Govt’ threatens to shut down telco for lack of hotline number

The government might shut down a major telecommunications company if it does not provide more hotline numbers for public complaints on government services, President Duterte said over the weekend.

The President issued the warning during a visit to Cebu City where he revealed that telco giant PLDT owes the government 18 billion.

"If you see corruption, tell me. Call 8888. Bong, add another trunk line. The present setup can’t accommodate all the calls. It’s always busy. Tell PLDT,” Duterte told his former aide Christopher Go during the administration's campaign rally in Cebu City Sunday night.

"If not, I’ll shut down their business. Oo, that’s true. I don’t want to brag, but they owe government eight billion. No President has ever asked for payment,” he said.

Duterte urged anew Filipinos not to hesitate to report complaints about corruption involving government agency or personnel through the telephone hotline for prompt action. He also threatened to slap any official who extort from people who are transacting with the government.

"Call 8888 about corruption. And if they refuse to air it on the radio, tell the announcer that I will summon him to Manila. Basta corruption. Director, all of them who extort,” Duterte said.

"If you're asked for a permit, tell him that you’re the one paying for his salary. I’ll slap you. Yes, slap him, slap him," he added.

In 2016, the government launched the 24-hour 8888 citizens' complaint hotline to accept grievances and other concerns about any red tape, corruption and other abuses involving government agencies.

Under Executive Order No. 6 signed by the President, the 8888 Citizens' Complaint Center was also established under the direction and supervision of the Civil Service Commission.

The order stated that citizen's concern should be referred to the concerned agency for appropriate action. The complainant must also be given advice or feedback on the status of the concern until its resolution.

There must be concrete and specific action to a citizen's concern within 72 hours from receipt of the complaint by the concerned agency.