Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista ( first row, left) leads the members of the Department’s Anti-Corruption Committees (ACC) as they take their Oath of Honesty and sign the Manifesto against Corruption on November 19.

In an effort to weed out corruption within the institution, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched its newly created Anti-Corruption Committees (ACCs) at the Central and Field Offices on November 19.

The initiative is in support to “Project Kasangga:  Aksyon Laban sa Korapsiyon” of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).

Along with the launch, the DSWD leadership and all members of the ACC also signed the anti-corruption Manifesto and took an Oath of Honesty led by DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista.

The ACC members took an oath to be free from corrupt activities, champion the fight against corruption in their respective offices, cooperate with the government in the anti-corruption campaign, and remain true to the Constitution on good governance.

Attorney Irene Chiu, PACC Director of the Investigation Service, said that most of the time, corrupt practices do not have ready evidence.  Hence, whistleblowers are needed in order to report and investigate cases of corruption.

She added, “We welcome the advent of Project Kasangga and the creation of the Department’s Anti-Corruption Committees.  Your committees will be our partner/our ”kasangga” in the investigation of incidents of corruption. We believe that DSWD’s ACC will be able to prevent corruption and we are confident that with the stellar performance and impeccable record as the chief manager of DSWD, Secretary Bautista will be able to promote anti-corruption policies in the office.”

In his message, Secretary Bautista said that the Department’s support to the Project Kasangga:Aksyon Laban sa Korapsyon” is an affirmation of DSWD’s adherence to transparent public service, code of ethics, and corruption-free practices.

He added that DSWD employees signified their commitment to the campaign by signing the Anti-Corruption Manifesto of the PACC early this year.  In so doing, the Secretary emphasized that DSWD took on the challenge to put into concrete action and tangible results the commitment to pursue a corrupt-free institution, to include the creation of the ACCs.

“The strengthening and reconstitution of the anti-corruption committees is part of our effort to institutionalize corruption-free policy-making and program implementation within the Department. Through these committees, we will be able to continue to monitor any wayward action and prevent any attempt to engage in corrupt activities,” the Secretary added.

He also urged all ACC members to continue to uphold the highest level of work ethics as they take on the role of vanguards against corruption.

“We all have a role to play to stop this social ill (corruption). Let us fulfill it to the best of our ability. In so doing, beyond our term in the Department, beyond our time to serve, we aspire to leave a lasting legacy which will serve as a model for the next generations to come,” he further said.

Witnessing the launching and the signing of the manifesto and oath of honesty were PACC Executive Director, Atty. Fortunato Guerrero; Commissioner Yvette Contacto; and PACC Directors, Atty. Amylex Ricaza and Atty. Jemmellee Villanueva. ###