Duterte to corrupt cops: Better resign now
Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte has just one advice to corrupt cops: look for an honorable way out now if you love your family, since he will be relentless in cleaning up the police force of scalawags.
In an exclusive interview with TV5 news correspondent Mia Reyes last Friday in Davao City, the incoming chief executive believes 98 percent of the members of Philippine National Police (PNP) “are really good.”
Duterte spoke to TV5 while under his self-imposed retreat after he visited the tomb of his parents in Davao City.
“Some of the generals and members of the police, I am sorry to say, those of you who are tainted with drugs, those who are into drug activities, I suggest that you retire now when you will still get something because if I’m already there, I will never tolerate your presence in the PNP, “Duterte said in a mixture of English and Filipino.
“If you have a family, pity your family,” he said, “Baka hindi na ninyo talaga kailangan ng pera kasi mayaman na kayo (Perhaps you no longer need the money because you are already rich). But you can make your exit that easier for all of us by just retiring.”
Duterte made it clear that dealing with criminality will be a cornerstone of his administration and said there is one simple rule that everybody has to follow: “Now that I am president, all I have to say is that you have to follow the law.”
Although widely perceived as someone who would take short cuts with the legal process in dealing with criminals, Duterte – as president – vowed “due process and all the things contained in the Constitution that are afforded to criminals should be followed.”
Duterte admits that some scalawag cops would resist his call for them to leave the service and even try to fight back, saying “baka patayan na
‘yan (there might be killings).” “I know you will lose your jobs, but please look for an honorable way out,” Duterte said, painting a grim scenario since these corrupt cops have been issued firearms. “I know you have been issued firearms, but please do not fight the government because you will be facing the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”