‘Zero corruption’ is tough but worthy goal

How do you stop corruption? With the cooperation of all government agencies and ordinary citizens.

“Zero corruption; a hundred percent development,” was the battle cry of Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol at yesterday’s rally marking the 2013 International Anti-Corruption Day at the parade grounds of Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City.

Veteran broadcaster Leo Lastimosa, one of the speakers, suggested reviving the Ombudsman’s text message campaign where citizens can directly report anomalies.

In the aftermath of two calamities, Lastimosa said the media will help ensure that relief goods will reach their recipients.

“These relief goods should reach even the farthest corners affected by the calamities. We will become the eyes and ears (of the public) so that these relief goods will reach those who need them,” said Lastimosa, station manager of radio dyAB and anchor of TV Patrol Central Visayas.

Around 500 people gathered yesterday, mostly government employees, college students, and military personnel of the Visayas Central Command.

In his message, Apostol said that while zero corruption is difficult to achieve, everyone has to be optimistic and strive for it.

“We have to aim high. I want to express my gratitude for our anti-corruption partners. Our campaign against corruption could not be done without convergence of efforts. We need you,” he said.

“Corruption reduces economic development and causes disturbance of peace and order. It causes extreme poverty which degrades a person’s dignity as well as his or her basic fundamental rights ,” he said.

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, another guest, assured that the provincial government under the Davide administration will “fight corruption in all levels—from the roots to its fruit.”

“We promised to be transparent and accountable at all times in our official dealings and transactions because we do adhere, very seriously, to the basic principle that public office is a public trust,” she said.

Public support is especially important.

“The governor and I believe that good governance is consultative and participative. The people must be heard as to what they truly need and what they really want us to do. We feel that the people should be part of the solution to all the problems that beset government service, including corruption,” Magpale said.

In a separate TV interview, Lito Maderazo, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said progress has been made.

“(Corruption) is still there but the situation is improving,” he said. “ The cooperation between government and the private sector to fight it is much better.”

Other guests were Dr. Amelia Biglete, director of the Commission on Higher Education in Central Visayas; Major Gen. John Bonafos, the new Central Command chief. /Ador Vincent S. Mayol, Reporter