Morales gives fight vs graft a theme song

MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has given the fight against graft and corruption in government a very encouraging theme song to the tune of “Pinoy Ako,” the 2005 hit song of the group Orange and Lemons.

In a rare display of her lighter side and her taste in music, she reminded ranking officials of government and representatives from the private sector during an event at the Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong last Friday night of the very popular tune which made Filipinos sing and dance with pride.

“Talagang ganyan ang buhay, dapat ka nang masanay. Wala ring mangyayari, kung laging nakikibagay (Life is such that you should get used to it. Nothing will happen if you always conform),” Morales said, recalling the lyrics with her audience headed by no less than Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.

“Ipakilala ang iyong sarili, ano man sa iyo ay mangyayari. Ang lagi mong iisipin, kayang kayang gawin (Whatever happens, show your true side. Always remember that you can do anything),” she added, believing that the fight against graft and corruption should be carried out with the same pride.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Supreme Court administrator Midas Marquez, and Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Francisco Villaruz were present during the activity for the signing of a covenant against corruption.

With Morales leading the way, key officials of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches of government pledged their support for the National Anti-Corruption Program of Action (NACPA) in celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day.

Hoping to encourage all Filipinos and all sectors to join the battle by taking a united stand towards a common goal, the former Supreme Court magistrate tasked by President Aquino to spearhead the government’s efforts to wage war against corruption also reminded her audience of how the country proudly won the most number of gold medals during the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, the same year that the song Pinoy Ako became very popular.

“I am reminded of one of the seven indisputable laws of teamwork articulated by John Maxwell,” she said, referring to the Law of Mount Everest which states that “as the challenge escalates, the need for teamwork elevates.”

Meanwhile, in a short message after the signing of the covenant, Ochoa said the President has exercised a lot of political will in addressing the issue of corruption and his actions speak louder than words.

Belmonte, for his part, said he “willingly, knowingly, and proudly” affixed his signature to the agreement to fight corruption as head of the House of Representatives.

Under the covenant, the parties committed to “come together and join hands in supporting an anti-corruption convergence process that will promote wide, continuing, and effective participatory consultations among the various stakeholders against corruption and align all anti-corruption initiatives undertaken by government, civil society, and the private sector under a unified comprehensive strategic framework.”