New law declares December Anti-Corruption Month

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno S. Aquino III recently signed a new law that declares December of every year as "Anti-Corruption Month" in the country, a move to create awareness among the Filipinos on the adverse effects of corruption, a senior official said here today.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the regular press briefing in Presidential Palace Malacanang on Friday that the Chief Executive signed on May 27 the Republic Act No. 10589 entitled "An Act Declaring December of every year as 'Anti- Corruption Month' in the entire country."

The Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3376 and House Bill No. 3005, was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on February 4, 2013 and February 5, 2013 respectively.

President Aquino mandated all heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations as well as local government units and employers in the private sector, to conduct activities designed to create awareness among the people on the adverse effects of corruption, Valte said.

Aquino has designated the Office of the Ombudsman as the lead agency for coordination purposes in the process, she added.

The Act shall take effect fifteen days following its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.