Cielo Magno, Heidi Mendoza to lead anti-graft forum

Anti-corruption advocates Prof. Cielo Magno and former Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Heidi Mendoza will headline a public forum on transparency and accountability on October 18, 2025.

The forum, titled “End Corruption Now,” will be held at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Auditorium on General Luna Street in Iloilo City.

Organizers say the event aims to awaken public consciousness and promote citizen participation in fighting corruption in government institutions.

The gathering is organized by One Network PI, Manugbulong Iloilo, and UP Visayas through Ugnayan ng Pahinungód, in partnership with schools, student groups, and multi-sectoral organizations.

Former Kabataan Partylist Representative Raoul Manuel will serve as reactor, offering perspectives drawn from his experience in Congress.

A press conference and the formal launch of a new initiative called “Graft Watch” will follow in the afternoon.

Event organizers describe “Graft Watch” as a community-based platform for reporting and monitoring cases of corruption.

The forum is open to the public, and interested participants may register onsite or through the official Facebook page of One Network PI.

Speakers are expected to discuss systemic reforms, whistleblower protection, and the role of education in fostering government accountability.

The event comes amid growing public concern over reports of fund misuse in various government programs and calls for stronger transparency mechanisms.

Prof. Magno, an economist and former finance undersecretary, has been an outspoken critic of opaque budget practices and political interference in aid disbursement.

Mendoza, a longtime public servant and international governance expert, is known for her work at COA and the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services.

The forum is part of a broader civil society movement advocating for institutional reforms, civic education, and public oversight in the Philippines.