AFP forms anti-corruption committee

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has formed an anti-corruption committee to promote transparency and accountability within the organization.

During ceremonies Tuesday, AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, said the committee would complement the AFP Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability (OESPA) on its anti-corruption measures, policies, and programs.

“As public servants primarily mandated to protect the people and secure the state, it is incumbent upon us in the AFP to perform our duties and responsibilities with utmost integrity, accountability, and transparency,” Centino said.

The newly formed committee is an offshoot of the AFP’s signing of the memorandum of agreement under the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission’s (PACC) “Project Kasangga”.

The OESPA, which has primary jurisdiction over corruption and public ethical standards, will oversee the committee’s operations. The AFP vice chief of staff, as OESPA head, will serve as its chair.

A technical working group will be created for the formulation of annual action plans, conduct regular policy and program assessments, and coordinate with the PACC and other government agencies regarding the campaign.