At least 20 of the Philippines’ largest business, civic and professional groups have demanded sweeping reforms to end what they described as “shameful, unabated” corruption in public works, targeting Congress, local governments and government agencies.
In a joint manifesto released on Thursday, the coalition condemned alleged systematic plunder of state funds through overpriced contracts, “ghost” infrastructure projects and budget insertions, particularly within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units and the Commission on Audit.
“Corruption in infrastructure projects is a crime against the people, especially the poor who continue to live in dire poverty,” the groups said, adding that officials who ignore repeated presidential calls to curb graft were “betraying the public trust.”
The groups singled out Congress for what they described as entrenched practices of channeling projects to relatives’ firms and manipulating budget allocations. “It is time to clean the ranks of Congress. The nation deserves new leadership,” the statement said.
The coalition pledged to identify and expose officials involved in corruption, file legal cases, blacklist colluding contractors, and work with regulators and banks to trace illicit wealth. They also vowed to strengthen voter education and promote an “Integrity Pledge” among businesses to reject bribery.
Signatories to the manifesto include the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Management Association of the Philippines, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Cebu Business Club, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, FinTech Alliance, and several women’s business and professional networks.
“Justice for the Filipino people can only be achieved by successfully punishing the corrupt,” the groups said. “Enough is enough. The time has come to end corruption in public works and usher in leaders who serve with integrity and compassion.”
BusinessNews.ph
