Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol visits Biliran Province

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DEPUTY Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol urged its partners BAGGAT-CPC to be brave and unite in order to be strong in the fight against graft and corruption in Biliran province.
Apostol was here in Biliran for a two-day Caravan of Government Services in the province. “While we discourage corruption, we would like the local government officials to know that we are also helping them in their endeavors of good governance,” Apostol, who traces his roots from Bugasong, Antique, said.


He said that unity among several sectors including the media and local government officials is the primary key in solving corruption in the country today.“Currently, we have no national picture of our endeavors in our fight against corruption. We hope that the BAGGAT-CPC team will be able to draw the picture of our anti-corruption drive,” he added, during the pre-conference held at Marvyn’s.

During the conference held at NIT Gym, June 2, 2009, BAGGAT-CPC signed a pledge of commitment to help the Office of the Ombudsman in the fight against corruption and to help government agencies institutionalize reforms in their respected areas of jurisdiction.

Attending during the Good governance conference were representatives from the Social Action, diocese of Naval lead by Fr. Bing Colasito; Msgr. Filomeno G. Bactol, Bishop of Naval; Congressman Glenn Chong,; Governor Roger Espina and local officials from different municipalities. The conference were also participated by various local communities active in church activities and group of students especially the scholars of Doc Roger Espina.


During the pre-conference, Apostol lauded the active role of the Social Action in the monitoring of government procurement activities in Biliran and assured SAC group that the Ombudsman would now be more aggressive in responding to cases filed with their office.
“We organized this caravan for us to be viewed as an institution that helps in the delivery of government services. Apostol, said.
As such, Ombudsman officials, graft investigators and 'civil-society' partners came in full force. Yesterday's celebration was highlighted by yet more assurances of continued 'graftbusting' action here. In fact, Rep. Glenn Chong promised to submit records of his PDAF to the team of BAGGAT-CPC to ensure honesty for the services rendered.

I want a marked improvement on the anti-corruption campaign during my term of office....something that can be felt and seen by the people and the community. Good name and good services are the only legacy I can give to my children." Apostol said in his message.
He also acknowledged the big crowd supporters of Gov. Roger Espina, “ Gov. Espina, marami ka palang supporters dito” he said in a jokingly fashion.

This year's Ombudsman theme is "Enduring the fight against corruption, amidst the national crisis." He added, “The anti-graft body is partners and protectors of the people. If we will stop, who will do it?,"

Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol believes that for the government’s anti-corruption campaign to succeed needs the involvement and vigilance of the community.

Now, the people of Biliran are hopeful that graft and corruption will be minimized and corrupt government officials will be punished as soon as possible.