Politically exposed persons illegally enriching themselves

MANILA, Philippines — Experts investigating and prosecuting corruption have raised concerns about politically exposed persons or PEPs who allegedly use public funds for their own benefit.

Participants at the global Expert Group Meeting in Lima, Peru from Dec. 3 to 5 organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime were alarmed by the harassment, intimidation, physical attack and death of persons involved in the investigation and prosecution.

In the Lima statement, the experts identified conducive environments where PEPs are able to control all the branches of government, enabling them to commit graft and corruption.

The experts also addressed the difficulty in investigating and prosecuting cases and in recovering the stolen assets.

The Lima statement emphasized the need for stronger protection of those involved in investigating and prosecuting cases as well as of whistle-blowers, witnesses and investigative journalists.

“Corruption involving vast quantities of assets could not be defined on the basis of a strict monetary threshold alone but needed to take into account the country-specific context, including the economic development of the country in which the cases occurred,” the Lima statement said.

“In this regard, the experts noted that many investigations and prosecutions of PEPs could only take place after political change had occurred in the country,” the statement added.

The experts noted the need to explore mechanisms to reduce the costs of electoral campaigns as well as to regulate election financing and increase transparency and accountability for political party financing.

In the 15 years since its adoption, the Convention against Corruption has welcomed 186 state-parties. 

The Philippines became a state-party to the instrument on Nov. 8, 2006.