Metro Angeles Businesses Want More Anti-corruption Laws Says Survey

In a forum held last 21 September at the Xenia Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone, Dr. Mahar Mangahas, President of the Social Weather Station (SWS), presented to stakeholders the results of the Annual Enterprises Survey on Corruption for 2014. The forum is part of the roadshow of the National Competitive Council (NCC) to raise awareness of the participants coming from businesses, local government units, academe, media, national government agencies and business associations in Central Luzon on the perception and experience of enterprises in their transactions with government.

Mangahas noted that for Metro Angeles, at least 101 respondents coming from key officials of small, medium, and large businesses were asked to respond to questions about their perceptions and experiences in transacting with different government institutions.

Unlike other respondents from most regions, which rated an increase in the sincerity of agencies in anti-corruption efforts from 2012-2014, many Metro Angeles enterprises believe that corruption is still a factor in some government agencies and city or municipal governments.

Despite the perception, Metro Angeles businessmen had one of the lowest percentage in the country of allotted fund (10% of contract) for potential bribe. They also had the highest percentage (43%) of respondents saying that they reported a case of corruption.

Danilo Pamintuan, Chairman of the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industries saw the results as an opportunity for stakeholders to be aware of corruption and become pro-active in addressing it. He also noted that local enterprises also posted the highest percentage (95%) of wanting to pass the Freedom of Information act and other anti-corruption laws.

The Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office III (DTI-3) coordinated the event together with the NCC secretariat. DTI-3 Regional Director Judith P. Angeles welcomed the participants and guests.

Source: www.dti.gov.ph