By Jose Cielito Reganit
MANILA – House Speaker Faustino Dy III on Tuesday announced two initiatives to fight corruption, strengthen accountability and restore trust in government.
In his speech at the resumption of sessions, Dy said the House of Representatives will lead by example in pursuing reforms that uphold integrity and responsibility in public service through the swift passage of the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC) bill, and the filing of the Anti-Dynasty bill.
“There is a challenge that continues to hinder development, a lesion that continues to fester corruption in society. It is the rust in government that slowly eats at public trust. This is the real culprit in every unfinished project, in every undelivered service and in every broken promise),” he said.
Dy said the ICAIC bill will establish an independent body tasked to investigate and prosecute individuals behind ghost and anomalous infrastructure projects, especially in flood control programs.
“Our message is clear. There will be zero delays in the passage of this measure because our people have zero tolerance for corruption. Our directive here is also clear: We will pass this bill before we adjourn this December,” he stressed.
Dy said the House would also take up the Anti-Dynasty bill so it could fulfill a constitutional mandate by clearly defining political dynasty in order to promote fairness, competition and broader participation in governance. “It’s time to face an issue long stated in our Constitution: the enactment of the anti-dynasty bill,” he said.
“The aim of the proposed measure is not to hinder anyone, but to expand the opportunity for more Filipinos to serve and be part of government),” he added.
Dy said the twin reforms reflect the resolve of the House to earn back the people’s trust through action, not rhetoric.
“My colleagues, let’s prove, not only in words but in action, that we are open and ready to hear our fellow citizens, because this is where the real direction of our government emanates),” he said. (PNA)