To lessen potential areas of corruption, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson has ordered officials and employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to reveal family members and relatives transacting business with the agency.

The directive covers transactions in the last five years.

Singson said the move aims to promote transparency and a higher standard of ethics among DPWH personnel.

"This is also in compliance with the objectives of the Integrity Pledge or Commitment to Ethical Business Practices and Good Corporate Governance, where DPWH is a signatory," Singson said.

""It is also one way to reduce corruption at DPWH," he added.

The directive mandates DPWH personnel to submit duty sworn disclosure statement to be filed with the DPWH Central Records Management Division not later than April 30, 2012.

The Integrity Pledge was launched in December 2010 and signed by chief executives of various companies in the country.

They agreed that corruption has been one of the biggest impediments to economic growth and prosperity in the country.

Following the example of the private sector, the DPWH regional directors and bureau heads signed a similar Integrity Pledge at the recently held values formation workshop in Baguio City.

They acknowledged responsibility to lead by example in the fight against corruption and to operate their businesses ethically and with integrity.

They also vowed to participate in the creation of key measures and control activities intended to ensure transparency, integrity and ethical business practice.

The integrity initiative is spearheaded by the Makati Business Club (MBC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines with the support of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Asian Institute of Management, Coalition Against Corruption, and the Management Association of the Philippines.

Source: Manila Bulletin; News; 29 November 2011