Ombuds creates team to protect investors

CEBU, Philippines -  The Office of the Ombudsman has created a team to address the concerns and complaints of businessmen against corrupt government officials and employees.

The Investment Ombudsman Team is tasked to assist in "attaining the national goal of inclusive growth and poverty reduction, to encourage local and foreign investments in the country and improve global competitiveness and to expedite resolution of investor issues and concerns through prompt action on investor's grievances and speedy resolution of investors' complaints."

Overall Deputy Ombudsman and Investment Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang said during Investment Ombudsman Dialogue on Friday that the Philippines is perceived to be unfriendly to investors because of corruption.

Carandang mentioned that some businessmen experienced solicitation, demand or request by government officials in exchange for the issuance of licenses, permits, and certificates. There were also reported delays in the delivery of frontline services.

Carandang has encouraged businessmen to file a complaint or sent them letter with leads to act on the matter and to conduct an entrapment operation in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation if the Investment Ombudsman Team finds it necessary.

Carandang said that businessmen can file their complaint against erring government officials, employees and agencies through text or phone call at OMB text hotline 0926-6994703, OMB Central  (+02) 926-8720, OMB Luzon (+02) 926-8794, OMB Visayas (+032) 412-5341/ (+032) 416-6134, OMB Mindanao (+082) 221-3938TF/ 0927-5496241; through email or letter at [email protected] or visit www.ombudsman.gov.ph ; and through walk-in.

Lawyer Alfred Yann Oguis, member of the Investment Ombudsman Team-Visayas, said that reporting on the Investment Ombudsman pilot implementation in the Visayas started in June 2014. Since then they have already received eight complaints and all were acted upon.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales assured businessmen and the public that the Office of the Ombudsman is their protector.

She said businessmen can file complaint before their office even if they do not wish to be identified. (FREEMAN)