Ombudsman urges all sectors to unite vs graft, corruption
ROXAS CITY – The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has urged all sectors in Capiz to unite in the fight against graft and corruption in government.
Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol, who was in the city for the caravan of government services, said the local media, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and business sector should serve as “eyes and ears” to prevent graft and corruption in public office.
All sectors should have linkages to the Office of the Ombudsman so that cases are reported directly to their agency, he said.
Apostol said although the Ombudsman was created for some time now, it has failed to curb graft and corruption.
However, the Philippines is no longer the most corrupt country in the world.
Meanwhile, Apostol said the Ombudsman-Visayas is also promoting the “One Visayas Against Corruption,” composed of national government agencies, local government units, mayors’ leagues, and the Regional Development Council, among others.
The caravan that started yesterday was participated by about 30 government agencies.
Despite the presence of the regional offices in Western Visayas, many people could not still avail of government services thus, with this caravan, the services will be brought closer to the people, Apostol said.*
