MANILA -- Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday affirmed the commitment of the Duterte administration in fighting corruption in government, which is supported by the agency’s Freedom of Information (FOI).

In his daily engagement with provincial media, Secretary Andanar had the chance to discuss on 103.9 iFM Baguio’s I sa Umaga program the achievements of the current administration which are in line with the promises made by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Anti-corruption is one of the top agendas of the President that is gaining ground through various policies implemented by the national government, including the implementation of the FOI and the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).

“In terms of the anti-corruption bid, many oligarchs that were publicly named by the President were forced to pay their overdue taxes. There were also government officials and employees that were dismissed for engaging in fraudulent activities. We are able to support these through the creation of the Freedom of Information and the strengthened Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).” Secretary Andanar said.

The Executive Order No. 2 which operationalizes Freedom of Information in the executive branch was signed by the President on July 23, 2016. This policy has further promoted transparency as it allows full public disclosure of government transactions involving public interest.

PCOO serves as the coordinator of all government agencies to ensure that the FOI Program is properly implemented. To date there are over 70,000 requests logged in the e-FOI platform from 530 government agencies across the country, including local government units (LGUS).

President Duterte is known for publicly dropping the names of government officials that are allegedly involved in corruption, even including those who have supported him in his leadership.

Earlier, he also warned businesses who still had liabilities with the government, such as tobacco conglomerate Mighty Corporation which availed of a tax settlement, and Philippine Airlines (PAL) which also settled its P6-billion unpaid air navigational charges to the government in 2017. (PCOO)