Ombudsman presents PH Anti-Corruption Gains at UN Conference
3 November 2015, St. Petersburg, Russia – Major gains against corruption in the Philippines were highlighted at the 6th Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) attended by over 1,500 representatives of 160 signatory states and more than 60 heads of national anti-corruption agencies.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, Head of the Philippine delegation, delivered the Philippine statement. Among its highlights were the key Philippine anti-corruption initiatives which include the Integrity Management Program of 2014, the Anti-Corruption Plan of 2015-2018 and passage of legislation which strengthened the anti-corruption court, the Sandiganbayan. Their results have gained international recognition.
Citing the country's new ranking in the most recent Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of Transparency International, Ombudsman Carpio Morales said “In a span of five years, among the 174 countries surveyed, the Philippines’ ranking has improved by 54 notches, from 139th place in 2009 to 85th place in 2014.â€
However, she emphasized, “We cannot afford to pause and lose momentum. We celebrate our gains, but our optimism is tempered by the problems that persist, as well as challenges that may emerge.â€
Carpio Morales is a former Supreme Court Justice. As current Ombudsman, she is publicly credited with bringing the most number of high government officials to court for various administrative and criminal offenses involving graft and corruption.
Carpio Morales also drew the connection between economic development and the fight against corruption. “The Philippines recognizes the vital role of the rule of law and accountable governance 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.
The Philippine delegation is co-headed by Commission on Audit Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo and composed of representatives from the Office of the President, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Menardo Guevarra and the Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration Ronaldo Geron. The Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation, H.E. Carlos Sorreta, along with Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Zabedin Azis and Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Julia Bacay-Abad, were also with the Philippine Delegation.
Ending her address, Ombudsman Carpio Morales reiterated "The Philippines strongly re-affirms its commitment to uphold the principles and spirit of the Convention and expresses its readiness to embark on the second cycle of the review mechanism."
The Philippines signed the UNCAC on 09 December 2003 and ratified it on 08 November 2006.
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