Duterte hits anew corruption in DPWH, but clears “rich” Villar

October 20, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte has cleared Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar of any corruption in the agency, saying he has lots of money already.

But Duterte reiterated that "most of the project engineers" at the Department of Public Works and Highways are corrupt.

"Villar is rich. Secretary Villar has lots of money. He does not need to be corrupt. The problem is with those at the lower level. (Corruption) is still strong up to now," he said.

Villar is the son of business tycoon former Senator Manuel Villar and Senator Cynthia Villar.

Last week, Duterte slammed the alleged rampant corruption in DPWH.

"I do not forgive cases of corruption. None. No settlement...no quarters given, no quarters asked. Like in drugs, I don't give any favor (to those involved in corruption)," the President said.

Thousands have already been killed in Duterte's all-out war against illegal drugs. Celerina Monte/DMS