Manila: The Department of Finance (DOF) announced plans to intensify its anti-corruption efforts, aiming to strengthen revenue administration through enhanced transparency and collaboration.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOF is focusing on strengthening coordination between the Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) and the Revenue Operations Group (ROG). Finance Secretary Frederick Go emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating it is crucial for building a more transparent revenue system resistant to corruption.

RIPS serves as the DOF's anti-corruption arm, tasked with preventing, detecting, and investigating corrupt practices within revenue collection. It conducts lifestyle checks and fact-finding investigations to ensure officials and employees do not accumulate wealth beyond their lawful income. Meanwhile, the ROG supervises revenue-generating agencies like the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to ensure effective revenue administration.

The DOF highlighted that RIPS and the ROG are closely monitoring examiners' compliance with the BIR's updated guidelines on issuing Letters of Authority to improve audit transparency and reduce opportunities for abuse, corruption, and revenue loss. Secretary Go reiterated the department's commitment to collecting public funds lawfully and efficiently for the benefit of the Filipino people.

In a related development, the Department of Justice (DOJ) convened its first-ever Anti-Corruption Workshop and Summit in partnership with the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG). The event, led by DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida and UP NCPAG Dean Dr. Kristoffer Berse, aimed to craft an integrity and anti-corruption roadmap.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, in his keynote address, underscored that corruption poses a threat to democracy, eroding trust in government and weakening institutions. The summit featured various activities, including a Gallery Walk of agency initiatives and a symbolic Tree of Commitment for participants to pledge actionable reforms. The DOJ intends to institutionalize the summit as a platform for sustained collaboration and innovation in integrity-building efforts.