Thirty business groups in the Philippines, including some of the country’s biggest and most influential, are calling for an independent and thorough investigation into the widespread corruption in government-funded flood projects, saying that it should end in the prosecution and jail time for corrupt officials, not only in the Department of Public Works and Highways, but even in Congress, and the recovery of the stolen funds.
They also called on erring government officials to “moderate your greed.”
“While we take note of the President admonishing the corrupt in government, we are concerned that the guilty among these officials will continue their merry way of robbing people and filling their pockets, completely oblivious to the fact that they are betraying the public trust, committing a treasonous act against our people, and simply being unpatriotic and sinful,” they said.
The groups outlined six action plans, including helping identify those who have been guilty in the conspiracy to steal from the public and supporting the campaigns against corruption and other malgovernance practices.
They also pledged to collect evidence of corruption against government officials and their partners in crime in the private sector to aid in the filing of appropriate criminal and civil cases.
They also vowed to blacklist notorious businessmen and contractors who conspire with corrupt politicians and officials, lead the individual signing of an “integrity pledge” not to bribe any government official or politician in exchange for project approvals or favors.
The group also encouraged the financial sector, particularly banks and the Anti-Money Laundering Council, to expose money launderers and their unexplained wealth.
The outcry for the government to comprehensively address corruption is growing, coming from all sectors of society. Will action finally be taken, and those found accountable brought to justice, regardless of who they are and what position they may occupy?
Only time will tell.*
