DepEd forms anti-graft panels

Posted on April 29 2022
News
By Jane Bautista

MANILA Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered the establishment of anti-corruption committees (ACC) in its central, regional and schools division offices in an effort to develop a “culture of zero tolerance” against graft and corruption in the agency.

“The department recognizes that graft and corruption are major obstacles to the realization of the right of all Filipinos and children to access quality basic education,” the DepEd said in its Order No. 007, s. 2022, dated March 4

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the agency adopted the principle that “a public office is a public trust,” so it supports Project Kasangga: Aksiyon Laban sa Korapsiyon project of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).

The department earlier issued Office Order No. OO-OSEC-2021-029 for the creation of an ACC in the central office, following an agreement with PACC.

To boost the initiatives against corruption, the DepEd released the recent order that will enable the anti-graft panels to help in curbing graft and corruption through policies, programs and advocacy campaigns, as well as to make sure that officials and employees will be held accountable.

The committee in the DepEd central office will be tasked to make a streamlined complaint action center and work with other DepEd offices in doing the investigation of these matters.

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The department earlier issued Office Order No. OO-OSEC-2021-029 for the creation of an ACC in the central office, following an agreement with PACC.

The committee in the DepEd central office will be tasked to make a streamlined complaint action center and work with other DepEd offices in doing the investigation of these matters.

Anti-corruption policies

At the regional level, the committee will refer complaints of graft and corruption to proper authorities in the regional and schools division offices.

On the other hand, the division committee will help the regional office and central office in formulating anticorruption policies and also conduct public information campaigns to generate support.

The DepEd said funds would be provided for the operation of the ACCs.

Election task force

The DepEd also announced the establishment of an election task force and operation and monitoring center to oversee teacher and school-related concerns ahead of the May 9 elections.

The task force’s operation and monitoring center will be located at Bulwagan ng Karunungan in the agency’s central office in Pasig City starting 1 p.m. of May 8 until 5 p.m. of May 10.