President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated on Wednesday that maintaining integrity and transparency within the bureaucracy will always be one of the utmost priorities of the government.
The Chief Executive issued this remark during the third anniversary celebration of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).
In his recorded video message, President Duterte hailed the agency’s contribution to the administration’s drive against corruption.
“I am pleased that since its creation three years ago, the commission has contributed to this administration’s goal of promoting accountability and fighting graft and corruption in the government,” he lauded.
“May this occasion renew our commitment and remind all of us that above our own personal interest, our utmost priority is to uphold integrity, transparency within the bureaucracy,” he added.
In a separate statement, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea also highlighted the PACC’s efforts amid the prevailing health crisis.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the PACC served as a conduit for people’s grievances so that their request may be processed by corresponding government agencies,” Secretary Medialdea stated.
“In coordination with various government agencies, the PACC assisted fellow citizens in their request for benefits under the Social Amelioration Program and assistance for those afflicted by COVID-19,” he concluded.
The PACC is an agency created under the Office of the President through Executive Order No. 43 issued by the President in 2017. It is mandated to ensure accountability of public officials and to take measures against cases of graft and corruption in the public sector. – Mela Lesmoras