Duterte wants Salalima to substantiate corruption claim

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte is interested to learn about the alleged corruption that prompted Rodolfo Salalima to quit as  information and communications technology secretary, Malacañang said yesterday. 

Salalima, a classmate of Duterte at the San Beda College of Law, said over the weekend that he had tendered his resignation because of “interference” and “corruption.” 

Duterte said that Salalima had quit “out of delicadeza,” noting that the latter had served as chief legal counsel of Globe Telecom.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said Duterte is interested to know more about Salalima’s claim, which he said should be validated and backed by substantial evidence.  

“If that is his point, we just have to take him for what he says. If there is really something disturbing, this matter needs to be pursued,” Abella said. “If he makes any claims, it should be substantial.”

Abella said there is no word yet on the successor of Salalima, the country’s first information and communications technology secretary, adding that the President is looking for someone trustworthy.

“It is always a matter of trust,” Abella said. 

Malacañang has since urged Salalima to shed light on his allegations about his former agency.