Ombudsman-Visayas inks MOA with graftwatch groups in Neg. Occ.
BACOLOD CITY — The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas represented by Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol signed the Memorandum of Agreement with partners as part of its Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) here.
Acting as the graftwatch group from the religious sector, the Social Action Centers (SAC) of the different dioceses in Negros Occidental signed the MOA led by the SAC directors’ Rev. Fr. Aniceto Buenafe Jr, Rev. Fr. Rolando Nueva and Rev. Fr. Dionisio Nacario of the Diocese of Bacolod, Diocese of Kabankalan and Diocese of San Carlos respectively.
Buenafe reaffirms its service and commitment in fighting corruption while demanding transparency in government transactions and exacting accountability from government officials and civil servants.
Apostol directed his staff to propose a study on including the SACs as observers in the procurement process of the LGUs and government agencies in Negros Occidental.
Nueva calls the joining of the church in the CPU as a ministry and make the anti-corruption campaign as part of the evangelization of the church.
“In signing the MOA, we gain more enemies than friends,” Nacario of the Diocese of San Carlos expressed adding that evil progress when good men do nothing as he wanted to use CPU as a vehicle to reach out to those who are not yet aware of the anti-graft and corruption campaign of the government.
Another group from the non-government organization, the Christian Bretheren Community Development, Incorporated (CBCDI) composed mostly of ministers from various sects, educators from respected colleges and universities and socio-civic leaders who strongly believe that they can be instrument of change also signed the MOA with the Ombudsman – Visayas.
CBCDI President Dr. Joy Vingno in his message said he is optimistic that we can achieve an ideal nation through the unity of the people.
“The call for change is not just a call for the President or any of the government agencies but of the people.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Retirees and Reservist Association, Incorporated – Negros Occidental Chapter also signed the MOA with Ombudsman as a graftwatch group in the province.
Retired Col. Manuel D. Fernandez of the Philippine Army said that although they may be retired uniformed men, yet, they are not tired in helping the Office of the Ombudsman in the fight against corruption.
With the sincerity of their commitment, they are ready to face another battle- the battle against graft and corruption.
After the series of MOA signing, Apostol left a challenge to the new graftwatch groups to be the eyes and ears of the Office of the Ombudsman in the province and together make a difference in the fight against graft and corruption. (PIA/EAD)