Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales called on Thomasians to be vigilant against corruption in government and involved in national issues.
“As individuals or a group, you can always help us by bringing to our attention anything that you think there’s [an] irregularity or corruption. Write us, go ahead [and] we will welcome them,” Morales told the Varsitarian at the sidelines of the 49th Thomas More Lecture last March 16 at the Medicine Auditorium.
In her lecture, Morales encouraged Filipinos to uphold the rule of law to enforce accountability among public officials.
“To be part of the nation is to see our personal lives as indistinguishably linked to national affairs including the nation’s progress, successes and failures,” said Morales, whose office is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed by government officials.
“This bind allows us [not only] to share in the glory of the nation’s struggles but also to be held accountable for its decline and degradation,” she said.
Morales highlighted public trust as “the core of public service.”
“People’s trust can be regained through sustainable systems and reliable processes that would enforce a culture of accountability and integrity in the public service,” she said.
Fighting corruption is vital to granting Filipinos “the full measures of the blessing of a robust economy,” the feisty Ombudsman added.
“Time and again it has been proven that good governance anchored in the rule of law plays a vital role in attaining economic growth and sustainable development. [It] leads us closer to achieving inclusive growth, generating employment and reducing poverty,” she said.
Before serving as Ombudsman, Morales was associate justice at the Supreme Court from August 2002 to June 2011.
Last year, she received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for her “her moral courage and commitment to justice.”
