Manila: The government on Wednesday launched the development of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 20 years after the Philippines ratified the United Nations Convention on Corruption (UNCOC) in 2006. The development of the NACS will serve as a comprehensive framework to enhance coordination, prevention, and enforcement across the government of the laws and policies against corruption.

According to Philippines News Agency, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Jesse Hermogenes Andres stated that there have been several preparatory steps taken by the government to lay the groundwork for this national framework. This initiative aims to address corruption in all aspects and levels of governance, with an emphasis on integrity, accountability, and transparency.

Andres highlighted that the UNCOC provides five pillars that will guide the government in drafting the strategy. These pillars include preventive measures, criminalization and law enforcement, technical assistance and information sharing, international cooperation, and asset recovery. The strategy will be developed inclusively, involving national government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and academic institutions through focus group discussions.

Following the launch, there will be a series of meetings and discussions to further refine the strategy. Andres mentioned that a multi-stakeholder summit will be conducted to incorporate diverse inputs, with significant assistance from the University of the Philippines and the National College of Public Administration and Governance.

This initiative aligns with the country's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.