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Aha! A guide to Whistleblowing 8 August 2006—After all the Clarissa Ocampos, Michaelangelo Zuces, Sandra Cams, and Gen. Francisco Gudanis, the Ombudsman and the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus came up with “Aha! A Citizen’s Primer on Whistleblowing.” Launched on 4 August 2006, this easy-to-use primer is good reference for anyone interested in promoting non-tolerance for corrupt practices. In the introduction, “Aha! means to expose an anomaly, or disclose a malpractice” and blowing the whistle isn’t limited to corruption in government. It can apply to unethical behavior in the private sector and non-government organizations. The Ehem! Aha! technical working group conducted a series of focus group discussions in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They were joined by actual whistleblowers whose recommendations are reflected in the primer. The result is a guide on the basics of exposing corruption or a person engaged in corrupt practices. The primer begins with the ethical basis for whistleblowing then discusses different types of whistleblowers. Some practical tips are also provided in filing cases. To be familiar with the possible offenses of public officials there is a section on laws on graft and corruption. And for those who want to know the paper trail in filing a complaint before the Ombudsman and the courts, the process is simplified into easy to follow flow charts. In order to be an effective whistleblower, documents have to be complete and evidence sufficient. A whistleblower also needs good external support or some form of support system. Aside from these, citizens should know whistleblowing is an act that entails plenty of risk and requires contemplation. According to Ombudsman Gutierrez, the primer is “a giant leap to institutionalize whistleblowing and tipping.” The question is, are we willing to take the leap? For copies of the primer, contact the Office of the Ombudsman Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention office at tel. nos. 926-8780 to 81.
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