Social Action Centers sign up vs corruption

Social Action Directors of the provinces of Romblon, Dumaguete, Antique, Capiz, Aklan, Iloilo, Bacolod City, San Carlos City and Kabankalan City signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Office of the Ombudsman, signifying their involvement as anti-graft and corruption arm of the government.

The Office of the Ombudsman has mobilized the services of the dioceses to curb graft and corruption in the government.  The MOA stipulates that the social action centers as Graft Watch Groups, shall take part in the bidding processes of government offices to make sure accurate bidding procedures are observed.

These graft bodies shall also monitor the delivery of services of government offices and conduct lifestyle checks on government officials through information gathering.  The information gathered shall be forwarded to the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas.

Tanodbayan Simeon Marcelo who graced the MOA signing said that they have successful tie-ups with their diocesan action centers in Manila so they are replicating them in the provinces.

The MOA also stated that the Ombudsman will conduct trainings for volunteers, who should be professionals because skills and knowledge are important in the job.

Msgr. Meliton Oso, Iloilo People's Graftwatch President, said that he was happy with this development and hoped for more volunteers, to keep the Graft Watch Body more effective in its monitoring of cases. (PIA 6)