DILG launches program to combat corruption

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday launched "Bantay-Korapsyon," which aims to intensify the Duterte administration's battle against corruption in local government units across the country.

"We are launching this Bantay-Korapsyon program as an answer to the call of President [Rodrigo] Duterte to get rid of corruption which is the root of all problems," DILG officer-in-charge Eduardo Año said at a press briefing.

"Dapat kasi walang corruption sa local government, dapat all government funds or sources are really being used toward the intended use. When local officials are elected, sabi nga natin, the positions are not trophies but a symbol of public service," Año added.

Asked how the program would work, Año pointed out that it would start with "ourselves," noting that there are plenty of ways on how to report supposed corruption activities by elected government officials.

"We have to start it within ourselves, the mechanism, doon sa participatory governance natin, ininvolve natin 'yung civil society organizations and private citizens to get involved... ang daming avenues kung saan makakarating 'yung information, 'yung ating social media, 'yung freedom of information natin," Año said.

"Ang kailangan lang talaga dito gamitin mo lahat ng instruments and facilities... Secondly ma-develop 'yung culture na it feels good if you do good, kailangan 'yun eh. This time we will make sure na ma-implement 'yung program," he added.

Año also stressed that he wants the public to be more involved in "Bantay-Korapsyon," ensuring the safety of the citizens and the confidentiality of the information that they will reveal to authorities.

"The community plays a major role in this program... kasi nga sila 'yung biktima eh. Aalisin natin sa isip ng mga tao 'yung wala ng mangyayari diyan. Sabi nga eh, iba na 'yung ano... with the latest information and technology, ang dali na ipaabot 'yung information," he said.

According to DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing, the project will also focus on DILG's attached agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

President Rodrigo Duterte has promised to halt corruption under his term. He has been dismissing erring government officials who were accused of corruption, excessive travels and abuse of power. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News