GRAFT and corruption have long been a thorn in the side of Philippine governance, creating a significant barrier to national development and eroding public trust in government institutions. Yet, we have a broad legal framework to address corrupt practices.

Section 1 of Article XI of the 1987 Constitution provides that, 'Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.' Statutory laws have been legislated to prevent the erosion of this public trust spoken of herein.