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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 29) – President Rodrigo Duterte revealed on Monday that he offered to resign as president due to rampant corruption in the country.
“I offered to resign as president, because I said I was getting tired, (because I said I’m [corruption]), “Duterte expressed during his weekly national address.
The president added that through his vast experience as a government official, he admitted that corruption cannot be stopped.
“Even with the investigation or the clamor for the government to shake the tree, wala, hanggang ngayon (nothing, so far) is being committed every day. Can you stop it? You can’t, there is no way,” Duterte said.
Duterte mentioned in his speech that he is ready to appear before lawmakers on enacting laws to curb corruption in government.
“I appeal to Congress again, I cannot fight corruption … I cannot find a way to act for those who almost resist finding fault and resisting the government’s moves to improve. Congress may want to enact legislation. He said.
Duterte also cited the Land Registration Authority as one of the most “notorious” government agencies for engaging in corrupt practices, especially in the provinces, as he said it handled many cases against its officials while still a Davao city prosecutor. .
Rearranging PhilHealth
The president also said in his speech that he intends to reorganize the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
“I intend to reorganize (I am considering reorganizing [PhilHealth]) and impose a single line of authority on them, “he said.
Duterte said procedures at the embattled state health insurance firm must be simplified to prevent corruption from occurring.
“There are so many tables in the office, not just at PhilHealth, that it can get the job done, that it can process the papers, without having the discretion of whether to hang or sit at it,” Duterte explained.
PhilHealth has been plagued by corruption problems over the years, most recently with allegations of overpaying hospitals and purchasing new equipment at excessive prices.
To grant a new term at the state health insurer, Duterte appointed former Director of the National Bureau of Investigation Dante Gierran as PhilHealth’s new president and CEO on Aug. 31. He replaced Ricardo Morales, who resigned at the height of investigations into alleged corruption problems due to poor health.
Duterte also endorsed the DOJ-led investigative task force recommendation to file complaints against senior PhilHealth officials, which include Morales, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Jovita Aragona, and Chief Operating Officer Arnel. De Jesus, among others. The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission is conducting a separate investigation into allegations of corruption at the agency.
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