Citizen vigilance

While drawing up the procedures for public access to government officials' asset statements, the Office of the Ombudsman is planning to revive the deputization of resident ombudsmen in agencies deemed to be graft-prone.

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Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said an earlier agreement allowed the office to deputize state prosecutors under the Department of Justice, which he used to head, as well as state auditors to serve as anti-corruption watchdogs in selected agencies.

But the agreement has not been implemented.

Meanwhile, the regional office in Bacolod of the National Bureau of Investigation is opening online channels where people can send messages detailing complaints or providing tips about government anomalies starting with flood control projects.