If more Filipinos report corrupt practices via 8888, the government can do better in its fight against corruption, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).
In a statement, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said greater citizen engagement is the key to curbing corruption in the country.
Pernia issued the statement days after Transparency International released the latest Corruption Perception Index, where the Philippines slipped 14 notches to 113 out of 180 economies.
“Let us encourage our citizens to report incidents of corruption through the 8888 hotline. But we also appeal to people to promote integrity by not giving false information,” Pernia said.
“While we encourage the use of technology through mobile and Web platforms to increase access and improve awareness of anti-corruption initiatives, we also need to emphasize the need to be responsible,” he added.
Apart from greater citizen engagement, Pernia said the government should simplify its procedures to reduce corruption and opportunities that encourage corrupt practices.
The Neda chief said this can be done by maximizing technology that can also be used to expedite processing and prosecution of cases.
Through the use of technology, Pernia said, the government can also enhance interagency multi-stakeholder cooperation for its anti-corruption drive.