MANILA — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has warned mayors that keeping their own hands clean is not enough, urging them to closely police offices under their control where corruption and questionable transactions could take place.
Remulla said local chief executives must exercise tighter supervision over personnel handling permits, licenses, garbage collection, waste management and other government transactions that directly involve residents and businesses.
In his radio program, the Ombudsman stressed that mayors are responsible not only for their personal conduct but also for ensuring that offices operating under their authority are not being used for irregular activities.
He cited Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto among Metro Manila mayors whom he said had avoided involvement in questionable arrangements.
But Remulla warned that even local chief executives with clean records cannot afford to be complacent because corruption could still flourish among officials and employees working under them.
“You should be aware of people under you who are committing shenanigans,” Remulla said.
He particularly urged mayors to scrutinize transactions at offices such as the Business Processing and Licensing Office and the Office of the Building Official, which regularly deal with businesses, developers and residents seeking government permits and approvals.
Remulla also called on residents and business owners to report suspected corruption or irregularities instead of remaining silent.
He advised complainants to raise their concerns directly with their mayors while furnishing copies of their complaints to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
Complaints involving business permits and other government transactions, he said, should be formally reported so authorities can determine which agency should investigate or take appropriate action.
The Ombudsman particularly encouraged business owners who encounter difficulties, suspicious demands or questionable practices while securing permits to come forward.
Remulla has repeatedly pushed for closer scrutiny of local government transactions as part of efforts to curb corruption, strengthen accountability and improve the delivery of public services./PN
