#NotOnMyWatch anti-corruption caravan goes to Laguna

MANILA, Philippines – Corruption affects our daily lives. It threatens sustainable economic growth, values, and integrity.

Though top government officials have been vocal in fighting corruption in the country, the impact of good governance programs have yet to be felt in many communities. For this reason, Rappler’s #NotOnMyWatch campaign is activating local communities to join the fight against corruption.

After a successful run in Cebu, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro, the anti-corruption caravan will go to Sta Cruz, Laguna on December 1 and 2 at the Asiablooms Hotel Pavillion. 

Corruption in Laguna

Laguna has had its fair share of corruption issues.

Most recently, in September 2016, a Laguna-based supervisor of Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corporation (Quedancor), was allegedly responsible for the illegal disbursement of P54 million ($1.1 million) under its swine program.

According to the Commission on Audit, suppliers were chosen without going through a public bidding process. Moreover, though payments were made in full, delivery of services and materials were incomplete (e.g., paid in full but allowed incomplete deliveries.)

In addition, on December 9, 2015, the Supreme Court overturned a Sandiganbayan ruling that found Mayor Domingo Panganiban of Sta Cruz, Laguna guilty of malversation of public funds.

Using technology, social media vs corruption in Laguna

Rappler launched the #NotOnMyWatch campaign on September 24 during the annual Innovation+Social Good Summit. The aim of the campaign is to promote integrity, competence, and accountability in government by encouraging people to report bribery and other grievances against government officials while showcasing honest and commendable services.  

The 2-day caravan in Laguna will be open to civil society groups, students, sectoral organizations, and government officials. The event aims to tackle different local corruption issues in Laguna and what ordinary citizens can do to help solve them – particularly with the use of technology and social media.

On the first day of the caravan, Thursday, December 1, select participants will go through a whole day workshop to be integrity champions. They will be expected to help spread the word on how to report corruption accurately and how to find and validate sources of information. 

On the second day, Friday, December 2, a public forum with representatives from the government, civil society groups, and students will be held. The forum aims to tackle local corruption issues in Cagayan de Oro City and what ordinary citizens can do to help solve these with the use of technology and social media.

Public Forum Program 

How to join the caravan

Those who are interested to participate in the whole-day training and/or public forum can email #NotOnMyWatch coordinator Abigail Abigan at abigail.abigan@rappler.com with their full name, contact details, and organization. 

#NotOnMyWatch works with civil society groups, government agencies, the academe and ordinary citizens. Those interested to partner may email notonmywatch@rappler.com for more details. – Rappler.com