Duterte mulls stepping down as chase against corruption seems ‘endless’

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday expressed frustration over continuing corruption in government as he floated again the possibility of cutting short his term.

In a speech in Malacañang, Duterte recalled telling the military and police officials during the joint command conference on August 7 that he is planning to step down.

"'Guys, I want you to know that I am thinking of stepping down because I'm tired. While I am not angry against anybody, my chase against graft and corruption seems to be endless. It has contaminated almost all government departments and offices,'" he said.

"Graft is so embedded. It is endemic and it is always a part of the territory of a transaction especially by government."

Duterte previously said he would step down as early as next year once the proposed federal charter is ratified by the public.

He also said that a dissatisfied military and police could seize power from him without staging a coup.

The President has been bringing down the ax on high-ranking officials and heads of offices accused of corruption, excessive travels, and abuse of power.

On Monday, the President ordered the dismissal of military officials over supposed anomalous transactions at the V. Luna Medical Center.

He fired the board members and the management of Nayong Pilipino Foundation last week for entering into a supposedly disadvantageous lease deal with a Hong Kong-based developer for an integrated casino resort project.

Duterte also reiterated that no new casinos will be put up during his term.

Duterte had vowed to reduce corruption to the barest minimum under his watch. — RSJ/NB/BM, GMA News