MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III admitted on Friday that corruption still exists in public offices despite his efforts to improve good governance and transparency.
During a forum with semiconductor and electronics industry leaders, Aquino was asked about the administration's measures against corruption and red tape in government.
Aquino cited the performance-based bonus system and the proposed salary increase in the public sector that seek to discourage government employees from being inefficient and from committing wrongdoings.
"We admit that there are still instances of corruption. There are some agencies that have so much rooted corruption in them," Aquino said.
"But, I guess, the challenge is for us to continue weeding out these people and not just tolerating the situation," he added.
Aquino assured that the administration's anti-corruption campaign will not spare anyone including his allies.
"If you read today’s papers, you will see that even our allies are being made to account by the Ombudsman under the various courts. That, hopefully, will send a message to everybody that corruption really is not tolerated," he said.
The president asked the private sector to help the government in fighting corruption.
"The red tape, anything made by man can be undone by man," he said. "Suggestions are very much welcome as to how to further improve the system."