Duterte tells DOJ, DPWH assistant secretaries to resign or be fired

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday announced that President Rodrigo Duterte had told two assistant secretaries to resign over allegations of corruption or face termination.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that Department of Justice Assistant Secretary Moslemen Macarambon Sr. and Department of Public Works and Highways Assistant Secretary Tingagun Umpa were asked to tender their resignation letters.

The call for Macarambon’s resignation stemmed from the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission's investigation that he allegedly intervened "on behalf of suspected smugglers of gold and precious jewelry" at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Umpa, on the other hand, allegedly asked for commissions from contractors of DPWH projects in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Duterte has vowed not to tolerate even a whiff of corruption in his administration. The president has fired several officials accused of corruption but he is also criticized for “recycling” officials who resigned following allegations of irregularity or wrongdoing in office.

READ: Rody to corrupt officials: Resign