PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday ordered a review
of the anti-corruption programs of the Presidential Anti-Graft
Commission (PAGC) and the budget and finance departments to
ensure good governance and to strengthen the fight against graft
and corruption.
Arroyo, in her opening speech at the start of
the weekly Cabinet meeting, said she also wants to make sure
that the benefits of the growing economy all go to the people.
She called for more intensive investigations
and speedy prosecution of erring government officials and
monitoring by the civil society of government agencies.
"Sa lahat ng ating pagsisikap para sa
kaunlaran at investment, napakahalaga ang katatagan ng lipunan,
na kailangan upang makasulong ng mabillis ang mga programa ng
gobyerno, at makaakit ng pribadong investment para sa dagdag
trabaho," she said.
The Nov. 30-Dec. 3 survey of the Social
Weather Stations (SWS) showed that the Arroyo administration’s
net rating when it comes to eradicating graft and corruption
dropped to -29 from -16 in the September survey.
This developed as Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA) chief Augusto Syjuco urged
PAGC to deal with his graft case "with all due speed and
dispatch" because to keep it pending would be inimical and
harmful to public interest.
Syjuco was charged with graft for allegedly
using public funds to publish his book "Salabat for the Soul."
He said a cloud of doubt has been placed over
his head which has affected his ability to govern. He said he
does not see any reason for President Arroyo to lose confidence
in him because he has been "doing a good job, I have been
delivering my share."
"My life goes on, the work goes on. I am trying my best not
to let it bother me but I am telling you that it is a nuisance,"
he said. – Regina Bengco
