The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched an all-out war against corruption by forming Anti-Corruption Committees (ACCs) at the Central and Field Offices.
The virtual launch of the ACCs was held on Nov. 19 “in an effort to weed out corruption within the institution” and as expression of the agency’s support to “Project Kasangga: Aksyon Laban sa Korapsiyon” of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).
At the sidelines of the launch, DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista led the officials of the DSWD and all the members of the ACC in signing the Anti-Corruption Manifesto and in taking an Oath of Honesty.
“The ACC members took an oath to be free from corrupt activities, champion the fight against corruption in their respective offices, cooperate with the government in the anti-corruption campaign, and remain true to the Constitution on good governance,” the DSWD said in a statement.
Bautista said the DSWD’s support to PACC’s Project Kasangga affirmed their adherence to transparent public service, code of ethics, and corruption-free practices.
He recalled that early this year, the employees of the DSWD signified their commitment to the campaign by signing the PACC’s Anti-Corruption Manifesto.
“The strengthening and reconstitution of the anti-corruption committees is part of our effort to institutionalize corruption-free policy-making and program implementation within the Department. Through these committees, we will be able to continue to monitor any wayward action and prevent any attempt to engage in corrupt activities,” the DSWD chief said in his message.
He reminded all ACC members that as vanguards against corruption, they should continue upholding the highest level of work ethics.
“We all have a role to play to stop this social ill (corruption). Let us fulfill it to the best of our ability. In so doing, beyond our term in the Department, beyond our time to serve, we aspire to leave a lasting legacy which will serve as a model for the next generations to come,” Bautista said.
PACC Executive Director Fortunato Guerrero, Commissioner Yvette Contacto; and PACC Directors Amylex Ricaza and Jemmellee Villanueva witnessed the launching and the signing of the manifesto and oath of honesty.
PACC Director of the Investigation Service Irene Chiu welcomed the DSWD’s creation of the ACCs.
She noted that since most of the time, corrupt practices do not have ready evidence, whistleblowers have a crucial role in reporting cases of corruption for an investigation.
“We welcome the advent of Project Kasangga and the creation of the Department’s Anti-Corruption Committees. Your committees will be our partner/our ”kasangga” in the investigation of incidents of corruption,” Chiu said.
"We believe that DSWD’s ACC will be able to prevent corruption and we are confident that with the stellar performance and impeccable record as the chief manager of DSWD, Secretary Bautista will be able to promote anti-corruption policies in the office.”