World Bank defends decision to keep report confidential

MANILA, Philippines -Washington-based lender the World Bank on Thursday defended its decision to keep its report on alleged corruption in a roads project confidential. In a statement, World Bank added that it is willing to discuss with the Department of Finance to improve its administrative processes. However, the lender said the Referral Report, which contained a summary of the investigation of its Department of Institutional Integrity (INT) on the alleged collusive practices in the National Roads Improvement Project (NRIMP) 1 may not be used for any criminal or administrative proceedings. “The purpose of the Bank's investigations and sanctions proceedings is to help the Bank safeguard the funds entrusted to us…This is why the Bank conducts its own investigations under its own administrative rules and procedures. This should be distinguished from those required in a national investigation or prosecution, which involves different evidentiary and burden of proof requirements," the Bank said. Although the Referral Report “may contain sensitive information which may be relevant to the Senate probe on the project, it made no judgment as to whether the laws of the Philippines had been violated." The Bank disclosed that it has offered a “follow-up assistance" to the Office of the Ombudsman in conducting its investigations. It also added that all the needed information by the Ombudsman has been submitted to the agency to determine whether it is appropriate to conduct investigation on the issue. “We noted the suggestions of the Senate and Secretary (Margarito) Teves to seek and propose improvements in the Bank's administrative processes and we look forward to further discussions with the Department of Finance on this," the World Bank said. GMANews.TV