Duterte: Mark Villar not corrupt, DPWH underlings are

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday defended Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, saying the latter has a lot of money to even be corrupt.

In a nationally-televised address, Duterte said he believes it is those in the lower offices who are likely to be involved in corruption.

“Si Villar, mayaman. Maraming pera. Hindi niya kailangang mangurakot. Ang problema, sa baba. Malakas pa rin hanggang ngayon. Sa mga projects sa baba, ‘yon ang laro diyan,” Duterte said.

Duterte in some of his past briefings lashed out at the continued corruption in government particularly in the DPWH.

He said that he wanted bidding procedures be made public.

Earlier in the day, Malacañang said Villar continued to enjoy Duterte’s trust and confidence even after the Chief Executive raised the problem of corruption in the DPWH.

“Full trust and confidence po [ang Presidente] kay Secretary Villar dahil despite the corruption in DPWH, naka-deliver po si Secretary Villar,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque told a news conference.

He also cited the background of the DPWH chief, a son of property tycoon and former senator Manny Villar, whose wealth is estimated to be worth $5 billion this year.

Roque said Duterte only emphasized the challenges in the remaining two years of his term when he spoke about the alleged corruption practices linked to the implementation of projects such as right-of-way acquisition.

He added that Duterte could order an investigation on the corruption allegations in the agency but the priority for now is to look into the irregularities in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. -NB, GMA News