The war against corruption is far from over, President Marcos said, stressing the government must shift from merely enforcing laws to promoting integrity.

During the 5th State Conference on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation and Review, Marcos said that after a decade of institutionalizing the Integrity Management Program (IMP) which provides a clear anti-corruption framework, "several challenges persist and prove to be unexpectedly complex."

"Gaps in implementation, evolving political climates, and systemic vulnerabilities remind us that the war against corruption is far from over," he said in his speech at the conference on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

"We must shift away from merely enforcing compliance with laws, rules and regulations, to steering our people towards the practice of integrity in their daily lives," he added, stressing that integrity needs to be reinforced and sustained.

In order to build a government founded on integrity and accountability, the President said they must adopt comprehensive and interconnected strategies.

He further said the government is employing a two-pronged approach in response to its obligations to the conference—digitalization and people participation.

Streamlining and digitalizing government processes will minimize the avenues of corruption as government transactions become more transparent and accessible to the public, he added.

The said initiative is being undertaken through the New Government Procurement Act, which establishes standardized electronic bidding and payment systems through the enhanced Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System.

Marcos also emphasized empowering the people to participate in good governance through the electronic Freedom of Information platform.

In his speech, the Chief Executive also reiterated the Philippines’ position to collaborate with the United Nations in fighting corruption.

With the provisions of the UNCAC, we continue to collaborate on the international front, emphasizing the importance of global partnerships in combating corruption,” Marcos said.

“By learning from and working with other nations, we strengthen our anti-corruption mechanisms while reaffirming our place as a proactive member of the global community,” he added.

The UNCAC is an international anti-corruption treaty ratified, accepted, approved, and acceded to by 180 countries.

It aims to promote and strengthen State Parties’ measures to prevent and combat corruption more effectively and efficiently; to facilitate and support international cooperation and technical assistance in preventing and fighting corruption, including asset recovery; and to promote integrity, accountability, and proper management of public affairs and properties.

The 5th State Conference on the UNCAC Implementation and Review aims to provide updates on the Philippines’ anti-corruption measures, and to present a new IMP blueprint for the country.