Vice President Sara Duterte made a powerful call on Monday, declaring that digitalization is the Philippines’ strongest weapon against corruption.
Speaking at the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo, Duterte said technology can eliminate shady deals and bring full transparency to government operations.
“As we digitize, we automate our processes, make data and government transactions seamless, borderless, and transparent,” she said. “We leave no room for scrupulous backdoor transactions.”
With conviction, the Vice President emphasized that digital tools can take away the power of corrupt leaders who manipulate public funds for greed and personal gain.
“We take away the power of corrupt leaders to manipulate public funds and capitalize on people’s money for their personal interests, greed, and political ambition,” Duterte added.
She said embracing digital systems would not only promote transparency but also create stronger checks and balances, preventing unconstitutional budget insertions.
Her statement came amid an ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects and questionable budget allocations involving lawmakers and government officials.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has frozen around 2,800 accounts worth P5 billion, all linked to these alleged irregularities, according to Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) spokesperson Brian Hosaka.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has endorsed filing graft, malversation, perjury, and falsification charges against DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office officials and several contractors tied to five flood control projects.
Ironically, Duterte herself faces scrutiny after a complaint was filed with the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged misuse of P500 million in confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million under the Department of Education from 2022 to 2024.
These charges stem from the recommendation of the House Committee on Good Governance and Public Accountability, which urged the Ombudsman to file cases against her.
Duterte, however, has stood her ground and submitted a counter-affidavit to answer the allegations.
Despite the controversies, her message was clear — digitalization is the key to breaking the cycle of corruption and rebuilding public trust in government.
