred cows’ in gov’t — Duterte; ‘Better’ relations with Palace — Senate
PUNCHLINE
By FRED M. LOBO
Fred M. Lobo
President Duterte will not spare anyone to be found involved in corruption in government, even his close allies or friends, Malacanang has warned anew.
“We repeat. There are no sacred cows in this Administration,” the Palace said.
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Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said that the President will listen to whatever whistle-blowers may have to say, provided allegations are substantiated or supported with evidence.
Translation:Come to me and be my eyes and tell me who are ransacking government treasure or benefiting from it.
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“President Rodrigo RoaDuterte is beholden to no one. He will not spare even his close friends and long-time allies in his drive to weed out corruption in the bureaucracy,” Panelo said.
Walang kaibigan o kakampi sa pandarambong, The Punisher seems to say.
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Panelo assured that Duterte will listen to reports or allegations of graft and corruption in government agencies as he told Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board director Sandra Cam to file a complaint against alleged corruption in the agency.
Formally submit a complaint to the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) so it could be acted upon, he said.
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“She could file corruption charges against the PCSO officials and submit proof of her allegations before the said commission,” Panelosaid.
“The President will order a full-blown investigation on those allegations of corruption as soon as formal charges are filed,” he added.
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“We, thus, urge the likes of Ms. Cam to come forward and expose government shenanigans and malfeasance if she knows any. We assure her and other whistleblowers that they have PRRD’s ears in this regard,” Panelo said.
Come blow your whistle well, Sandra and other whistleblowers told.
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Panelo, however, added that if Camcannot really stand the alleged corruption in the PCSO, she should just resign instead of asking the President to sack her.
“She does not have to wait for her relief by the President. She can tender her resignation if she cannot stand the alleged corruption within the PCSO,” Panelo said.
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Allegations against graft and corruption and wrongdoings have been aired earlier against PCSO and other government agencies, irking the President and making him issue stern warningsagain.
Yes to cleansing at PCSO, BIR, BOC and other government agencies and improvement of services, too.
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Meanwhile, the Senate expressed hope of a “better” relationship with the Palace now that many President Duterte’sallies have been elected senators.
What are friends for? as an old expression goes.
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Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said that with the likes of former presidential assistant Bong Go on board, misunderstanding and veto of bills that happened before will now be avoided.
“Better,” Zubirisaid when asked about the prospects of Senate-Malacanang relationship.
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Zubiriadmitted that some senators wereearlier “hurt” by Malacanang’s rejection of measures passed by Congress like the bill on the distribution of the coco levy fund and provisions of the new Tax Amnesty, among others.
Time for better coordination between the Legislative branch and the Palace, he said.
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But Zubiri clarified that the presence of Go and other allies in the Senate does not assure the immediate approval of Malacanang-backed bills.
No “rubber stamp” or “matic” legislation, he assured, reiterating Senate President Tito Sotto’s assurance of Senate independence.
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“No…The Senate is not just a working Senate but a thinking Senate. We have to have long and hard discussion on issues of serious implications. ” Zubiriassured.
Yes to a better Senate-Malacannag relationship.Yes to better legislative work for the country’s progress.