On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman called on government employees to set a standard of integrity and lead by example. She emphasized the importance of this day as a reminder for all Filipinos to actively participate in the fight against corruption and to uphold values of transparency and accountability.
Secretary Pangandaman highlighted that every action, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in the broader effort to achieve the nation’s Agenda for Prosperity. She stressed the significance of ethical conduct in public service as a guiding light for both colleagues and the public.
International Anti-Corruption Day, observed annually on December 9, marks the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2003. This treaty, ratified by over 180 countries including the Philippines, stands as the sole legally binding international agreement aimed at combating corruption.
Pangandaman warned that corruption severely damages democratic institutions and the rule of law, eroding public trust and hindering economic growth while fostering inequality and injustice. She urged public servants to take proactive steps within their organizations to prevent and fight corruption.
Under the leadership of the Marcos administration, the Department of Budget and Management has made significant progress in curbing corruption through digital transformation, promoting open governance, and encouraging public involvement. The recent enactment of the New Government Procurement Act, described as the nation’s most substantial anti-corruption initiative, aims to streamline procurement processes and digitize bidding and payment systems to minimize corruption opportunities.