Pasay city: House Speaker Faustino Dy III on Tuesday called on village officials to be partners in the national campaign against corruption, stressing that their vigilance is needed in the communities where government projects are implemented.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a speech delivered before the Liga ng mga Barangay Congress at World Trade Center in Pasay City, Dy said the passage of a transparent and open national budget is just the first step in the battle against corruption. Dy, who began his career in public service at the barangay level in Isabela, pointed out the importance of local vigilance once the national budget is approved and projects reach the implementation stage.

Dy emphasized that despite strict measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the proposed budget, the critical phase is during the implementation of projects in local areas. He urged barangay leaders to be proactive in understanding the projects or programs coming to their areas, particularly those from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Dy explained that by collaborating with DPWH district offices, barangay leaders would be better positioned to monitor whether projects meet standards and specifications. He stressed that their involvement is crucial in the campaign to eliminate corruption in the Philippines.