GMA orders all agencies to implement moral renewal program

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo ordered all Cabinet officials and agency heads to implement a moral renewal program in their respective agencies with the participation of religious and civic groups that include measures for values formation and zero tolerance for corruption.

Citing the need for “societal reforms,” Mrs. Arroyo issued Administrative Order 255 on Jan. 30 “directing the heads of the executive department to a lead moral renewal” in their agencies amidst corruption controversies affecting her administration.

“Moral renewal refers to values formation and ethical behavior for government officers and employees, as well as the strengthening of people’s values to achieve zero tolerance for corruption,” she said.

She said moral renewal includes the strict observance of all public officers of the principle of moral leadership by example, especially by Cabinet secretaries.

Arroyo said in line with the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan for 2004 to 2010, there is an urgent need for societal reforms through moral renewal and values ­formation in the executive department.

She cited Filipino values embodied in the preamble of the Constitution that must be strengthened, particularly, being maka-Diyos, which encompasses faith in the Almighty; maka-tao, which includes justice, truth, freedom, equality and peace; makabayan, which includes respect for the law, the government of the Republic of the Philippines, patriotism, promotion of the common good and building a just and humane society; and maka-kalikasan, which involves the conservation and development of the country’s patrimony.

Mrs. Arroyo directed all Cabinet officials and heads of offices to ensure that all attached agencies and bureaus adopt and implement the Integrity Development Action Plan (IDAP), which is part of the National Anti-Corruption Framework for the executive branch.

She said the department heads should also expand and strengthen the membership of the integrity committee in every department, agency, bureau and office.

Moral renewal should also include the conduct of values formation activities with the Presidential Council on Values Formation, she said.

All agencies shall submit their respective action plans for their Moral Renewal Program to the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC), with a copy furnished to the President, within 90 days upon the effectivity of the administrative order.

Agencies were also directed to allocate a portion of their maintenance, operations and overhead expenditures budget to fund values formation and anti-corruption programs.

The President said the PAGC would monitor and evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the moral renewal program to include surveys of personnel from all levels.