AP-INTACT

Working in partnership is key to fighting corruption (Blog and Report).   “The World Bank’s new report Enhancing Government Effectiveness and Transparency: The Fight Against Corruption… highlights the importance of complementing the traditional methods of dealing with corruption with advanced ones like GovTech, e-Procurement, Asset and Income Disclosure, and Beneficiary Ownership, which have been used in countries like Somalia, Bangladesh, Colombia, Ukraine and Romania, amongst others. ” World Bank: https://blogs.worldbank.org/voices/working-partnership-key-fighting-corruption    Direct link to report: https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/235541600116631094/enhancing-government-effectiveness-and-transparency-the-fight-against-corruption   Dominguez supports e-governance proposal.   “[Philippine] Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III is throwing support behind the pr...

Purging corruption, corrupt officials key to effective omnibus bill: Experts.   “Indonesia needs to address corruption to improve public services so that the job creation omnibus bill can bring about the significant changes necessary to attracting investment, experts say.” Dzulfiqar Fathur Rahman/The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/09/23/purging-corruption-corrupt-officials-key-to-effective-omnibus-bill-experts.html   Corruption and Nepal’s chronic fertilizer crisis (Commentary).   “It is nothing new that Nepal’s farmers this year faced an acute fertiliser shortage. That there were kickbacks involved is also not a revelation… it is bound to happen again next year because there is no political will to tackle the root of the problem —  collusion between government officials and their cronies to siphon the allocated budget and profit from payoffs.” Kaustubh Dhital/Nepali Times: http...

Corruption and tax-dodging ‘rampant’, urgent reforms needed: UN panel.  “According to the [High-Level Panel on International Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity to Achieve the 2030 Development Agenda (FACTI Panel)] report, diverted resources that could be used for the poor include $500 billion in Governments losses annually from profit-shifting enterprises; $7 trillion in private wealth hidden in haven countries – with 10 per cent of world GDP held offshore; and some $1.6 trillion in money laundering each year.” UN News: https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/09/1073442   Under Ombudsman Martires, no lifestyle checks, less criminal treatment of cases.  “Martires revealed these details…as he appealed to the House of Representatives to restore his office’s 2021 budget to the originally proposed of P4.6 billion (approx. US$94 mil)…One of the affected item in the budget cut was Personnel Service...

Tokyo Olympics consulting firm paid ¥37 million to IOC member's son, papers show.   “A consulting firm for the Tokyo Olympic bid committee transferred some ¥37 million ($370,000) to the son of one-time influential IOC member Lamine Diack and his company before and after the Japanese capital was picked in September 2013 as the host city” The Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/09/21/national/tokyo-olympics-consulting-firm-ioc-lamine-diack/   FinCEN files: overhaul to global anti-money laundering system needed (Statement).  “the problem is actually bigger than the FinCEN Files show. We know that most of the banks involved in major corruption scandals from the past few years didn’t even file [Suspicious Activity Reports], or only did so when details had already emerged in the media,” according to Maira Martini, Research and Policy Expert on Corrupt Money Flows at Transparency International. Transparency Intern...

FinCEN Files: All you need to know about the documents leak (Explainer).   “Leaked documents involving about $2tn of transactions have revealed how some of the world's biggest banks have allowed criminals to move dirty money around the world…Why does this matter?... Laundering money is the process of taking dirty money - the proceeds of crimes such as drug dealing or corruption - and getting it into an account at a respected bank where it will not be linked with the crime. ” BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54226107     The future of public spending: responses to COVID-19.   “In a follow-up essay to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s recent report on public spending and the Sustainable Development Goals, this essay examines the implications of the current crisis, the opportunity it presents for rethinking procurement and the renewed importance of effective and sustainable public spending as countries re-open, recover ...

Bribery gets blocked: Stamping out corruption with blockchain tech (Opinion).   “Three key uses of blockchain technology in the fight to alleviate government corruption consistently emerge throughout all expert accounts: authentication of transactions, registry of official records such as ownership rights, and identity verification.” Kirill Bryanov/Cointelegraph: https://cointelegraph.com/news/bribery-gets-blocked-stamping-out-corruption-with-blockchain-tech   Post unlocking, surge in anti-corruption cases in Maharashtra.   “[India’s] statistics reveal that the two lockdown months of April and May saw a reduction of 88 per cent and 61 per cent in Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) cases compared to the similar period in 2019…“During Covid-19 lockdown, there was a less number of working staff everywhere including in the ACB office. So naturally, the cases came down,” said Bansode [ACB’s superintendent of police]...

Enhancing government effectiveness & transparency: The fight against corruption (Webinar).  “The World Bank has undertaken a fresh assessment of challenges governments face in tackling corruption, what instruments tend to work and why, and how incremental progress is being achieved in specific country contexts. This flagship report is a timely piece of work that shows positive examples of how countries are progressing in their fight to #EndCorruption.” World Bank: https://live.worldbank.org/enhancing-government-effectiveness-transparency-fight-against-corruption?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM78486   64 clinics cut off over alleged graft.   “[Thailand’s] National Health Security Office (NHSO) has terminated contracts with 64 clinics and hospitals for their alleged involvement in graft, and asked 800,000 patients affected by the contract terminations to seek state medical care and services at nearby partner...

Pacific women urged to pursue decision making roles and fight against corruption.  Pacific women have been urged to seek decision-making roles, and join boards and councils to fight corruption. https://www.fijitimes.com/pacific-women-urged-to-pursue-decision-making-roles-and-fight-against-corruption/   FIJI: Women urged to fight corruption.  Chairwoman of the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC), Eseta Nadakuitavuki has called for more women to join decision-making roles, boards and councils to fight the deadly disease of corruption. https://www.fijitimes.com/women-urged-to-fight-corruption/   PNG: Papua New Guinea police accused of gun running and drug smuggling by own minister.  Papua New Guinea’s police force is the most corrupt public agency in the country, engaged in drug-smuggling, gun-running, and land theft, and beset by “a rampant culture of police ill-discipline and brutality”, its own police minister ha...

The role of technology and anti-corruption measures in fighting COVID-19 (Blog).  “The integrated approach adopted by the Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development in Singapore and the Global Anti-Corruption Programme seeks to leverage ‘technology for integrity, and integrity for technology’, and ensure that we increasingly see sustainable results from UNDP’s support to countries in facing the emerging challenges of today, focusing on governance, social protection, green economy and digital disruption. Bradley Busetto and Anga Tamilsina/UNDP: https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/blog/2020/the-role-of-technology-and-anti-corruption-measures-in-fighting-.html     Lack of transparency over Modi’s Covid-19 relief fund hurts Indian democracy (Opinion).   “Several information seekers, including me, have tried to use India’s Right to Information (RTI) Act, which facilitates access to ...

Government Accountability and Responsiveness during COVID-19 (Funding opportunity).  “[Asian Development Bank], in collaboration with the Open Government Partnership (OGP), aims to explore how digital technology can be leveraged to strengthen the monitoring of COVID-19 related spending and improve feedback and grievance redressal  mechanisms…The winning solution will have potential funding of USD 10,000 or more for selected pilots in ADB’s developing member countries.” ADB and OGP: https://challenges.adb.org/en/challenges/new-normal-government-accountability-responsiveness?lang=en   Citizens report corruption in covid-19 humanitarian aid, quarantine, health care.  “Since January, Transparency International’s Advocacy and Legal Advice Centres (ALACs) operating in 60 countries have received over 1,500 reports of corruption and other irregularities related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cases…describe bribery, favou...

3 rd Communication on Engagement to the UN Global Compact (Report).   See Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business’s report, featuring major developments in the area of anti-corruption and good corporate governance according to Principle 10 of the UN Global Compact, including the work on business integrity with UNDP. Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business: https://www.myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org/pdf/ungc-coe/2020.pdf       Tackling corruption in the trading system through a culture of integrity (Commentary).  “Fostering a culture of integrity in the global trading system…[requires] open, transparent and meritocratic environments where there is proper enforcement and adjudication of the law. These actions include addressing structural obstacles to trade and investment, simplifying regulatory frameworks, harnessing technology to increase transparency in public functions like procurement, permitting and licensing processes,...

The anti-corruption challenge in the national budget (Opinion).   “As manifested by the PhilHealth scandal, combating corruption entails a multi-level and multi-sectoral synergy, where civil society, the private sector, government, and the academe act toward a unified goal. [An] action that can be taken…is tracking the national budget. While it may be a tool to advance national concerns and priorities, it could also be an instrument to fund partisan policies and projects.” Victor Andres C. Manhit/Business World: https://www.bworldonline.com/the-anti-corruption-challenge-in-the-national-budget/   PIL in SC to help improve India's ranking on Corruption Perception Index.   “A [public interest litigation] has been filed in the Supreme Court [of India] seeking a direction to the Centre, states and union territories to set up expert committees to suggest steps for improving [the country’s] ranking on the global Corruption Perception ...

Information to empower youth – Survey Report 2020.  “This survey looks at the concenrs of the youth [of Bangladesh] that they think affect their potential as a person…Corruption is found to be the biggest concern” Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury/Management and Resources Development Initiative: https://www.mrdibd.org/publications/Survey_Report_2020.pdf       Three ways UNGASS 2021 can create a pathbreaking legacy in addressing grand corruption (Blog and Video).   “First, and most importantly, justice instead of impunity…Second, the enablers…to endorse public registers of benenficial ownership as a global standard…Finally, political integrity: to [curb] opaque and uneven political financing and to [redefine] the terms of corporate political engagement” Delia Ferreira Rubio/Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/three-reform-areas-grand-corruption-ungass-2021    ...

FIJI: Women’s Anti-Corruption Toolkit Launched In Fiji.   A new Anti-corruption Toolkit for women-owned, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Fiji, was launched on Wednesday by the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project. https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO2009/S00066/womens-anti-corruption-toolkit-launched-in-fiji.htm FEO withdraws complaint about NFP from FICAC.   Registrar of Political Parties, Mohammed Saneem confirms that a complaint lodged to the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption regarding the National Federation Party has been withdrawn. https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/feo-withdraws-complaint-about-nfp-from-ficac/   VANUATU: Former Vanuatu PM to stand trial in November.   Salwai is facing 10 counts of bribery and corruption under the Leadership Code, and a separate charge of perjury. https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/425746/former-vanuatu-pm-to-stand-trial-in-november ...

What really motivates anti-corruption compliance? (Webinar).  “The new OECD Study on “Corporate Anti-Corruption Compliance Drivers, Mechanisms and Ideas for Change” will be launched during a webinar on 23 September 2020 [15:00 Paris time]… Panellists will also discuss some of the main challenges faced by companies looking to implement anti-corruption programmes, and explore potential solutions, including ways for governments, international organisations, and civil society to better support and accompany companies in their anti-corruption efforts.” Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: https://meetoecd1.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kURiKAHPQh2Yc3YSbQDAxQ   Commentary: Addressing corruption vulnerabilities in COVID-19 pandemic.  “In a forum on “Fighting the Pandemic of Corruption” organized by Transparency International-Philippines…[the] main risk areas identified were: (1) withholding ...

Advancing gender-inclusive infrastructure (Blog and Report).   “In Thailand and in many other contexts infrastructure is in both practice and perception a male-dominated sector…[‘Enhancing inclusive infrastructure: A review of gender equality in CoST Thailand’] outlines key ways to address this including…a gender-specific annual review and developing a system to capture female representation.” CoST – the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative: http://infrastructuretransparency.org/news/advancing-gender-inclusive-infrastructure/      Government blocks access to website of group exposing military’s business ties.  “The Myanmar government has blocked access to the website of [Justice for Myanmar,] a group of activists working to expose high-level corruption and shine light on the military’s business interests.” Myanmar Now: https://myanmar-now.org/en/news/government-blocks-access-to-w...

Follow AP-INTACT on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/apintactnetwork ) and join our community on Linkedin ( http://bit.ly/apintactlinkedin ) You can also find our news archive on Blogger ( http://newsbin-apintact.blogspot.com/ ) If a link below does not work, please copy and paste the link into your browser’s address bar instead. Corruption in Jokowi’s Indonesia (Opinion).   “The persistence of corruption, especially the political one, has seemingly been in line with the high level of electoral frauds… Needless to say, fraudulent elections and political corruption are connected, and there need strategies and measures to curtail them.” Abdurrahman Syebubakar/Bangkok Post:  https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1979635/corruption-in-jokowis-indonesia     Apparent Suicide Raises Questions Over BRI Corruption.   “There are unanswered questions over the apparent August 16 suicide of Chen Fenjian...

FIJI: Fiji MPs questioned by anti-corruption commission.   Two MPs in Fiji have been questioned by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for alleged breaches of the Parliamentary Remuneration Act. https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/424535/fiji-mps-questioned-by-anti-corruption-commission Immigration, Citizenship and Passports Bill amended.   Bainimarama says these amendments will ensure the Department is not susceptible to any form of corruption activity. https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/parliament/amended-immigration-bill-to-protect-fiji/   PNG: Claim of constitutional crisis in PNG after electoral boss sacked.   The charges stemmed from fraud investigations into a case of official corruption involving the 2017 general elections. https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/425136/claim-of-constitutional-crisis-in-png-after-electoral-boss-sacked   VANUATU: Former Vanuatu PM to defend charges.  ...

Integrating Transparency, Accountability and Anti-Corruption in Socio-Economic Impact Analyses (Guidance Note).   “[This guidance note] elaborates on the following three steps to be taken: (1) Assess the overall impact of transparency, accountability and anti-corruption on policies/processes, institutions and the overall enabling environment for transparency, accountability and openness; (2) Assess the corruption risks in procurement processes, service delivery, health and emergency funds, and social safety nets and economic stimulus packages; (3) Integrate transparency, accountability and anti-corruption in socio-economic response.” UNDP:   https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/democratic-governance/anti-corruption/integrating-transparency--accountability-and-anti-corruption-in-.html   Transparency, Accountability and Anti-Corruption Service Offer for COVID-19 Response and Recovery.   “COVID-19 is not just a health, huma...

Malaysia lawmakers debate hot issue of 'direct negotiations', previously a byword for graft.   “The term "direct negotiations" in Malaysia usually involves a government ministry or department awarding a project directly to a pre-selected contractor or supplier, instead of calling for an open tender…[The Finance Minister] clarified that direct negotiations are allowed under certain conditions with approval from the Finance Ministry…[but his statement] was quickly drowned out by [MPs]…who said the previous government had said it would stop all direct negotiations.” The Straits Times: ht tps://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-lawmakers-debate-hot-issue-of-direct-negotiations-previously-a-byword-for       Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector: issues of pricing, procurement and the quality of medicines (Working Paper).   “This paper investigates private corruption in the pharmaceutical secto...

UNDP Fair Biz in ASEAN Quarterly Newsletter.   Check out UNDP ‘Promoting a Fair Business Environment in ASEAN’ project’s updates such as the launch of “Business integrity toolkit for young entrepreneurs” at the regional level and “Business Integrity Handbook” in Myanmar, and a review of the impact of transparent public procurement in Thailand’s infrastructure construction. It also includes the highlights and links to our recorded webinars on “Justice in the times of COVID-19”, “Promoting Diversity & Inclusion in the Supply Chain”, among other news. UNDP: https://mailchi.mp/0cf51aed18ec/fairbizinasean-12377655?e=e25eae1c8c     Building Better Business Integrity in Myanmar (Webinar).  On 11 September 2020 at 4.00 pm Myanmar time, Ms. Vicky Bowman, Director of MCRB and Mr. Thomas Crick, Project Manager at UNDP, will discuss current challenges for business integrity in Myanmar and...

Impunity for Grand Corruption – a problem too big for international community to ignore (Blog).   “If [Unied Nations General Assembly Special Session against Corruption [UNGASS] 2021 agrees to concrete measures to prevent and combat grand corruption, it could have a transformative impact on our societies and help us get closer to achieving our shared Sustainable Development Goals.” Mats Benestad/Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/impunity-for-grand-corruption-too-big-to-ignore-ungass-2021   PM's panel finds graft in Boss case.   “The chairman of [Thai] prime minister's committee reviewing the aborted hit-and-run case of Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya said his panel saw "injustice" and the "shadow of corruption" in past handling of the prosecution… the process had been delayed for 7-8 years and there had been as many as 14 petitions for justice before charges were dropped, ...