President Benigno Aquino III used the State of the Nation Address on Monday afternoon to upbraid three government agencies for failing to meet performance targets, adding he would seek out the bad eggs in those offices.
Among the agencies that received the President’s ire was the Bureau of Immigration which allowed at least three fugitives to slip pit of the country.
He was referring to former Palawan government officials Joel and Mario Reyes, accused of having environmentalist and broadcaster Dr. Gerry Ortega killed in 2011.
Earlier this year, Korean Park Sung-jung left Manila despite being on an Immigration blacklist for being wanted in Korea. He was arrested by Korean authorities when he arrived there. Immigration personnel have been charged for escorting Park to his flight to Korea.
Bureau chief Ricardo David resigned six days ago saying he took responsibility for the controversies.
Aquino also criticized the National Irrigation Administration for only reaching 60 percent of its targets. He said the NIA seemed content to rehabilitate existing irrigation projects instead of expanding irrigation coverage.
Earlier this month, Aquino decided not to renew the appointment of NIA chief Antonio Nangel.
Also a target during the SONA was the Bureau of Customs, which, he said allowed illegal drugs, arms, and other contraband slip into the countries sea and airports. He said corrupt officials at Customs did not mind that the smuggled arms and drugs would end up hurting people.
“I wonder where they get the arrogance (to show up for work),” the President said in Filipino.
The Customs bureau is headed by administration ally Ruffy Biazon, son of Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo Biazon.
The President said underperforming personnel at those agencies have had three years to shape up and that it was time to seek them out and fire them. “Pasensiyahan na lang po tayo,” he said, which is a Filipino threat meaning there will be consequences.
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Photo: Gov.ph
