Duterte to Chinoy traders: Don’t waste money on corrupt public servants

President Duterte has called on Filipino-Chinese businessmen “not to waste money” on corrupt public servants in exchange for permits and other government service.

The President also urged them to help him fight corruption by paying the right taxes and reporting any extortion attempts by government personnel. He assured anew that he would not hesitate to fire government officials engaged in corruption.

“If there is anything na maghingi, mag-compromise sa inyo [that someone asks you for money, compromise], you do not have to give in. Do not waste your money diyan sa mga taong nag-corrupt. Wala namang mangyari [on corrupt officials. Nothing will happen],” he said during the oath-taking of the new officers of the Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. in Malacañang last Tuesday night.

“The first whiff na may suggestion about pera, sabihin mo [of suggestion about money, tell them] ‘No. I will pay my taxes correctly. Do not mess up with me,’” he said.

Duterte said businessmen should report to his office any corrupt practices they have encountered in the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, or any other state agency.

He affirmed that he does not tolerate graft practices in government, saying that corruption “has been pulling the country down.”

“I assure you, ‘pag sinumbong mo na sa akin ‘yan, I guarantee you, tawagin ko ‘yan sa harap mo at sabihin ko talaga, mag-hingi ka uli, p ***** i** mo, papatayin kita [If you report to me, I guarantee you I will call that person in front of you and tell him, ‘If you ask for a bribe again, I will kill you],” he added.

And if the businessmen are caught violating laws, even traffic rules, Duterte advised them to just pay the fine and not bribe the concerned government official.

“Babayaran mo lang ‘yan [Just pay the fine] rather than allow this guy to continue with this trade. Marami pang mabibiktima niyan, mga anak niyo, kapwa mo Chinese, lahat [Many people, including your children fellow Chinese, might end up victims too],” he said.

As he sought public cooperation against corruption, the President assured that his administration will continue to promote a business-friendly environment.

He said the government has started to implement reforms such as streamlining business permit processes, pushing for more efficient tax system, and increasing the budget for infrastructure to improve transportation.

“I assure you that the government will continue to do its best to create an enabling, nurturing, and globallycompetitive business environ for everyone,” he said.

“These initiatives will surely generate opportunities for your businesses to thrive and flourish,” he added.