City, Ombuds ink pact vs corruption

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas and the Cebu City Government signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) yesterday to fight corruption in the Philippines.

It was Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama who signed the MOA to campaign against corruption.

Apostol, in his speech, pointed out that people in the Philippine are not united in the fight against corruption.

“We failed in our campaign against corruption because we are not united in our efforts. Some others are not sincere in the implementation of the rules of anti-corruption,” he said.

Apostol, however, said the Multi-Sectoral Anti-Corruption Council (MSACC) was very significant in fighting the corrupt people.

The council serves as the consultative and coordinating body of the National Anti-Corruption Program of Action (NACPA). 

He said “some of us have the culture that tolerates corruption in the Philippines.”

Apostol said the “surest way to victory is to have united front against corruption.”

“One Visayas against corruption, together we can make things happen if all our efforts are geared towards one direction, nobody could be against us. ‘Yung hindi sasama, kurap!” he said.

He said all sectors in the government should do their share and everyone should initiate the fight against anti-corruption if not, the laws of anti-corruption will be nothing but paper.

Rama, for his part, said, “At first, when I entered politics I know this is a calling and let us honor our commitments,” he said.  (FREEMAN)