MANILA – The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP) formed a coalition composed of private individuals who will assist authorities probe suspected corrupt government officials.
Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go on Wednesday said the coalition will help authorities conduct fact-finding inquiries, lifestyle checks, and other investigations.
The coalition will submit regular reports, and at the same time propose “a task force to institute systematic change to policy reforms,” he added.
“The PACC and OSAP have gathered lawyers, retired officials, religious leaders and others from the private sector who have committed their time and talents to be part of the Truth and Justice Coalition,” he said Wednesday.
To ensure the coalition’s “deputized persons”, Go said proper coordination is being done with other government agencies.
Among these are the Department of Justice to provide witness protection, the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct reliable investigation, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to ensure the subject’s full compliance to an inquiry.
Go said a reward system for those who will provide valuable information is still being explored.
“We will study how we can reward any responsible citizen who brings to our attention that someone, somewhere is stealing the people’s money,” he said.
“Fighting graft and corruption is not solely the function of the government, we welcome groups and individuals who wish to be part of this fight to cleanse our government,” he added.
Go did not provide details when the coalition was formed, but said it was initiated by him and PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica.
Go said the PACC is currently investigating and preparing a report on 50 to 80 officials allegedly involved in corruption. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA)
