Rody to quit if children involved in corruption

MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte yesterday expressed readiness to resign if any of his children was involved in corruption after his eldest son Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte was dragged into the smuggling controversy hounding the Bureau of Customs. 

Duterte said he does not condone corrupt practices and would not hesitate to fire anyone involved in irregularities. 

“Corruption was really one I do not like. Pati ‘yung anak ko ngayon, sinasali diyan sa Customs (Even my son is being dragged in the issues involving Customs). I told you before and I’m telling you now again, if any of my children is involved in corruption, I will immediately resign… you have my word,” the President said. 

“I really do not tolerate corruption. Any official who entertains (corrupt practices) with the intervention of any of my sons and daughter, that is enough for me. I will fire you and I will press charges against you and my relative, wherever he is,” he added.  

“You will have the luxury of seeing me go down. I really do not need this job. I’ve had enough.” 

Earlier, a broker revealed in a House inquiry that Paolo was being name-dropped by persons involved in bribery activities at the Customs.  

Importer Mark Taguba said a certain “Tita Nanie” to whom he was giving P10,000 bribe per container, had told him that the money would go to a “Davao group” headed by the vice mayor. 

He admitted it was possible that Paolo’s name was used to facilitate the entry of smuggled drugs.  

Duterte also said last night that he does not care if he goes to hell for all the drug-related killings because “there are no beautiful club girls there.”

“Somebody has to do it and I’m happy to do it,” he told the Philippine Development Forum at the EDSA Shangri-La hotel in Mandaluyong City.

He reiterated he is willing to resign if he is unable to solve the drug problem and address terrorism. – With Christina Mendez