Santiago, Chile, 18 November 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo today joined other APEC member economies in calling for coordinated action in fighting corruption and promoting transparency.

 The Secretary recalled that “In October 2003 in Bangkok, our Leaders deemed corruption to be a major obstacle to social and economic development in the region and mandated us to initiate action in this regard.”

 Since then, much work has been done within APEC on the issue of corruption and transparency.  “Skillfully led by Chile, the work agenda undertaken in 2004 has resulted in what is now called the Santiago Commitment to Fight Corruption and Ensure Transparency.   It is complemented by an APEC Course of Action on Fighting Corruption and Ensuring Transparency,” the Secretary told the APEC Ministerial Meeting.

Of utmost importance, according to the Secretary is for “APEC to focus on capacity building that would also include exchanges of technical expertise to help developing member economies effectively implement anti-corruption laws and regulations, hone investigative capabilities, and enhance capacity to fully enforce such laws and regulations”.

“The Philippines fully supports the action we have undertaken in APEC to fight corruption. We are committed to curb corruption through good governance and partnership with both local and international communities and public and private sectors.  We call on all the Member Economies to enhance region-wide cooperation with regards to the  implementation of concrete actions to fight corruption, ensure transparency and accountability in the proper management of public affairs and resources,” the Secretary said.

Emphasizing the anti-corruption commitments of the Philippines, the Secretary said that “Our President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, has launched a stepped up campaign against corruption as part of its reform agenda in the next six years.  Leaders in our own business community have joined with church and NGO groups to mount a coalition against corruption. In the spirit of transparency and open democracy, our government welcomes this support and we will work closely with the NGO community in our joint flight against corruption.

 The Secretary said that the Philippines was working with one of the models for anti-corruption initiatives in Asia, Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption.  He also said that cases have been filed against officials in “our Bureau of Internal Revenue, our Bureau of Customs, and our Department of Finance. Many of these officials were identified by ‘lifestyle checks’ that highlight government officials who are living above their means.”

“Our anti-corruption drive is not limited to members of our civil service. The military has also been the target of our investigations because we will not tolerate corruption anywhere in government,” the Secretary added.

The Secretary said that it is important that “we demonstrate that APEC is not just an organization focused on economic cooperation, rather that we are also an organization focused on promoting the highest standards of business and ethical practices.” END.