PCCI urges gov't: End corruption, recover stolen funds

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country's largest umbrella organization representing small and medium enterprises, on Tuesday called on the government to end corruption in public projects, ensure that stolen funds are recovered, and those involved are penalized.

The resolution was issued at the conclusion of the two-day 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo in Pasay City.

In its resolution, the PCCI urged the government to "put an end to unabated, continuing, and excessive corruption in government projects and transactions."

The business group said ending corruption can be done "by instituting strict monitoring, transparency, and accountability mechanisms across all levels of governance."

Moreover, the PCCI called on the government to ensure that public officials and private partners involved in collusion are investigated, prosecuted, and penalized to the fullest extent of the law.

The group also sought for the recovery of stolen public funds and redirect these "toward programs that genuinely serve the Filipino people, especially the poor."

The organization further outlined the following recommendations:

• Establish stricter monitoring, auditing, and reporting mechanisms in all government projects to ensure full transparency and integrity
• Institutionalize open governance systems and publishing data on project implementation, procurement, and fund utilization for public access
• Enforce accountability and sanctions on public officials and private entities involved in corruption and collusion
• Create multi-sectoral oversight bodies with private sector participation to strengthen governance and integrity in public projects

The PCCI issued the resolution amid ongoing probes into the alleged anomalies in flood control projects involving public officials, lawmakers, and private contractors.

The group also called on the government to invest in, regulate, and swiftly adapt to artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and emerging digital technologies to enhance efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness in public service delivery, while fostering innovation, data sovereignty, and global competitiveness across both public and private sectors. — VDV, GMA Integrated News