Philippine Interior Secretary removed hinh anh 1The Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government of the Philippines Ismael Sueno (Source: inquirer.net)

Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has fired Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government Ismael Sueno due to loss of truth and confidence.

Sueno is the most senior government official to be removed for corruption.

The decision was announced in the cabinet meeting on April 3, said spokesman of the president Ernesto Abella, stressing this is a warning for government officials.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre confirmed the dismissal of Sueno in a radio interview, without citing the reason.

Sueno is a former aid of President Duterte in his campaign for the presidency as well as the organiser of rallies in support of Duterte. However, there has been speculation as to how he acquired his large properties. At least three subordinates of Sueno reported the issue to President Duterte.

Sueno is the second secretary sacked from the cabinet, following the former Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay.

President Duterte has campaigned to fight drugs, crime and corruption since he took office 10 months ago. To date, he has fired dozens of bureaucrats and two immigration officials for corruption.-VNA

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