Govt ‘integrity’ march snarls traffic in Pasig - report
12/09/2008 | 08:37 AM
MANILA, Philippines - An "integrity march" by government employees to fight graft failed to get its message through to motorists in Pasig City after snarling traffic in the area Tuesday morning.
Radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported that the march organized by the Office of the President stopped traffic at Meralco Avenue and Shaw Boulevard.
Bands of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines played music as government employees marched from the Rizal provincial government office to the University of Life Track and Recreational Arena (Ultra).
Many of them had banners and materials that read "Katiwalian ay Labanan (Fight corruption)."
The report said the Office of the Press Secretary was among the organizers of the march.
It added the employees who took part in the march said their offices maintained "skeletal forces."
On the other hand, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez said she was to lead some 5,000 people in an "Integrity March" in Pasig City Tuesday.
On Monday, the Ombudsman website said the 5,000 includes representatives of media, youth, business, civil society and government agencies.
It said this is in line with the celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day as well as the launching of the First National Summit of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
Also, it said Tuesday marks the 5th anniversary of the signing by State Parties of the UNCAC, the first global agreement setting standards on preventing and combating corruption.
Participants at the rally, which will be led by members of the Multi-Sectoral Anti-Corruption Council (MSACC) chaired by Gutierrez, will meet at the Rizal Provincial Capitol Compound before marching to the University of Life Track and Recreational Arena (ULTRA) for a short program.
The Ombudsman website said Gutierrez will deliver the "Ulat sa Bayan," where she will report on the Philippine society's accomplishments on its anti-corruption initiatives.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita will lead the Recitation of the MSACC Prayer while Pasig City Mayor Vicente Eusebio will give the welcome remarks.
The National Search for the Graft-Free Province, Municipality, City and Barangay will also be launched on the same day.
Heading the MSACC is the Office of the Ombudsman with 30 members from various branches of the government and other sectors of society.
It serves as a "consultative and coordinating body" for the National Anti-Corruption Program of Action (NACPA) and is an effective mechanism for consultation and coordination among key anti-corruption stakeholders.
MSACC members include representatives from the executive, legislative, judiciary, constitutional bodies, youth, media, interfaith groups, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, local government units, academe, professional groups, business community and government financial institutions. - GMANews.TV
Radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported that the march organized by the Office of the President stopped traffic at Meralco Avenue and Shaw Boulevard.
Bands of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines played music as government employees marched from the Rizal provincial government office to the University of Life Track and Recreational Arena (Ultra).
Many of them had banners and materials that read "Katiwalian ay Labanan (Fight corruption)."
The report said the Office of the Press Secretary was among the organizers of the march.
It added the employees who took part in the march said their offices maintained "skeletal forces."
On the other hand, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez said she was to lead some 5,000 people in an "Integrity March" in Pasig City Tuesday.
On Monday, the Ombudsman website said the 5,000 includes representatives of media, youth, business, civil society and government agencies.
It said this is in line with the celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day as well as the launching of the First National Summit of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
Also, it said Tuesday marks the 5th anniversary of the signing by State Parties of the UNCAC, the first global agreement setting standards on preventing and combating corruption.
Participants at the rally, which will be led by members of the Multi-Sectoral Anti-Corruption Council (MSACC) chaired by Gutierrez, will meet at the Rizal Provincial Capitol Compound before marching to the University of Life Track and Recreational Arena (ULTRA) for a short program.
The Ombudsman website said Gutierrez will deliver the "Ulat sa Bayan," where she will report on the Philippine society's accomplishments on its anti-corruption initiatives.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita will lead the Recitation of the MSACC Prayer while Pasig City Mayor Vicente Eusebio will give the welcome remarks.
The National Search for the Graft-Free Province, Municipality, City and Barangay will also be launched on the same day.
Heading the MSACC is the Office of the Ombudsman with 30 members from various branches of the government and other sectors of society.
It serves as a "consultative and coordinating body" for the National Anti-Corruption Program of Action (NACPA) and is an effective mechanism for consultation and coordination among key anti-corruption stakeholders.
MSACC members include representatives from the executive, legislative, judiciary, constitutional bodies, youth, media, interfaith groups, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, local government units, academe, professional groups, business community and government financial institutions. - GMANews.TV
