At least 20 of the Philippines’ largest business, civic and professional organizations on Thursday demanded sweeping reforms to curb what they described as “shameful, unabated and excessive” corruption in public works and government projects.
In a joint manifesto, the coalition singled out the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units and the Commission on Audit, accusing officials of engaging in “systemic plunder of public funds”. The groups warned that graft in infrastructure programs amounted to “a crime against the people, especially the poor.”
“While the President has repeatedly admonished corruption in government, the guilty appear determined to continue their merry way of robbing the people,” the statement said. “They are betraying the public trust, committing a treasonous act, and simply being unpatriotic and sinful.”
The coalition also took aim at Congress, citing reports of overpriced roads and bridges, “ghost projects,” questionable budget insertions and contracts awarded to companies linked to lawmakers’ relatives. “It is time to clean the ranks of Congress,” the groups said, calling for leaders with “integrity and the courage to end corruption once and for all.”
The organizations pledged to expose officials and contractors involved in graft, blacklist businesses colluding with politicians, and gather evidence for criminal and civil cases. They also vowed to work with banks and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to trace illicit wealth, and to promote an “Integrity Pledge” barring firms from bribery.
Signatories to the manifesto included the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Management Association of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and several women’s business networks and industry groups.
“Justice for the Filipino people, especially the poor, can only be achieved by successfully punishing the corrupt,” the statement concluded. “Enough is enough.”
Business News Asia
