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President Duterte calls on Cebu traders to help him end corruption
By Eddie Barrita

CEBU CITY, March 3 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday night rallied businessmen in Cebu, calling for them to help him put an end to corruption in Philippine government.

Duterte, who spoke to members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and other local business groups, said the only way to eradicate this problem was for traders to become more assertive.

“Help me minimize or do away with corruption. I support you, but you have to help me. You have to be assertive. ’Wag kayong magbigay’ (Don’t give),” he said.

He was referring to paying off government workers to avoid or to go around the red tape in government processes.

He also urged Cebuano businessmen to “drop names” of corrupt government officials every time they attempt to extort money for government services.

Among the government agencies he mentioned in his speech were the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration and Bureau of Internal Revenue, all of which have been tainted with allegations of corruption over the years.

President Duterte addressed close to 200 members of the local business community, this being the first time he met with the private sector in Cebu since he was elected president in May 2016.

He also administered the induction of the newly elected CCCI officers and trustees.

Before attending the induction in Lapu-Lapu City, the President graced the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cebu-Cordova Toll Link (CCLEX) in Cordova town on Mactan Island.

The CCLEX, which is expected to start construction in July this year, will cost some PHP27.9 billion and is set to be finished by 2020. (PNA)
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