The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) successfully convened “Upholding Integrity: A National Forum on Corruption and Human Rights” on 9 December 2025 in Quezon City, bringing together representatives from government oversight institutions, civil society, legislators, justice sector actors, and development partners.
Held in line with the global observance of International Anti-Corruption Day, the forum echoed the United Nations’ call for collective and urgent action to address corruption in all its forms. The discussions underscored that corruption weakens democratic institutions, erodes public trust, and directly harms communities that rely on government services.
In his opening remarks, CHR Chairperson Richard Pal-Palatoc framed corruption as a direct assault on human dignity and a grave failure of public service. “Today’s forum is a solemn reminder that integrity in public service is not just good governance; it is a defense of human dignity. Corruption has real victims. When public resources meant for hospitals, schools, and social protection are lost, diverted, or misused, it is the poorest and most vulnerable who pay the price. Corruption weakens trust, deepens inequality, and threatens the very system meant to safeguard human rights.”
Delivering the keynote address, Commissioner Beda A. Epres called for a decisive shift in the country’s anti-corruption efforts—from technical compliance to a people-centered, rights-based movement. “Let us commit to moving this fight from the shadows of bureaucratic reports into the bright light of human rights advocacy. Let us empower the citizens, protect the whistleblowers, and strengthen the institutions that are built to serve and not to profit. By making integrity our ethos and accountability our law, we can fulfill the promise of human rights for every person, everywhere.”
The first panel tackled Integrity and Justice: Upholding Accountability in Public Office with Rep. Percival Cendaña of Akbayan Partylist and Atty. Sikini “Bok” Labastilla from Taong Bayan Action for Participatory, Accountable, and Transparent Governance (TAPAT) as resource persons. Rep. Cendaña emphasized the urgent need for structural reforms to dismantle political dynasties.
“I’d like to highlight as an important mechanism for good governance and accountability—a comprehensive anti-political dynasty law. So far, yung ni-file natin na version ay one of the most comprehensive for saying it should address both the fat and thin dynasty: bawal ‘yung sabay-sabay, bawal ‘yung succession na ipinapamana, bawal din ‘yung sabay tatakbo… If you look at those involved in the corruption scandals, either bahagi sila ng political dynasty or may matinding koneksyon sa political dynasty,” said Rep. Cendaña.
In the second panel on Systems of Transparency: Oversight, Budget, and Citizen Participation, the panelists were Assistant Commissioner Alexander Juliano of the Commission on Audit, award-winning journalist Ma. Salvacion “Inday” Espina-Varona, and Rep. Renee Co of the Kabataan Partylist. Espina-Varona underscored the indispensable role of access to information, asset transparency, and whistleblower protection in enabling both the media and civil society to expose corruption and hold public officials accountable.
“For us media, importanteng importante ang Freedom of Information Bill. And that is not just for us [media]. It can help every CSO out there to get the information they need. Kung gusto natin ng pagbabago, para tayong pupunta sa giyera na walang mapa kung wala tayong tamang impormasyong makukuha. Pangalawa, ang SALN napakahalaga. Kailangan ma-consolidate sa isang lugar lang na makikita ng lahat…Matik sana ‘yan. Number 3, whistle blower… there could not be silence,” Espina-Varona shared.
The forum culminated in a collaborative workshop that drafted the Citizens’ Declaration Against Corruption, articulating commitments to vigilance, transparency, and civic participation in demanding accountability: “We urge you to actively engage in governance: scrutinize public budgets, monitor procurement processes, track the implementation of government programs, and empower communities to understand their rights. Demand full transparency and accountability from public officials. Insist that every peso of public funds be used for its intended purpose and that those who betray public trust—regardless of position or political affiliation—are held to account through fair and independent processes,” reads a portion of the declaration.
The outcomes of the forum and the Citizens’ Declaration Against Corruption will inform the Commission’s continuing advocacy and policy engagements on anti-corruption as a human rights imperative. ###