Duterte appeals for support in fight against corruption

CEBU, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte appeals to the Cebu business sector to support him in his fight against corruption within the government by reporting directly to him any sign or act of double-dealing.

Duterte on Thursday inducted the newly elected officers of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) at the Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino in Mactan. In his speech before the chamber's new officers and trustees, he said he cannot stop or at least minimize the corruption in the country, if the public, including the businessmen, will not be vigilant against any wrongdoing committed by public officials or any public servant.

"Help me minimize or do away with corruption. I can’t help the Filipinos kung hindi ninyo ako tulungan. Akong bahala sa inyo," Duterte told business leaders in Cebu in his speech, which spanned for over an hour after the induction ceremony.

It was the first time the President met with the Cebuano business prime-movers since his proclamation as President of the Philippines in June of last year.

While he also mentioned his unstoppable stance against drugs, and his defence against human rights issues hurled against him, the President emphasized the country’s big economic growth potential if the public will help him clean up the government’s internal woes first.

"Filipinos are not assertive. He knows his right but don't do anything about it,” the President said referring to a proactive move in reporting corruption immediately, delayed permit approvals, or delayed tactics by government agencies especially in granting business permits, and other paperworks.

CCCI president Melanie Ng said that the business sector in Cebu is pleased by the President's serious stance on cutting red tape, but hopes that CCCI's special request for decentralization of some permits and business documentations will be granted as soon as possible.

Prior to the President's meeting with the business sector, CCCI already submitted its list of concerns that need intervention from the President's desk, which also include the acceleration of infrastructure projects in Cebu, lower the cost of power, providing incentives for tourism-related businesses.

Mandaue of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Glenn Soco said the President's presence and effort to meet with the business sector in Cebu signals good "working relationship" between the government and private sector.

"His presence reflects good image of Cebu and boost confidence of safety and peace and order in our province," added Soco.

According to Soco, being assertive and pro-active is a duty as a Filipino citizen, but with the President's back-up, corrupt government servants (from officials to rank-and-file front-liners) should be extra careful now. (FREEMAN)