Sa isang pahayag, iginiit ni Presidential Spokersperson Harry Roque na hindi naman agad-agad masosolusyunan ang katiwalian sa bansa.
“We have to underscore that corruption is a problem that cannot be solved overnight; thus, we are taking the results of Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index 2017, which shows our 111th (out of 180) ranking, seriously,” giit ni Roque.
Kasabay nito, pumalag si Roque sa ulat ng Transparency International kung saan bukod umano sa mataas ang korupsyon sa bansa, binanggit pa nito na limitado ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag, at ang mataas na bilang ng mga napapatay na mga mamamahayag.
“There is no truth that we have fewer press freedom. Our media are still able to broadcast and print or publish what they want – fake news included. Filipinos are free to air their grievances with the President even declaring an unprecedented Day of Protest,” depensa ni Roque.
Matatandaang ipinag-utos ni Pangulong Duterte ang pagbabawal sa reporter ng online news site na Rappler na makapasok sa Malacanang.
“The President has acted swiftly with the creation of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security to ensure the protection of media practitioners. Per the record of the Task Force, all murder cases involving journalists during the Duterte administration have been solved. In addition, public officials who threatened media workers have been red flagged to show that we work without fear or favor,” ayon pa kay Roque.
Idinagdag ni Roque na nagbanta na rin si Duterte sa mga opisyal at empleyado ng gobyerno na hindi niya kukunsintihin ang katiwalian sa ilalim ng kanyang panunungkulan.
“The Chief Executive fired many government officials, including members of the Cabinet, once he heard even a whiff of corruption. He likewise issued Executive Order No. 43 creating the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission and opened a citizens’ complaint hotline 8888.
Fighting corruption needs everyone’s cooperation. The government cannot do it alone. Citizens must be vigilant and report corruption,” sabi pa ni Roque. (Bella Cariaso)