Go launches citizen’s group to battle against corruption

Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has announced the formation of a citizen’s coalition to fight corruption as he welcomed calls of private groups and individuals to be part of the initiative.Go said the ‘Truth and Justice Coalition’ would help authorities conduct “fact-finding inquiries, lifestyle checks, and other investigations, as well as propose systemic change to policy reforms.”“We need to work together, including private individuals. Our office is always open to fight corruption. We should all work together in this endeavour,” Go said in an interview.Former Civil Service Commission and Presidential Management Staff head Ricardo Saludo earlier suggested in his column in Manila Times the creation of a Citizen Coalition for Good Governance (CCGG).Go said his office and the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) were working to have a nationwide organisation made up of representatives from key sectors to support the government’s fight against corruption.“My office and the office of PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica have been working together in apprehending corrupt officials and in submitting to the president concrete evidence that have led to the resignation and filing of cases against low, medium, and even high ranking officials,” he said.“Presently, PACC is investigating and preparing a report against 50-80 officials allegedly involved in corruption,” he added.But given the limitations, Go said that they were tapping the help of members of the private sector, including lawyers, retired officials and religious leaders in the fight against corruption. He said they would also work with the Department of Justice on “witness protection,” with the National Bureau of Investigation and with the Bureau of Internal Revenue.Go said an Informant Reward System was also being explored in order to give incentives to citizens who would come forward and present proof against those who are “stealing the people’s money.”“Having a citizen’s initiative such as a coalition for good governance is a good step towards the right direction,” he said.