Duterte vows to end queuing for government documents

MANILA, Philippines — President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday vowed to end long queues and extortion to obtain government permits and documents.

Duterte said he does not wish to interfere with the Cabinet secretaries and government officials in leading their respective departments, but he will order them to lessen the public’s complains, citing his concern over long queues to avail of services.

“I don't want to be heroic. I just want honesty and good faith in dealing with the public,” Duterte said at a televised press conference after a meeting with chosen members of Cabinet.

Describing situations where Filipinos falling in line to apply for and claim documents as “miserable,” he said he will issue an order for agencies to release permits within three days.

He added that he wants applicants to be provided with a stub containing a “security bar” which indicates the number of days it will take to finish the permit.

"There must be a ledger. I do not care what kind of document is that, for DND, DOTC, DA. Ang magsulat ay ang empleyado receiving the papers,” he added.

Duterte also lamented bribery and extortion in processing applications for obtaining government permits and documents. He said such incidents particularly occur at the Bureau of Customs and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

“I do not want people spending money just to get something from government for the simple reason na bayad na kami. You pay taxes,” he said.