THE Office of the Ombudsman said that its partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is as strong as ever.
In a courtesy visit, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla welcomed UNODC Southeast Asia and the Pacific Anti-Corruption Team Lead Annika Wythes and UNoDC Philippines National Program Officer Kirbee Tibayan at the Ombudsman central office Thursday.
"The strong, growing partnership between the Office of the Ombudsman and the UNODC is vital in advancing anti-corruption efforts, institutional capacity building, and international cooperation," Remulla said.
The courtesy call, the Ombudsman's office said in a statement, "served as an opportunity to discuss future areas of collaboration, including advanced digital forensics training, strengthened international cooperation mechanisms, and the possible development of a unified National Anti-Corruption Framework for the Philippines."
The Office of the Ombudsman, the statement said, has worked with the UNODC on various technical trainings, workshops, and regional engagements focused on financial investigations, digital evidence, anti-money laundering, corruption prosecution, asset recovery, and international cooperation.
"Through partnerships grounded on integrity, innovation, and a shared commitment, the Office of the Ombudsman continues to strengthen its capability to address evolving corruption challenges and uphold public accountability," Remulla said.
The Office of the Ombudsman, he added, "recognized the UNODC's continued support for initiatives promoting integrity, ethics, and corruption prevention, including the annual Sikhay Laban sa Korapsyon (Silak) Summit in celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day and Anti-Corruption Month."
In 2006, the Philippines ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
