Palace: Next president must be as committed as PNoy in fighting corruption   

President Benigno Aquino III’s successor should be as committed as him in eradicating corruption in government, a spokesperson for Malacañang said Monday.

“The fight against corruption needs a leadership that is committed to live by example. Hence, under President Aquino, we have filed cases against several public officials, regardless of their status in government,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

“Hence, there is a decisive need to further Daang Matuwid and to lead by example after the term of President Aquino is over. In the same way that we need committed officials to continue the commitment of combatting corruption in their respective offices,” he added.

Lacierda said this in response to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales’ statement that a “super” number of corrupt public officials can still be found in government.

A newspaper report said a total of 1,092 cases alleging corrupt practices of local officials were filed last year. Another 600 more were lodged against police officers.

The same report said Ombudsman Morales also appealed to the electorate to vote for candidates “with integrity.”

Tirade against VP Binay

Lacierda further said that Ombudsman Morales' statement clearly eliminates Vice President Jejomar Binay as "someone who will not stand up to the bar of integrity."

"The statement of Ombudsman Morales clearly points out to the elimination of VP Binay as someone who will not stand up to the bar of integrity, based on his numerous refusal to explain the allegations of corruption against him," said Lacierda.

Binay, who is running for president under the opposition party United Nationalist Alliance, is facing graft and plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman over allegations of corruption during his term as mayor of Makati City. 

He has since dismissed the allegations against him as part of an effort to diminish his chances in this year's presidential elections.

In a separate statement, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Morales' comment "reflects the enormity of the challenge faced by government in dealing with deeply embedded corruption in the bureaucracy."

"We share our people’s heightened trust and confidence in the integrity of the Ombudsman and applaud the continuing efforts exerted by her Office to enforce accountability among public officials," Coloma said.

Corruption index

Last week, it was reported that the Philippines slipped 10 notches to 95th in the Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index for 2015.

On a score of 0 to 100, with 100 being "the cleanest," the Philippines was given a score of 35, losing three points from the corruption index in 2014.

The drop breaks the streak of improvement for the country in the CPI. The country's rating in the index has steadily improved since President Benigno Aquino IIItook office in 2010. — RSJ, GMA News