December 9 is Anti-Corruption Day

MANILA, Nov 29 (PIA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III by virtue of Proclamation No. 506, has declared every December 9 as National Anti-Corruption Day to raise public awareness on issues of corruption.

This is also in line with the General Assembly of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNAC) which designed Dec. 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day.

The Philippines is a signatory to the UNAC.

In his statement, President Aquino said that corruption poses serious problems and threats to the stability and security of societies, underminingg the institutions and values of democracy, ethical values and justice, and jeopardizing sustainable development and the rule of law.

In Western Visayas, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Civil Service Commission, in partnership with the Regional Association of Government Executives (RANGE) and the Association of Resident Ombudsmen (ARO) will hold a simultaneous Integrity Parade on Dec. 9, which will be participated in by all anti-corruption partners and crusaders from both the public and the private sectors in Iloilo City.

The Integrity parade will likewise also be conducted in the cities of Cebu and Tacloban.

In Iloilo City, the Integrity parade will start at 6:30 a.m. from two assembly areas – the Explanade River Park and Jaro Plaza, going to the Iloilo Sports Complex.

A short program will follow, with messages from Governor Arthur Defensor Sr, Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio S. Apostol, responses from Ombusdman Partners, ceremonial lighting of candles and releasing of Doves.

Certificates will also be awarded to Ombudsman partners for the successful entrapment operation under the “Huli ka Operation” project.(pnd/jcm/pia6)