The Makati Business Club (MBC) supports measures that would eradicate corruption.
The group has been a staunch supporter of the Freedom of Information law (FOI) and has been pushing for a reform of the Bank Secrecy law, measures that promote transparency.
MBC has called for the strengthening of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities law, an important measure on good governance.
In a statement, MBC backed government’s call for digitalization as a tool to improve ease of doing business and to fight graft and corruption by increasing transparency.
MBC made these statements after Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and other public officials and citizens who issued calls take action against corruption.
“Corruption takes resources away from public services like health, education, maintaining peace and order, and providing needed safe and resilient infrastructure that allow citizens and job creating businesses to flourish. This also necessitates the imposition of higher taxes to make up for lost revenues adding to the people’s burden and making the country uncompetitive.
Whether it is taking from public funds or taking or demanding bribes – in which citizens and businesses are either instigators, conspirators, or victims – the effect is the same,” the MBC said.
The group said corruption is the main reason behind why the Philippines struggles to expand businesses, attract investment, and be globally competitive to create more jobs.
MBC supported calls that public officials should focus on public service rather than private enrichment, and that citizens and businesses should compete on a level playing field rather than bribe to get ahead or even just get along.
