8 December 2005 -  The Department of Foreign Affairs announced that the Philippines joins the international community in the annual observance of "International Anti-Corruption Day" this Friday, 9 December 2005.

December 9 of every year was first designated as "International Anti-Corruption Day" by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution No. 58/4 adopted on 31 October 2003. The date commemorates the High-Level Political Conference held in Merida, Mexico, on 9-11 December 2003, during which the landmark UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) was first opened for signature.

International Anti-Corruption Day 2005 carries the theme "You can stop corruption", and highlights the important role that can be played by government, the private sector, civil society, and civic-minded individuals in helping stop corruption and dishonest practices in the public and private sectors. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) based in Vienna, Austria, over US$1 trillion is paid in bribes around the world every year.  While acknowledging that "each act of corruption contributes to global poverty, obstructs development and drives away investment", the UNODC stressed that "corruption cannot only be measured in economic terms". The UNODC cites corruption as an insidious problem that debilitates judicial and political systems, weakens the rule of law, and erodes trust in government and national institutions.

"In observing international Anti-Corruption Day, the Philippines re-affirms its resolve to forge ahead with its efforts to stamp out corruption from both the public and private spheres of society," Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo said.

The landmark UN Convention Against Corruption will enter into force on 14 December 2005. Following its entry-into-force provisions, the instrument will take effect ninety (90) days after the deposit of its thirtieth instrument of ratification, provided by Ecuador, which ratified the UNCAC on 15 September 2005.  As of 17 November 2005, the UNCAC has 36 States Parties and 134 signatories, including the Philippines. END