People's Graftwatch of Iloilo launches project

PIA Press Release 2006/01/31

People's Graftwatch of Iloilo launches project

by ES Subong

Iloilo City (31 January) -- The People's Graftwatch of Iloilo (Ombudsman's Corruption Prevention Unit), Inc. (PGII) will launch its "People's Participation in Graft and Corruption Prevention" project this February 1, 2006, at the Archbishop's Residence, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Msgr. Meliton Oso, President of PGII, said that the project is one of the grant programs of the European Commission (EC). It is a one-year project which aims to minimize graft and corruption in the province of Iloilo by training and improving the capability of the citizens and church-based organizations in corruption prevention, investigation, filing and litigation of cases as well as monitoring.

Msgr. Oso said that the project will be implemented in five pilot municipalities in the province of Iloilo, namely, Igbaras, Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan, Dumangas, and Barotac Viejo, which already have graftwatch bodies that initiate corruption prevention activities.

He also said that the Church in the Archdiocese of Jaro is so keen on graft and corruption prevention because of its priority concern for the poor, which should benefit from the efficient delivery of social services, like food, medicine, shelter and employment.

"If we cannot totally control corruption, at least, we can minimize it so that the poor in our midst will have their basic needs answered," Oso said.

Expected to be in Iloilo for the launching is Tanodbayan Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez, Ambassador Jan de Kok will lead the delegation of the European Commission and CBCP President Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.

Attending it are the officers of socio-civic religious organizations, members of the Resident Ombudsmen Association of national government agencies and others.

The launching program, other than the messages, also includes briefings on the European Commission, the People's Participation in Graft and Prevention Project, and the oath taking of the PGII Board of trustees. (PIA 6)

Cabatuan.com - Timeline 2006