MANILA, Philippines — The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines welcomed yesterday ongoing efforts to crack down on corruption amid the flood control scandal.
“Corruption remains one of the most significant barriers to inclusive growth and competitiveness in the Philippines,” AmCham said in a statement. “It stifles foreign investments, hinders innovation, and slows down the creation of much-needed jobs for Filipinos.”
AmCham renewed its push for reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability, such as the passage of the Freedom of Information Act, ease of doing business reforms, easing of bank secrecy rules to promote fiscal transparency, and stronger oversight of public institutions.
“These reforms are essential to creating a business environment that is fair, predictable and conducive to sustained growth,” AmCham said.
It expressed hope that ongoing efforts by the government, business community and civil society to strengthen accountability and good governance “will translate into meaningful change.”
Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez yesterday welcomed the call of the business community and civil society groups to end corruption in government.
“I welcome and respect the strong statement made by our partners in the business community and civil society calling for an end to corruption in government,” Romualdez said in a statement.
“Their concern echoes the very principles of transparency, accountability and integrity that the House of Representatives has committed to uphold,” he added.
Romualdez maintained that Congress, which he called the House of the People, will never condone corruption, whether in public works, local governance or any other area of government service.
“Allegations of wrongdoing must be investigated thoroughly and addressed decisively. I fully support initiatives for independent scrutiny and fair prosecution to ensure that those who betray public trust are held accountable under the law,” Romualdez said.
Congressmen and senators have been linked to budget insertions and billions of pesos in flood control projects nationwide that have turned out to be substandard and ghost or non-existent.
Romualdez said the House in the 20th Congress has taken decisive steps to introduce reforms in the budget process to restore public trust and strengthen accountability.
Among these reforms are greater transparency in budget hearings and bicameral deliberations, with proceedings open to the public and livestreamed so that every Filipino can see how their taxes are allocated and scrutinized.