The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) has urged the government and all sectors of society to move past superficial gestures in addressing corruption, calling instead for structural reforms.
Describing corruption as a “cancer” eroding national foundations, the group said that prosecution of corrupt individuals, while necessary, is insufficient.
“The time for half-measures is over,” said FFCCCII. “Prosecuting corrupt individuals is reactive. We must go further and dismantle the entire ecosystem that allows corruption to thrive.”
The organization demanded reforms built around “radical transparency, efficiency, and ruthless accountability,” and urged the government to establish anti-corruption agencies that are “powerful and independent, with full autonomy in investigating and prosecuting those involved in corruption.”
“Corruption is not a victimless crime. It is a heinous betrayal that robs our most vulnerable citizens of essential services and a better life,” the FFCCCII said. “Graft stifles innovation, discourages investment, and essentially destroys our nation and kills its people.”
