Proponents of the Integrity Initiative have tasked its members to do business only with those who have signed its pledge.
The move is designed to increase the number of firms that are committed to stamping out corruption in dealing with the government.
“We encourage those that have signed to make sure that they only do business with those that have made the same pledge as them because if the private sector follows then no one in government will seek bribes,” said Hubert D’Aboville, co-vice-chair of the Integrity Initiative during a press conference in Makati yesterday.
The Integrity Initiative is envisioned to promote common ethical standards among various sectors of society.
It is jointly implemented by the Makati Business Club, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in partnership with the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the Asian Institute of Management and the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines.
Part of the initiative’s plan is to certify ethical businesses which it aims to finalize by 2014.
So far, there are 1 500 companies that have signed the Integrity Initiative with about 22 top officials of the government. But Mr. D Aboville noted 1,500 signatories barely hits 1% of all companies registered in the Philippines. Members of the program also encourage firms to set up programs to promote good business practices.
“One of the basic tenets of the Integrity pledge is not to give Bribes. If we don t bribe people they will be less encourage to ask. It has to be strictly enforced,” said Eduardo V Francisco MAP president.
He added without bribes, projects can also be priced lower which will save tax payers money.
The call for more transparent dealings with the government also comes at the heels of an alleged anomalous procurement of fire arms of the Interior department which Mr. D’Aboville said illustrated the need for more work to be done in the government’s processes —Emilia Narni J. David
