President threatens to suspend gov’t officials who do nothing

President Duterte has threatened to suspend or dismiss the “deadwoods” in local government or those officials who do nothing for their constituents.

The President said he could “hang” these local officials for neglecting their duty by pursuing administrative complaints against them.

“I’m warning the local government officials. I do not want to threaten you but you just do your duty also because remember I can always suspend or dismiss you if I want to,” the President said during the launch of an air traffic management system in Pasay City.

“I’m not the Ombudsman but administratively I can hang you, so do it,” he said.

Duterte insisted that local government officials who do not serve their constituents well must go.

“Those governors and mayors who are deadwoods or who do nothing at hinayaan mo na lang kami ditong mga pulis pati the Armed Forces to take care of everything and you are not doing anything to serve your constituents including dying for your people, umalis kayo diyan,” he said.

“Iyong takot na mamatay, takot na magkasakit [Those who are afraid to die or get sick] – you get out. I said not during my time,” he added.

In the same speech, the President announced plans to conduct a thorough review of all public works projects in the country.

Duterte aims to clamp down on government officials and contractors who fail to implement infrastructure project on time.

“I will review with the Cabinet this one. All public works projects, which have been delayed for years, you get out immediately and I can maybe look for the money,” he said.