28 November 2003 – The Philippines will sign the United Nations Convention against Corruption during the High-level Political Signing Conference to be held in Merida, Mexico, from 9 to 11 December 2003, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople.

“This is a global agreement that reflects our own values and which embodies our aspirations.  Like other countries, we are concerned about the seriousness of the problems and threats graft and corruption pose to the stability and security of societies, and how they undermine the institutions and values of democracy, ethical values and jus tice,” the Secretary said, adding that “the Philippines will sign this agreement and move decisively for its ratification.”

“A delegation led by Justice Secretary Simeon Datumanong and Senator Edgardo Angara will be in Mexico for the High-level Political Signing Conference.  Secretary Datumanong has been vested with full powers to sign this important and historic treaty, signifying the intent of the Philippines to be bound by the letter and the spirit of this treaty,” Secretary Ople said.

Secretary Ople said that one of the major contributions of the Philippines to this treaty was the provision that enjoined governments to return stolen assets to the countries that owned them. “We continue to move with singular determination, to exhaust all means of international cooperation to fight crime.  This new treaty, together with the other conventions on crime, including the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, which entered into force a month ago, form a strict regime of international law that delivers
a serious blow to crime and corruption,” the Secretary added.

The Secretary said that the Philippines also welcomes the decision of the United Nations to raise awareness of corruption and of the new Convention’s role in combating and preventing it by declaring 9 December as  international Anti-Corruption Day.

“We are determined to more effectively prevent, detect and deter international transfer of illicitly acquired assets and strengthen international cooperation in assets recovery, and in that context, I would like to urge all States and competent regional economic integration organizations to sign and ratify this accord as soon as possible to ensure its rapid entry into force,” the Secretary said.

The members of the Philippine delegation to the Conference are Justice Secretary Simeon Datumanong, Senator Edgardo Angara, Philippine Ambassador to Vienna Victor Garcia III, Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Justo Orros, Overall Deputy Ombudsman Margarito Gervacio, Presidential Anti-Graft Commission Chairman Dario Rama, Presidential Commission on Good Government Commissioner Ruben Carranza,
Justice Assistant Secretary Ricardo Paras, Justice Oscar Garcia, First Secretary and Consul Amelita Aquino, and Atty. Johnas Lamorena. END.