In this Aug. 30, 2016 file photo, President Rodrigo Duterte talks with Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Operations Office at www.pcoo.gov.ph )
鈥淚 could never be misinformed.鈥�
That was how President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday defended his decision to fire former Interior secretary Ismael 鈥淢ike鈥� Sueno.
鈥淎nd when I make a move, when I fire you, right there, I know what I am doing,鈥� Duterte said at Camp Artemio Ricarte in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
The President during Monday night鈥檚 Cabinet meeting dismissed Sueno over corruption allegations in the Rosenbauer fire truck deal of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Sueno has denied the allegations but accepted the Chief Executive鈥檚 decision.
Duterte said he would not tolerate even a 鈥渨hiff鈥� of corruption among his Cabinet officials.
鈥淪abi ko the first whiff, ang unang singaw lang, miski hindi totoo, ba-bye tayo. Maraming kapalit sa gobyerno. Hindi tayo nagkulang ng talent, bright, pati iyong honest with integrity,鈥� he said.
Interior聽Undersecretary for Public Safety Jesus Hinlo said Sueno was fired because of his involvement in the purchase of the firetrucks without public bidding.
Hinlo said there was a case pending in the Supreme Court involving the firetrucks but Sueno still proceeded with the transaction.
Duterte, in a speech at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday night, mentioned a legal opinion that Sueno had told him he knew nothing about.
鈥淚f you answer me with that kind of statement, that you never read the legal opinion of the legal officer of your own office, it鈥檚 either you鈥檙e taking me for stupid, an idiot, or you are lying through your teeth,鈥� he said.
Duterte has since appointed undersecretary Catalino Cuy as the department鈥檚 officer in charge. JE/rga
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