Duterte sacks ‘poor-performing’ officials

DAVAO CITY — Heads practically rolled at the Davao City Hall as Mayor Rodrigo Duterte began sacking a number of department heads for their alleged dismal failure to carry out their tasks.

A number of officials who served under the administration of former mayor Benjamin de Guzman have tendered their resignation, but only a few have gone on leave.

"I really need to get these people out of their offices. I have to put proper order in the affairs of the city and I have started by pulling out those who have not performed well and replaced them immediately," Duterte said.

One of those sacked was city health officer Miguel Oppus who, Duterte said, has been remiss in ensuring the sanitation of the city, especially garbage collection.

"As city health officer, (he had) a hand in maintaining clean surroundings. But (he) failed to mobilize (his) people to address the health and sanitation problem which, in fact, is (his) responsibility," he said.

Also relieved were the heads of the city’s Social Services and Development Office, Disaster and Coordinating Council, Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Office of the Barangay Affairs Secretary. — Edith Regalado