Zero tolerance for corruption

I write to express concern about the story “A project in deep trouble” by Mary Ann Ll. Reyes published in the 20 April 2011 edition of The Philippine STAR.

The Australia-Philippines Provincial Roads Management Facility (PRMF) is not a project in deep trouble. PRMF is not micro-managing provincial business. In contrast, PRMF enjoys a strong partnership with each of its seven provincial partners and is highly regarded by the Governors and provincial staff concerned. Indeed, such is the program’s positive reputation that a number of other provinces have expressed strong interest in becoming part of PRMF if it is expanded.

PRMF is being managed professionally and I am concerned about Ms. Reyes’ implication that the management has been associated with corrupt practices.

The Australian government has zero tolerance for corruption. If Ms. Reyes and her source are able to provide evidence of past corruption by any of our staff or contractors we will take immediate and appropriate action. All staff associated with the Australian Government aid program are subject to rigorous background checks.

I would like to invite Ms. Reyes or any PhilSTAR journalist to visit one of our partner provinces to view the PRMF program first hand. PRMF is an innovative approach that uses road rehabilitation to incentivise each province to improve governance practices that will enable the more efficient, effective and transparent delivery of basic services, including road maintenance, to Filipinos.

Australia is one of the largest and longest-standing development cooperation partners of the Philippines and is committed to delivering a high quality, transparent and accountable program of bilateral assistance.