First, we will ensure an Independent Public Accounts Committee. One that is strengthened so that substantive ministers cannot be members of the PAC. As well, all House Committee meetings, including PAC meetings will be open to the public and streamed live.
Second, the Integrity Commission must do its job effectively. To do so it should no longer be controlled by the Party in Government. Likewise, we will put in place a mechanism to ensure the financial independence of the Integrity Commission with a budget to be approved by the National Assembly. They need the tools and personnel to get the job done!
Third, the recent cases of misappropriation of government funds is a clear indication that we need a strong and independent office of the Auditor General.
The next PUP Government will ensure that the Auditor General’s Office has unrestricted access to information and with full powers of investigation, including subpoena powers to ensure that requests for information and documentation are complied with expeditiously.
The Auditor General’s office will be permitted to submit their budget directly to the National Assembly for approval.
Most important, we will ensure that the Auditor General is allowed to present reports directly to the National Assembly and not only to the Prime Minister.
Fourth, the PUP will not only implement UNCAC, but we will also enact Campaign Finance Legislation.
In the first 100 days, the new PUP government will direct the Office of the AttorneyGeneral to draft Campaign Finance legislation which will be subject to national consultations and review before a final bill is tabled and passed into law.
Fifth we must make the National Assembly function as the center-piece of our government, complete with all requisite checks and balances.
That means that the next PUP Government will ensure a minimum of one House Sitting per month.
Sixth we demand Senator Aldo Salazar to effect action from the findings and recommendations of the Senate Select Committee on the hustle at the Department of Immigration. We demand follow up action including criminal investigation and prosecution as deemed necessary.
