TYPHOON EGAY’S WRATH

EIGHTY-FOUR percent of Filipinos believe in the need to strengthen the power of national agencies, laws, and mechanisms to fight corruption, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey commissioned by international think tank Stratbase ADR Institute.

Pulse Asia President Dr. Ronald Holmes presented the survey results on Friday during an online forum entitled, “Rhetoric vs. Action: Reviewing the Alignment of Promises and Implementation under the Marcos Jr. Presidency”, organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute and Democracy Watch Philippines.

The polling firm conducted the survey from June 19-23, 2023, and asked 1,200 Filipinos nationwide whether or not they agree with the statement: “Pursuant to the Philippines’ concurrence to international agreements, the power of national agencies, laws, and mechanisms to fight corruption should be strengthened.”

Over 8 in 10 of the respondents agreed to the statement while only 3% disagreed. Thirteen percent said they cannot say if they agree or disagree.

Furthermore, when asked to identify the top three effects of corruption that affect Filipinos the most, 67% percent said that corruption leads to the loss of trust in government services and public officials.

Forty-seven percent said corruption normalized Filipinos’ attitudes towards corrupt practices, while 44% said that it results in inefficient service delivery.

In his speech, Stratbase ADR Institute President Dindo Manhit explained the importance of addressing corruption in ensuring economic development.

“The government must ensure that it establishes and maintains the right environment to attract investors and actively collaborates with the private sector, both domestic and foreign. Among the simple desires that we hear from them are transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. Stable policy environment. We cannot eradicate corruption but we should attempt to control corruption,” Manhit said.

Last Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr delivered his second State of the Nation Address, where he pushed for the digitalization of government services, which he said is a powerful tool against graft and corruption.

Bulacan bettor wins P93-million Super Lotto pot

A LONE bettor from Bulacan province became P93 million richer after winning the jackpot of Thursday night’s Super Lotto 6/49 draw.

In an advisory Friday, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Melquiades Robles said the bettor guessed the winning combination 42-12-25-05-19-18, which carried a total jackpot prize of PHP93,693,905.40.

The ticket was purchased in Balagtas, Bulacan.

Also on Thursday, Robles and other PCSO officials signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in Mandaluyong City for the transfer of P10 million in funds to support the OVP’s Medical Assistance Program.

The OVP’s Medical Assistance Program includes providing financial assistance for hospital bills, dialysis treatment, medicines, laboratory procedures, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, radiation therapy, implants, medical equipment, assistive devices, and physical/speech/ occupational therapy.

Meanwhile, 104 other bettors won P50,000 each for guessing five out of the six winning digits, while 3,573 will get P1,200 each for four correct digits, and 50,066 will settle for P50 each for three correct digits.