Corruption still an election issue — Tagle, Goldberg

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang yesterday welcomed statements from US Ambassador Philip Goldberg and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle that corruption is still an election issue and that the people must elect only leaders with integrity.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Goldberg was in a position to voice such observation as he has seen the benefits of choosing a leader like President Aquino “who leads by example.”

“He has seen that good governance translates to good economics,” Lacierda said.

On Tagle’s statement, the presidential spokesman said the prelate “regards corruption as a moral issue and urges voters to use their stand against corruption as a yardstick for voting.”

“We fully agree with the constructs of the two gentlemen as this government has subscribed to anti-corruption since the start. Hence, like the two, we urge our voters to choose the next leaders on the basis of proven integrity, among others,” Lacierda added.

Goldberg cited in a press conference the importance of continuing the reforms started by Aquino, noting that one of the “very important” improvements in the country was the fight against corruption.

“Clearly I agree with my friend Cardinal Tagle who has said that corruption is a very important issue. We’ve seen progress over the last few years on that, too,” Goldberg said.

In his message during the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu last week, Tagle criticized corrupt politicians and said they were part of the “throwaway culture” condemned by Pope Francis.

For his part, Presidential Communications Operations Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.  said the government was vigorously pursuing the fight against corruption to strengthen good governance as well as its straight path advocacy.

Last week, Coloma said the administration’s battlecry that there are no poor where there are no corrupt is being taken seriously despite challenges.

He said reforms have taken root, contrary to an international survey showing perception on the Philippines has worsened due to persistent corruption.