LAWMAKERS have urged the House of Representatives to fast-track the passage
of a bill creating a National Independent Commission Against Corruption whose members will come from non-political sectors with “untainted integrity.”
House Bill 2903, authored by Reps. Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan de Oro City) and Maximo Rodriguez Jr. (Party-list, Abante Mindanao), is among the many vital measures pending with the House Committee on Government Reorganization chaired by Rep. Cesar Jalosjos (3rd District, Zamboanga del Norte).
“In the Philippines, anti-graft bodies were created in an effort to curb corruption. However, these anti-graft bodies lack the real independence that an anti-corruption body requires. They just become part of the already bloated and corrupt bureaucracy,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said the bill will create an “unimpeachable anti-corruption agency with personnel that is currently selected from the civil society and is subject to strict disciplinary codes and anti-corruption check.”
“Is there a need to create another body to fight corruption? Yes, but it must have real independence and the powers to implement its mandate,” Rodriguez said. “Corruption kills and adds to global insecurity and the risks of war. Corruption increases poverty, curbs freedom, undermines human rights and distorts trade.”
Rodriguez noted that the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index showed levels of perceived corruption are high in most nations of the world.
“People can tell stories about how corruption in its worst form, notably the abuse of public office for private gain, takes a daily toll on their lives,” Rodriguez said.
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