Friday, February 15, 2008 CCCI stresses stand against corruption
A LOCAL business group declared that it is a strong advocate against corruption, which is not only present in government but in the private sector as well.
“We urge the private sector to be guided by the principles of good governance at all times in carrying on their trade,” read a statement from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
The statement was made in reaction to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s earlier call for members of CCCI to not only pursue investment promotions in Cebu, but also to actively advocate against corruption.
“You have to develop a reputation to stand up for what is right and what is good for the community,” Osmeña said in his speech during the launching of the CCCI-led Cebu Business Month (CBM) last Tuesday.
Osmeña challenged the chamber to develop an active stand on different business-related issues concerning the entire business community in Cebu.
Role
The mayor asked the CCCI if it has helped looked into the grievances of investors, particularly in relation to alleged corruption in Lapu-Lapu City.
“CCCI can play an important role in advocating against corrupt practices. I can’t always be the eyes and ears everywhere,” he said.
CCCI said the chamber is not mum on corruption issues in Lapu-Lapu City. The group pointed out that it even caused the publication of an advertisement expressing “serious concern over prevailing issues of corruption in government” last Sept. 29, 2007.
“We supported the filing of charges before the Ombudsman by the Coralpoint Educational Foundation of Lapu-Lapu City and exhorted agencies of the government tasked to investigate and adjudicate these cases to unearth the truth, penalize the guilty and absolve the innocent with utmost expediency,” CCCI said.
“To date, we are still vigilant over the developments of cases such as this and shall support all moves that affirm transparency, accountability and honesty in conducting the affairs of the state,” the chamber added.
Apart from the chamber’s need to be vigilant on the issues raised by the local business community, Osmeña also expressed dismay at what he perceived as CCCI activities “that benefitted only its members.” He said this was the reason he created the Cebu Investments and Promotions Center in 1994.
Osmeña, however, credited CCCI’s efforts to make this year’s CBM into a global business event to attract more foreign investors and create more jobs in Cebu.
CCCI, in its statement, also mentioned the importance of empowering entrepreneurs in the countryside that they may be able to participate in the overall socio-economic development of their localities.
This year, the CCCI plans to organize local business councils in different municipalities and component cities in Cebu Province. (MMM)
