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BY AYIN DREAM D. APLASCA
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Friday, October 6, 2017
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ONE OF the best things that this administration has done for the country is the creation of Executive Order (EO) No. 4 or the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission. The commission is mandated “to directly assist the President in investigating and/or hearing administrative cases primarily involving graft and or corruption against all presidential appointees.”
Maybe you might wonder if this is the first time the Philippine government has done something specific and unambiguous when it comes to organizing a commission for anti-graft and corruption.
We all know that the Philippine has a long history of corruption entrenched in its various institutions. Over three decades ago, then President Ferdinand Marcos, a dictator, empowered allies and drew off government wealth. Thus, succeeding governments had since passed laws to fight against corruption.
First, we have the Administrative Code of 1987. Then President Corazon Aquino promulgated EO No. 292 or the said Code. It reiterated public accountabilities as the fundamental principle of governance.
Second, we have the Ombudsman Act of 1989. This is also known as Republic Act 1989. This Act provides functional and structural organization for the Office of the Ombudsman.
Third, we have EO No. 151 or the Presidential Commission Against Graft and Corruption. This was created under the administration of then President Fidel Ramos. The Commission was tasked to investigate appointees charged with graft and corruption and to monitor the implementation of the Moral Recovery Program.
Fourth, we have the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007. This is also known as Republic Act No. 9485. This Act aims to prevent graft and corruption in the government. This act applies to all government offices and agencies. This also applies to local government units (LGUs) and government-owned or -controlled corporations.
Lastly, we have the Republic Act No. 9160 or Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001. The Act defines the crime of money laundering. It created the Anti-Money Laundering Council. The purpose of this is to protect the Philippines against making it a money laundering place.
These are just a few of the initiatives of the government in fighting corruption. And now the President is doing it again. The issue on corruption is getting mainstreamed and very important again. This fight against corruption is very significant to be left alone to one agency or institution. I guess, the government is doing great on this.
(Atty. Ayin Dream D. Aplasca practices her profession in Iloilo City. She may be reached thru ayindream.aplasca@gmail.com/PN)
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