President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday, February 7, expressed his frustration over the perennial problem of red tape and corruption in the government.
During the oath-taking of newly appointed officials in Malacañan Palace, President Duterte revealed that he walked out of the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, February 7 when he learned about the problem of bureaucratic red tape at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
“I would just like to share an experience with you. Last night, we had this Cabinet meeting. Though no fault of anybody, I discovered very late that there are some applications which have been pending in NEDA for 25 years,” Duterte said.
“Pabalik-balik ‘yung tao, pabalik-balik. And there’s no end to it…the bleeding of the pocket of the guy. Not only the reputation…but government suffers for it also,” he added.
Expressing his dismay, the President said the government system of the country is “designed to experience a failed government.”
“Well, anyway, kung ganyan ang red tape or black tape…pinutol ko sila. Sabi ko, ‘Well, this…I would not like to be a part of this briefing because ‘yung p** … This will not happen during my time. So why would I waste my time listening to this when it would take about two presidents to finish?,’” he said, adding that he had asked Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to preside over the meeting.
Aside from red tape, the Chief Executive likewise expressed his disappointment at the persistent problems of illegal drugs, communist insurgency, terrorism, and peace and order.
Despite the problems facing the country, Duterte said the government would continue to strive hard to leave a better nation for the next generation.
He also enjoined the newly appointed officials to help the administration in its efforts to find solutions to social ills.
“Kaya ako…papasok kayo…let me just tell you.. well, at least during your time, you can always say I give the best that I can for my country,” he said.
The President administered the oath to at least 80 newly appointed officials including Chief of Presidential Protocol Robert Borje and four newly appointed ambassadors Raul Hernandez for Turkey, Leah Ruiz for Poland, Alex Chua for Kenya, and Edward Fereira as special envoy to Kazakhstan.
