FBI conducts anti-corruption seminar at Ombudsman

Three agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have started holding a week-long seminar at the Office of the Ombudsman for Filipino investigators representing various government agencies, aimed at further improving government’s efforts to combat corruption.

The anti-corruption training, entitled "Internal Controls," will be concluded today. FBI agents William Teater, Richard Ress and Audra JoliCoeur will be presenting certificates to investigators who attended the forum that started Monday.

"The Office of the Ombudsman, being the constitutional body at the forefront of the government’s battle against corruption, is vigorously equipping its people to detect, investigate and prosecute graft-related activities," Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo said. "With the meager budget and resources, we need all the help we can get."

The seminar, he said, is primarily aimed at building the capacity and enhancing the skills of investigators and prosecutors handling graft cases.

"The prevalence of graft and corruption in the public sector poses adverse and serious threats to national economic recovery and survival and to good governance," Marcelo explained. "To fight corruption, the Ombudsman has adopted a comprehensive and holistic approach in confronting the problem. A significant component is the continuous training of probers and prosecutors for the purpose of upgrading their skills and competence."

Among the participants are from the Departments of Justice, Defense, Finance, NBI, PNP, Commission on Audit, Civil Service Commission, Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, Anti-Graft Commission, Anti-Money Laundering Council and the office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.

"This is in line with the commitment of the Office of the Ombudsman to strengthen its partnership with other bodies in the government that are involved in anti-corruption efforts," Marcelo said.

The three FBI agents lectured Filipino investigators on the basics of corruption, investigative techniques, evidence gathering, contract and procurement fraud and identification of so-called "red flags" in government procurement.