Philippines gains in fight vs corruption cited at United Nations confab

MANILA, Philippines - Key Philippine anti-corruption initiatives were highlighted at a United Nations conference in Russia on Thursday. 

The conference was attended by over 1,500 representatives of 160 signatory states to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), including more than 60 heads of national anti-corruption agencies and other representatives from international non-government organizations.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, head of the Philippine delegation, cited the country’s anti-corruption gains when she addressed the 6th Conference of States Parties to the UNCAC. 

Among the initiatives cited by Morales were the Integrity Management Program of 2014, Anti-Corruption Plan of 2015-2018 and the passage of legislation that strengthened the Sandiganbayan.

She said the Philippines’ gains in the battle against corruption have been recognized. 

The Philippines’ ranking among 174 countries surveyed in the Corruption Perceptions Index Transparency International has improved by 54 notches, from 139th place in 2009 to 85th place in 2014.

Though the country has made progress in fighting corruption, Morales said the Philippine government remains committed to doing even more.

“While we celebrate our gains, our optimism for the future is tempered by the problems that persist, as well as new challenges that may emerge. We cannot afford to pause and lose momentum,” she said.

In her remarks, Morales also drew the important connection between economic development and the fight against corruption. 

“The Philippines recognizes the vital role that the rule of law and accountable governance play in economic development. We are confident that the spirit of good governance and integrity which drives our community of nations will triumph over the forces of corruption that cause social inequities and economic disparities,” she told the UN gathering.