By Arjay L. Balinbin

President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday, Feb. 13, led the mass oath-taking of 107 newly-appointed government officials, including the members of the Consultative Committee (Con-Com) who are tasked to review amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

“Corruption, not during my watch!” was Mr. Duterte’s message to these officials.

Adding: “I have fired several, and I hope I would not have to do it again because I do not like it. But I have fired so many officials of government officials for one reason or another. But the latest of those were really abusing the use of public funds. And I was referring to-I hope [they don’t] mind it because it’s true-CHED and MARINA, and many others including the [two] SSS [executives].”

The President also pitched anew a federal form of government before he steps down.”If we have a workable federal set up in 2020, I will step down. I don’t want a transition position.”

“It is your duty to see to it, if I go before this time, to see to it that the rules of succession in our Constitution be followed. I could not be clearer on this, and I would rather abbreviate my term rather than extend it,” he said.

Mr. Duterte also reminded the Bureau of Customs (BoC) officials that he will no longer allow “auctions for smuggled items.”

“[Those items] will be destroyed, and I will take note of those people who are there,” the President said.

“Even in the matter of the lowest bid, I dare say, no more lowest bid [scheme], because that is the source of all corruptions down to the barangay level,” he said further.

See the lists of newly appointed officials below:

Appointees1 A by BusinessWorld on Scribd

Appointees2 A by BusinessWorld on Scribd

Appointees3 A by BusinessWorld on Scribd

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