Press Release
April 1, 2011

COOPERATION IS KEY TO STAMP OUT CORRUPTION--ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara emphasized the importance of drawing from the experience of other countries, and learning as much as we can from the unfolding events in the Philippines to promote good governance and create a more positive outlook for the people.

Angara represented the Philippines in the 4th Global Conference of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), held in Mexico City. The three-day series of meetings and fora was aimed towards creating a global strategy to stamp out corruption and poverty around the world.

The discussions were relevant to the Philippines, said Angara, president of the GOPAC's Southeast Asian chapter, since the current administration shared the same goals.

"In the GOPAC conference in Mexico, we were presented with academic studies on the social and economic impact of corruption especially in developing countries. The numbers reinforced our own conclusion that the most affected sectors are the poor and vulnerable sectors of society," he said.

"At present, Filipinos are clamoring for justice and accountability. But we must make a united effort--both the public and the leaders--to stop corruption before it reaches this stage.

"Led by the new administration, perhaps we can give what our country really needs: a concrete social and political program to begin the process of eliminating these illegal practices.

"Equally important is to further educate the public so that they become critical members of society. Now that people have learned to observe what is happening around them, and they should know what to do if they see something out of the ordinary," he asserted.

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