By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to suspend and detain government officials who embezzle funds meant to support families affected by the coronavirus crisis in the country.

In a public address late Monday, Duterte warned officials against politicizing the health crisis that has affected more than 700,000 worldwide.

“‘Pag nagkamali kayo dito, hindi ko kayo palusutin. I will see to it even tomorrow, if I discover some embezzlements, some hoarding there, at dina-divert ‘yung pagkain sa mga tao na dapat hindi sa kanila, you better think,” the President.

“I am not a cruel man. Pero kung may report ang pulis, I will order your detention hanggang matapos itong Covid-19. Sabi ko huwag ngayon. Huwag na huwag kayong mandaya, mangurakot at taguin ‘yung mga pagkain at ‘yung iba hindi bigyan.

“Pero kung mamulitika ka tapos mabalitaan ko na ‘yan ang nagawa mo, I will suspend you ora mismo. And for those who are really absconding the money, I will detain you, I said; and maybe I will release you pagkatapos ng (Covid-19),” he also said.