MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has reiterated its no corruption policy following the arrest of a city hall employee for allegedly asking bribes in exchange for processing permits and documents.
“The Quezon City government strongly condemns any form of corruption, bribery or extortion, especially if it directly or indirectly involves anyone connected with the city government,” city hall said in a statement yesterday.
“Such an action is unacceptable, go against the values of integrity and public service and will never be tolerated,” the city government added.
The warning came after the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) arrested the city hall employee, identified only as Maria, during a sting on Wednesday.
Maria was apprehended after receiving money from a businesswoman inside a fastfood restaurant along Matalino Street in Barangay Central.
Col. Randy Glenn Silvio, QCPD officer-in-charge, said the businesswoman sought police assistance after Maria allegedly warned of the closure of her business due to an expired certificate of exemption to operate.
Maria allegedly demanded P847,982 in exchange for the renewal of her business permit.
According to the city government, it is cooperating with the QCPD and other authorities to ensure that the case is pursued to the fullest extent of the law.
It is also conducting an internal investigation to determine if the suspect is in cahoots with other city hall personnel.
“The Quezon City government remains committed to providing fast, honest and transparent service,” the local government said. “There is no need to engage with fixers or middlemen, as our processes and permit applications are already 100 percent online.”
The city urged residents and business owners to report any suspicious or illegal activities in the processing of permits or documents through the city’s Helpline 122 or through its official website https://quezoncity.gov.ph.
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