PRESS RELEASE

08 December 2009

OMBUDSMAN JOIN HANDS WITH PROFESSIONALS IN DRIVE VS CORRUPTION

The Office of the Ombudsman has joined hands with professionals in a bid to eradicate graft and corruption in the public and private sector.

The Ombudsman, through the Multi-Sectoral Anti Corruption Council (MSACC) and members of the Philippine Association of Professional Regulatory Boards (PAPRB) will sign today (December 8) a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as part of efforts to involve the different sectors of society in the anti-graft fight.

The PAPRB is an organization that brings together under one umbrella the various regulatory boards.  It is committed to fully support the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) in its quest for professional excellence, quality service and social responsibilities. 

The MSACC, on the other hand, is a convergence of anti-corruption champions and advocates of good governance headed by the Office of the Ombudsman and composed of 30 members from various branches of the government and other sectors of society.  It serves as a “consultative and coordinating body” for the National Anti-Corruption Program of Action (NACPA) and is an effective mechanism for consultation and coordination among key anti-corruption stakeholders.

The MOU signing will be led by Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez and PAPRB President Anita S. Villarta.  

Under the agreement, the MSACC will provide capacity building for PAPRB members through the conduct of seminars, workshops or focus group discussions.  It will also extend technical and such other assistance that any member of the professional groups may request.

Members of the PAPRB, on the other hand, will commit to support the MSACC’s reform projects and activities by enlisting the active participation of its registered professionals in any anti-corruption programs and activities.  It will also assist in the investigation of erring public officials accused of amassing unexplained wealth as well as the prosecution of graft cases requiring the technical proficiency of an expert witness.##