February 3, 2026
Carlo Magno M. Batalla, Chairman of Crimes and Corruption Watch International (CCWI), has issued a firm three-day ultimatum to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), demanding immediate action or facing legal consequences.
The move comes after two years of inaction on concerns raised by CCWI, particularly involving an alleged unlawful directive from former Manuel Bonoan, which reportedly barred the group from monitoring government bidding processes. CCWI asserts that the order lacks legal standing, citing its failure to undergo proper publication and its violation of due process rights.
According to Batalla, the directive undermines transparency in projects involving billions of pesos, potentially enabling corruption and misuse of public funds. He emphasized that the absence of independent watchdogs has broader consequences, including stalled infrastructure projects, lost employment opportunities, and underfunded public services such as schools and hospitals.
Formal complaints have been submitted to the Office of the President of the Philippines, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Department of Justice.
“We’ve had enough,” Batalla declared, warning that failure to act within the given timeframe will prompt legal escalation. He further criticized certain officials for allegedly treating public office as a “monetary cornucopia” for personal gain, underscoring CCWI’s call for accountability and reform.
