MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte lambasted critics for inventing “a sin” against him as he claimed he does not have a syndicate involved in corruption.
During his address to the public on Tuesday, Duterte dared his critics to present someone who can attest his involvement in corruption practices.
“I will resign if they can find me a person which says that I received one peso,” Duterte said. “Wala kayong makuha sa akin. Wala akong papel na pinirmahan na transaksyon sa gobyerno.”
“Do not invent a sin against me because I painstakingly avoided being a corrupt [official]. Wala akong sindikato,” added Duterte, who in the same public address directed the Department of Justice to conduct a government-wide probe for corruption.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said it is impossible for the country’s chief executive to be involved in corruption as the latter was determined to cleanse the government in his last two years.
“Gusto talaga ni Presidente na maiwan niyang legacy ay malinis niya ang gobyerno sa natitirang panahon ng kanyang termino,” Roque said during his virtual press conference on Tuesday.
“The President wants it done yesterday, so he wants to see it as soon as possible,” he added. “Using his own personal standards, ‘di satisfied ang Pangulo sa paglinis ng gobyerno. Aminado tayo na hindi tuluyang mawawala ang corruption.”/PN
