Comprehensive anti-corruption plan launched

A comprehensive plan to curb corruption was launched yesterday by the Office of the Ombudsman, which Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez said would be the "start of a unified approach in addressing corruption."

Gutierrez unveiled the plan, called the "National Anti-Corruption Program of Action," during yesterday’s Anti-Corruption Convergence Summit at Crowne Plaza Galleria Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

"The fight against corruption needs the cooperation of all. Convergence as a strategy will bring out collective strength," Gutierrez said.

Many government agencies have initiatives against corruption and the program aims to coordinate them to work better together.

It also enlists the help of civic organizations in combating corruption.

Gutierrez added that the program is part of the Arroyo administration’s efforts to revitalize the economy.

Guillermo Luz, executive director of the Makati Business Club and chairman of the Coalition Against Corruption, challenged the Office of the Ombudsman to go after corrupt government officials and exercise its independence as an institution.

"We realize that the Office of the Ombudsman is an independent institution. We look forward that its promises be kept," he said.

Assistant Ombudsman Mark Jalandoni said there is no data at present to show how effective government agencies are in monitoring corruption, especially in the procurement of supplies — one of corruption’s main sources.

"We have not even assessed if agencies are equipped in catching procurement frauds. This needs a convergence strategy to ensure that government and its partners meet their anti-corruption targets," said Jalandoni.

At present, at least 8,000 cases of alleged corruption nationwide remain pending at the Office of the Ombudsman, Gutierrez said.