Duterte tells Cebuano businessmen to be assertive

CEBU CITY - President Rodrigo Duterte called on Cebu businessmen to report corrupt officers in government transactions and be assertive in helping him bring the change in governance.

Duterte made this statement during the recent oath-taking of the new members and board of directors of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and in his speech, he cited instances where businessmen must exert their rights against any government officials and employees they meet.

“On the first hint, you know the thing about corruption is that, ang Filipino hindi assertive, he knows his rights, he will complain about it but he will not do anything,” he said.

Duterte said each government agency is implementing a routine slip that will trace the whereabouts of the document processed.

“Ang mga directors sa departments must husband the papers, siya mismo ang magtingin kung saan yung papel at a given time, and they are only given 15 days,” he said.

Duterte gave a standing order to heads of departments to be the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave in the evening. Other than shortening transaction time, he also earlier ordered the reduction of signing authorities.

“For the Mayors ganun din, or else I will file a corresponding case, I will direct the Department of the Interior and Local Government to file appropriate charges baka may abuse of authority or whatever and I could dismiss you, basta may corruption,” Duterte said.

In the securing of permits, Duterte said the businessmen will just have to write what is lacking in the papers. “Sulat kayo ano ba ang kulang dito, what is it that is lacking or inadequate so that we will correct it immediately,” he said.

And if one does not get a reply, a complaint should be filed at the Office of the Ombudsman and if nothing happens he will take jurisdiction.

In reaction, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry re-elected President Melanie Ng said the President’s pronouncements were assuring to the businessmen.“it just gives us the confidence that there will already be positive change as we deal with government in our business transactions after all we are partners,” Ng said.

The new trustees include Enrison Benedicto, Antonio Chiu, Charles Kenneth Co, Kenneth Cobonpue, Teodoro Locson Jr., Ronald Po, Francis Dy, Edward Wincent Onglatco, Christian Paro-an, Robinson Uy, Benjamin Avila, Virgilio Espeleta, Edwin Ortiz, Fr. Dioniso Miranda, Manuel Pages Jr., Benedict Que, lawyer Tomas Riveral, Jimmu Chua, Rey Maximo Eleccion and Robert Go.

Lawyer Chad Rodolfo Miel was named legal counsel. Other officers include Chiu, vice president for finance and administration; Locson, vice president for external affairs and relations; Espeleta, vice president for business development; Paroan, vice president for membership development; Po, treasurer; and Riveral, board secretary.