President Duterte signs EO institutionalizing 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Hotline

President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte during his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Tuesday (Oct. 25, 2016). The President is making a three-day state visit to Japan. (Photo: Toto Lozano/PNA/Presidential Photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order (EO) institutionalizing the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Hotline that would further bolster his war against corruption, reduce red tape and expedite transactions in government.

Under EO No. 06 signed by the President on Oct. 14, an 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center has been established to serve as a mechanism where citizens may report their complaints and grievances against government officials and agencies.

The Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS) will supervise the complaint center in coordination with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP) and in collaboration with other government agencies, particularly the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

“Concerned government agencies and offices shall designate their respective focal and technical officers who shall assist the OCS in its collaboration efforts, and interconnection and integration of public feedback mechanisms,” stated in the EO.

Aside from the 8888 telephone hotline, the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center shall provide other communication channels like short message service (SMS)/text access; electronic mail or E-mail; website/webpage; and social media as well as any other emerging communication medium.

The 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center shall operate 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday except national holidays and work suspensions.

A citizen’s concern received through any of the communication channels shall have a concrete and specific action within 72 hours from receipt of the complaint.

To ensure that the general public is served efficiently and expeditiously, all the national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC), government financial institutions (GFI) and other government instrumentalities are enjoined to cooperate with the OCS.

Last July 24, President Duterte strengthened his anti-corruption campaign by signing a landmark EO implementing the Freedom of Information (FOI) in the executive branch.