MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte fired two Malacañang employees for allegedly “using their influence” and making certain statements “outside” the Office of the President.

“I even fired today, I signed, firing two people from Malacañang for using their influence,” Duterte said in an interview with Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson in Brunei, which was uploaded at dawn on Friday, October 6.

“Empleyado diyan tapos kung anu-ano ang pinagsasabi sa labas, na malakas (They’re employees then they say so many things outside, that they’re influential). I hate that,” Duterte said. 

The President did not identify the Malacañang employees he fired.

In a speech earlier on Thursday, October 5, Duterte said, “I just fired two… two employees from Malacañang for making a tool and suggesting that, you know.”

“Either you really stay clean, or you have to have clean nose here,” Duterte explained.

Citing the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said of the two dismissed employees, “As per OES, it is premature to release any names until concerned parties are properly informed.”

Duterte earlier fired Malacañang officials, such as Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno, over allegations or sometimes rumors of corruption. – Rappler.com