Ombudsman taps high school, college students in fight vs graft

MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, hoping to harness the power of the youth, is now moving for the creation of Campus Integrity Crusaders (CIC) in secondary and college schools nationwide.

Recognizing the important role that students play in nation building and in shaping the country’s future, she said there is a need to “enhance that capacity of, partnership with, and the participation by the youth sector in promoting a culture of integrity in society.”

In a memorandum circular issued in September but took effect only this month, Morales announced that the program which gave birth to Junior Graft-watch Units (JGUs) during the time of her predecessor is being renewed and strengthened.

“The strategy of accrediting CICs aims to empower the youth in their involvement in corruption prevention initiatives by developing their leadership skills and instilling the values of integrity and social responsibility,” she explained.

She said youth crusaders are non-partisan school-based organizations recognized by a secondary or tertiary education institution and accredited by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Morales said CICs may, in team-up with the anti-graft agency, undertake activities “to cultivate the virtues of uprightness, responsibility, honesty, respect for authority, and love of country.”

Other programs may also be aimed at “instilling a sense of good citizenship and responsible leadership (and) inculcate the basic principles of human rights and civic duties.”

Further, she said CICs may also work for the promotion of the integration of corruption prevention education (CPE) teaching modules in the school curricula.

Morales said school organizations who wish to join the crusade may apply for accreditation before the different offices of the Office of the Ombudsman beginning Oct. 31, 2012.