One Visayas Against Corruption

by MEGS S. LUNN

Some 200 Regional Executives and Resident Ombudsmen attended the 11th Visayas Convention of Regional Executives and Resident Ombudsmen held on August 17-19, 2011 at Sampaguita Gardens Resort and Spa, New Washington, Aklan.

The convention aimed to enhance integrity of government leaders, the need for transparency, constancy or uncompromised honesty, and change management to fight corruption and promote transparency and accountability.

Director Evelyn Trumpeta discussed the DILG four Thrusts during her welcome remarks which are Performance, Accountability, Responsiveness and Transparency (PART). She stressed "everybody wishes to change humanity but hardly anyone change themselves."

Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez and New Washington Mayor Edgar Peralta also welcomed the 200 Regional Executives and Resident Ombudsmen from Regions 6, 7, and 8, and some guests from Mindanao as well.

In his speech, Deputy Ombudsman for Visayas Pelagio S. Apostol said, "government leaders should stand by its integrity and most importantly to work to prevent graft and corruption before it can actually happen." Hon. Apostol wishes to see all agencies and departments in the government to clean their own backyard and help the Office of the Ombudsman prosecute the culprit. "Once we have the evidence and witnesses and they are proven they violated the laws, we will not compromise," Apostol assured.

The topics and speakers discussed were: Day 1 – Violence against Women and Children Act of 2004 by Supt. Cecile R. Detablan of PNP Region Office VI; Integrity and Transparency by Judge Dolores L. Espanol, President – Transparency International. Day 2 – Forensic Compliance Audit by Hon. Alberto Bernardo, Deputy Exec. Secretary, Office of the President; Toward Spirituality of Whistle Blowing by Rev. Fr. Albert E. Alejo, SJ, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Team Leader, Ehem-Anti Corruption Group.

Day 3 was the Fellowship and Awards Night to Resident Ombudsman who served their office/department from 10, 15 and 20 years. The award program was led by Hon. Pelagio S. Apostol, Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas. Dr. Belle Quijano and Dir. Romulo Bernardes of Ombudsman Cebu served as deans of ceremonies.

The Ombudsman function is an international commitment with the UN Convention and it is their mandate to have a wider public participation, plus the private sector, business sector, NGO, civil society, a strong and independent media, members of the academe, and youth organizations to join together to succeed in the fight against corruption to totally eradicate.

Apostol said, "the government just lacks implementation because we are not united and sincere. We have a culture of tolerating corruption but we will succeed for the sake of our children and our children’s future".

The delegates ended their convention with the lighting of the candles to renew their commitment to "One Visayas Against Corruption." /MP