DILG launches Central Visayas anti-corruption drive
CEBU CITY – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Central Visayas launched Saturday an anti-corruption campaign to guard government funds and protect the people from corrupt government officials.
During the start of the drive, called Bantay Kaagapay, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año swore to fire all corrupt state officials and warned the prospective candidates for mayor in the 2019 elections not to engage in vote-buying.
Año said his office will conduct investigations in every municipality and dismiss outright officials proven guilty of corruption.
“We will never stop until every corrupt government official is captured. Only those who are genuine should stay in the service,” he added.
Año said keeping watch on the country’s 42,000 barangays with their 600,000 officials is a challenge for DILG but he is confident Bantay Kaagapay will succeed.
He warned those intending to run for mayor they too are included in the investigations which the DILG will conduct in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Año said DILG needs the help of barangay residents in reporting to DILG corrupt practices of local officials and assured the witnesses will be protected.
“They are secured because I can provide them with bodyguards. Witnesses can send a report message to 888 with their complete name and location,” Año said.
He told the media PDEA will soon release another list of government official that are linked to drugs. (With reports from Larnie L. Bacalando/PIT Intern)