DO WE NEED PUBLIC INTEGRITY UNITS?

DO WE NEED PUBLIC INTEGRITY UNITS? Corruption remains one of the most pressing issues in the Philippines. Despite the presence of the Office of the Ombudsman, high-profile scandals involving elected officials, government agencies, and law enforcement continue to make headlines. This raises a critical question: Should we establish separate Public Integrity Units (PIUs) like those in the U.S. and in other countries? The Ombudsman vs. Public Integrity Units: What’s the Difference? The Philippines already has the Office of the Ombudsman, a constitutional body tasked with investigating and prosecuting government officials accused of corruption and misconduct. However, Public Integrity Units (PIUs) in the U.S. operate with a different focus. These units are typically part of the Department of Justice and specialize in investigating political corruption, election crimes, bribery, and misconduct within law enforcement. Could the Philippines benefit from a PIU that works alongside the Ombudsman rather than in competition with it? Such a unit could focus on elected officials—including senators and congressmen—ensuring accountability at the highest levels of government. A New Approach to Fighting Corruption? One proposal is to establish a Public Integrity Bureau (PIB) as a specialized unit under the Department of Justice. This bureau could absorb the former functions of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), which was dissolved in 2022. Like the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, this unit could focus on prosecuting bribery, election fraud, and abuses of power. Alternatively, the PIU could be set up as an independent agency, like the old Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), which was tasked with recovering ill-gotten wealth. This approach would ensure that investigations remain free from political influence within the executive branch. Can There Ever Be Too Many Anti-Corruption Bodies? Some may argue that adding another agency could lead to bureaucratic redundancy. But when it comes to fighting corruption, can there ever be too many watchdogs? With billions lost to graft and corruption annually, ensuring multiple layers of accountability might be a necessary safeguard rather than a burden. A well-structured Public Integrity Unit could also address allegations of misconduct in law enforcement, ensuring that abuses of power within the police and military do not go unchecked. Many U.S. states and cities have PIUs dedicated specifically to investigating corruption and brutality within law enforcement agencies. Global Examples of Public Integrity Bodies Several countries have established specialized units to combat corruption: United States: The Public Integrity Section (PIN) of the U.S. Department of Justice investigates political corruption, election crimes, and misconduct by federal officials. United Kingdom: The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) handle corruption cases. Canada: The Public Sector Integrity Commissioner investigates whistleblower complaints. Australia: The Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI) ensures accountability within law enforcement. France: The National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) tackles financial crimes, including corruption. If other countries see the need for these units, why shouldn’t the Philippines? Final Thoughts Creating a Public Integrity Unit in the Philippines could be a game-changer in our fight against corruption. Whether under the DOJ or as an independent entity, such a unit could complement the Ombudsman by focusing on high-level political corruption and election crimes. The key, however, is to ensure that any new agency has real independence, the power to prosecute, and the resources to function effectively. Would a Public Integrity Unit make a difference in the Philippines? Or would it simply add to the list of agencies that fail to curb corruption? The answer depends on whether such a unit is truly independent and empowered to act—without fear or favor. What do you think? Is it time to take a new approach? Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 02-20-2025