Duterte fires minister after corruption row

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday he had fired his interior secretary for corruption as signs of infighting rocked his government.

“It’s corruption,” Duterte said about the sacking of Ismael Sueno, who supervised the president’s war on drugs that has left thousands dead.

Sueno, who was fired at a cabinet meeting late Monday, was blamed for what Duterte described as the anomalous purchase by the interior department of fire trucks from a foreign country.

“I do not have to belabor the point. Just remember my promises to the people: no corruption, drugs, criminality,” Duterte said.

“I respect the president’s decision but I am not corrupt,” Sueno, 69, said in a statement.

Sueno said he was not involved in the fire truck deal as it was approved by Duterte’s predecessor. He also said his conscience was clear and he was willing to face any investigation.

Asked if Sueno might face charges, Duterte’s spokesman Ernesto Abella told reporters: “Let us wait for the president to take his subsequent actions.”

“The summary dismissal served as a warning that Mr Duterte would not countenance any questionable or legally untenable decisions by any member of the cabinet,” Abella added.

Last month Perfecto Yasay was forced to quit as foreign minister after Congress ruled that he lied to them over his US citizenship.

Abella said the loss of another cabinet member was not a sign of trouble but proof that Duterte was serious about restoring trust in government.

Duterte said he would scout for a replacement for Sueno.