Simultaneous declaration of the Integrity Pledge and signing of the Manifesto on the Pledge of Cooperation and Oath of Honesty

 

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Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Chairman Greco Belgica led the simultaneous declaration of the Integrity Pledge and signing of the Manifesto on the Pledge of Cooperation and Oath of Honesty as a manifestation of reaffirming the commitment of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies to fight corruption in the government.

More than a thousand officials and employees of the DOTr and its four sectors - Aviation, Railways, Road Transport, and Maritime – took part in the nationwide simultaneous virtual oath-taking and signing ceremony before the PACC today, 28 April 2021.

In his message, Secretary Tugade recalled that it was on December 14, 2016, when the entire DOTr first signed the commitment and took an oath to uphold ethical practice and good governance through the Integrity Pledge.

The Transportation Chief stressed that the Integrity Pledge and the signing the Manifesto will remind the entire DOTr workforce of the essence of public service and on the performance of duty with utmost diligence, honesty, and excellence.

“Hangarin ko na magbigay ng paalala. Paalala na 'wag tayong makalimot sa ating panunumpa na hindi tayo magiging corrupt. Ngayon, sasabihin muli natin sa pagtatapos ng ating katungkulan sa gobyerno, tayo ay hindi magiging corrupt. Tayo ay mananatiling mandirigma laban sa korapsyon. Tayo ay mananatiling isang 'gladiator' laban sa korapsyon,” Tugade stressed.

Secretary Tugade added that efforts and initiatives of the DOTr, including its fight against corruption, were intensified despite the pandemic.

“Sa ating pakikibaka laban sa pandemiya, dapat walang kurakot, dapat walang magsasamantala, dapat walang kupit, dapat ang atin lang iniisip ay kapakanan ng bayan at ang kapakanan ng tao. Pandemiya man o hindi, kailangan yung kapakanan ng tao ay mananatiling isang commitment—isang covenant sa sambayanan,” Tugade remarked.

Meanwhile, Tugade affirmed to PACC Chairman Greco Belgica that the DOTr will remain uncompromising when it comes to corruption.

DOTr Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Paul Reinier Yebra reported that based on the proceedings of the agency’s Investigation Security and Law Enforcement Staff (ISLES), from March 2019 to 27 February 2021, corruption-related cases led to the dismissal of 149 DOTr personnel and the suspension of 20 others. He added that one case was even referred to the PACC.

Additionally, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said the agency follows a strict budget utilization and processing of big-ticket infrastructure projects, in coordination with development partners.

As for the DOTr attached agencies, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III emphasized that the granting of a franchise is free. He also appealed to stakeholders to report any incident concerning the illegal acquisition of vehicle franchises.

For the LTO, Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante said they have eased the processes of getting a driver’s license and vehicle registration. He likewise urged the public not to deal with “fixers.”

Meanwhile, Secretary Tugade challenged officials and employees of the DOTr and its attached agencies to fulfill the public's high expectations from the government.

“To my fellow servants in government, remember that you are privileged to work for the people, with the people, and because of the people. Because of this, the expectations of people in you, on the discharge of our responsibilities are high. We have to reach out to this commitment. We have to reach out to the expectations of the people na tayo ay gaganap ng ating katungkulan, walang katarantaduhan, walang pagnanakaw, walang pagsasamantala,” Tugade said.

For his part, PACC Chairman Greco Belgica commended Secretary Tugade for the initiative as this serves as an example for other agencies to follow.

“Nais ko pong bigyan ng special na pagbati si Secretary Tugade, at itong Department, dahil kayo po ang unang nagpresenta ng inyong sarili para sumaloob sa gawain pong ito. Sana tularan kayo ng iba pang mga opisina ng gobyerno,” Chairman Belgica said

“This signing of the Manifesto of Cooperation and Oath of Honesty is a solid testimony of your commitment to get rid of corrupt practices and unscrupulous government workers in the Transportation Department,” Belgica added.

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