Comm. Belgica Shares Anti-Corruption Fight to LU SP
By: Sangguniang Panlalawigan | Photo By: Sangguniang Panlalawigan | Date: October 21, 2020
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of La Union, through the Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety headed by its chairperson Board Member Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V, held a consultation meeting on the topic, “Lowering Corruption: A Transformative Factor for Peace” on October 21, 2020.
The topic was thoroughly discussed by a long-time anti-corruption ally of the province, Commissioner Greco B. Belgica of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC). Commissioner Belgica gave an in-depth presentation of the Economic Cost and Effect of Corruption and the way forward ahead for the Philippines in the fight against corruption. He highlighted two ways to eradicate corruption: remove corrupt government officials and simplify complex government system.
Discussed in the consultation was how PACC handles complaints against corrupt officials and/or anomalies in agencies, and if the evidence is sufficient, same office also handles the actual arrest. To date, the PACC has axed 20 government officials, three of which were successfully decided in favor of the Commission.
Comm. Belgica concluded his presentation by saying, “In order to achieve a corrupt free government, we will need a strong and effective justice system, amendment of outdated anti-corruption laws, a system to manage flow using technology, and the reinstatement of death penalty for heinous crimes and classifying corruption as such, and most importantly, a strong executive leader that supports anti-corruption work.”
Comm. Belgica reiterated President Rodrigo ROA Duterte and his administration’s commitment to eliminate corruption for the betterment of the quality of life of the Filipinos. In return, the province of La Union headed by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” Ortega III, through the SP, Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety affirmed the province’s utmost support toward the attainment of a corrupt-free society.
