THE Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has deputized 32 government agencies in a bid to boost President Rodrigo Duterte's relentless fight against corruption.
PACC chair Dante Jimenez led the oath-taking of the representatives of the departments and agencies during a ceremony held at the MalacaƱan Palace on Wednesday, March 6.
"As the President has relentlessly reminded all to stop corruption and double up the fight against illegal drugs this year, the PACC will likewise intensify its fight against corruption and recommend to the President stiffer penalties on erring officials in government," Jimenez said in a statement.
PACC Executive Director Eduardo Bringas issued the Order of Deputation to the Local Government, Labor Agriculture, Budget, Justice, Agrarian Reform, Finance, Public Works, Health, Environment, and Foreign Affairs departments; Commission on Audit, Civil Service Commission; Land Transportation Office; and the Philippine National Police.
"The initiative to deputize government is pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 43, which grants PACC the power to enlist their support to assist the Commission in the investigation of cases falling within their respective jurisdictions," Bringas said.
"The deputation of these agencies likewise allows them to serve as their internal anti-corruption deputies," he added.
The PACC, created through EO 43, is mandated to fight and eradicate graft and corruption in the different departments, bureaus, offices, and other government instrumentalities to ensure that public officials and employees, except those who conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the public trust. (SunStar Philippines)