Key gov't execs sign covenant vs corruption

MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and top officials of all three branches of government will sign a covenant against corruption on Friday, to signify their support for the anti-graft agency’s National Anti-Corruption Program of Action (NACPA).

Those who will pledge their support for the initiative include Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

The signing of the covenant will be held at the Garden Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La Manila, Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong City and will coincide with the 2011 commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day.

Morales is scheduled to deliver a speech during the event while Assistant Ombudsman Evelyn Baliton will reveal updates on the country’s compliance with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

The NACPA-Multi-Sectoral Anti-Corruption Council (MSACC) is an initiative of the Office of the Ombudsman launched in 2006 by former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

One of the major objectives of the program is to undertake the social marketing of anti-corruption efforts for greater public support and investor confidence.

NACPA representatives include members of the executive department, the legislature, the judiciary, constitutional bodies, the local governments, the business sector, civil society, and academe.

Their anti-corruption programs and projects are integrated under the NACPA, while the MSACC serves as its advisory and consultative body.