Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appealed to officials and members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI) never to offer bribes to government officials, especially when the latter is pressuring them.
He asked Filipino-Chinese businessmen that it would be better if they report to him whenever they encounter such a situation as his government is keen to do something about eliminating corruption. He laced his appeal with a warning that he will show no mercy to any government officials for seeking bribes, including bribes collected in traffic violations.
In one of his stern messages ever sent out to government officials, the Filipino President said that their positions will be given to other deserving Filipinos who can do the job with honesty and integrity.
"Corruption is pulling the country down," Duterte said while addressing members of the chamber who gave him sporadic applause throughout his speech.
In cases of traffic rule violation, Duterte said they just need to surrender their license and pay the fine rather than allow the traffic enforcer to make bribery his daily business. "By allowing this, he will victimize more people especially your children and other Chinese," Duterte said.
Duterte ran for president last year and promised to eradicate corruption in the Philippines. Even before reaching one year in office, he fired two of his closest cabinet members on alleged complaints of corruption in their departments. He also warned that if officials are not behaving, more will face his wrath.
