PRESS RELEASE |
21 MAY 2026
OMB STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH UNODC
QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman reaffirmed its strong partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) following a courtesy visit at the Central Office in Quezon City on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla welcomed UNODC Southeast Asia and the Pacific Anti-Corruption Team Lead Annika Wythes and UNODC Philippines National Programme Officer Atty. Kirbee Tibayan.
The meeting highlighted ongoing collaboration efforts anchored on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which the Philippines ratified in 2006.
“The strong growing partnership between the Office of the Ombudsman and the UNODC is vital in advancing anti-corruption efforts, institutional capacity building, and international cooperation,” Ombudsman Remulla said.
The Office of the Ombudsman and the UNODC has collaborated on various technical trainings, workshops, and regional engagements focused on financial investigations, digital evidence, anti-money laundering, corruption prosecution, asset recovery, and international cooperation.
The courtesy call also served as an opportunity to discuss future areas of collaboration, including advanced digital forensics training, strengthened international cooperation mechanisms, and the possible development of a unified National Anti-Corruption Framework for the Philippines.
“Through partnerships grounded on integrity, innovation, and shared commitment, the Office of the Ombudsman continues to strengthen its capability to address evolving corruption challenges and uphold public accountability,” Remulla stressed.
The Office of the Ombudsman likewise recognized the UNODC’s continued support for initiatives promoting integrity, ethics, and corruption prevention, including the annual Sikhay Laban sa Korapsyon (SiLaK) Summit in celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day and Anti-Corruption Month. #
